Kiwi Frances Valintine named one of world's top 50 innovators
Frances Valintine, a New Zealand education futurist has been named one of the world's top 50 innovators, according to the Makers and Shakers of Education Technology Index.
"To be recognised on the list of 50 outstanding global educators was beyond all expectation – not to mention being the only New Zealander. New Zealand often falls off the radar in international awards or education studies so the very fact that we were included in the geographic sweep of the world is a great step," Valintine says.
Valintine was the only New Zealander amongst the winners. She is ranked alongside leaders such as Salmon Khan from Khan Academy and Satya Nitta from IBM Watson.
The Makers and Shakers of Education Technology Index lists global education thought leaders, and was compiled by executives from companies such as IDEO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, LinkedIn and Google for Education.
The Index used rating criteria including thought leaders' visions for ed tech, their use of disruptive innovation, and their ongoing impact to education.
"Being at the forefront of education change requires a massive team effort and to receive this accolade from an international jury serves as a great motivator for our entire team of dedicated and passionate educators," Valintine says.
Valintine both founded and Chairs The Mind Lab by Unitec, one of New Zealand's technology learning labs. She has been involved in shifting ed tech paradigms for more than 20 years through creativity, innovation, digital and industry-educational alignment. Valintine is also involved in launching Tech Futures Lab, a brand new lab due to launch on July 14. The Lab will provide courses for New Zealand senior business executives.
Valintine says, "At Tech Futures Lab we run engaging courses connecting business executives, innovators and entrepreneurs with growing technologies. We are helping business leaders develop new ways to prepare for the future, and it is an honour and privilege to be recognised for that.
