Youth Resources
Facilitating a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world through programs for youth.
Teacher Resources
Explore our free educational programs and capacity-building resources that help educators foster deep learning competencies through real-world problem solving.
Program Areas
Facilitating a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world through programs for youth.
Youth Resources
Facilitating a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world through programs for youth.
Teacher Resources
Explore our free educational programs and capacity-building resources that help educators foster deep learning competencies through real-world problem solving.
Program Areas
Facilitating a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world through programs for youth.
Event Keynotes
Along with managing the technology team at TakingITGlobal, Michael is involved with the TIGed education program, and has spoken to over 50,000 educators about the importance of engaging students and integrating technology and global perspectives into the classroom.
In the past, he has turned his interest in technology into a series of successful online companies, co-founding MyDesktop.com (later sold to Internet.com) and BuyBuddy.com (which raised $4.5-million of venture capital). Over the last few years, Michael has consulted for many Fortune 500 companies, including a 6-month engagement developing youth strategy with Microsoft in Seattle, Washington.
As one of Teen People's "20 teens that will change the world", Michael has shared his opinions about Youth Engagement and experiences as a member of the Net Generation by speaking at dozens of events, including the World Congress on IT, the US Government's National Youth Summit, Microsoft's Anytime, Anywhere Learning Summits, The Business Council, and TED. He has made numerous media appearances including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Time Magazine, Fast Company, BusinessWeek, CNN, MSNBC, and USA Today. He is a board member and advisor to numerous groups including Microsoft, Pollution Probe, the Anytime, Anywhere Learning Foundation, and several other national and global organizations.
Recognition & Awards- Hilton Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (2001 & 2010)
- Contribute Magazine's 10 Tech Revolutionaries Redefining the Power and Face of Philanthropy (2009)
- Honourary "Top 20 Under 20" Award (2006)
- CANARIE IWAY Award for Community Service (2003)
- Teen People's "20 Teens That Will Change the World" (2001)
- Converge Magazine's "Shapers of Our Future" (2000)
75-minute event keynotes are priced at $7,500. Please note that the cost of event keynotes do not include travel costs. Discounted rates are available for multi-day engagements, virtual keynotes delivered via video conferencing, and keynotes delivered within the Greater Toronto Area.
For more information about event keynotes, and other professional development offerings, please contact us by emailing pd@tiged.org or calling 416-977-9363, extension 319.
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What topics are covered within Event Keynotes?
The following list includes examples of keynotes run in the past. Please note that keynotes are customized to suit your particular needs, and the content of the keynote provided will depend directly on your audience and context.
Digital Kids are Changing the World
Michael Furdyk will provide us with an in-depth look at the "Net Generation", and how their use of technology is influencing every aspect of society, and challenging our schools to bridge the gap between how they live, and how they learn. How do we develop effective learning experiences that connect student learning to real-world issues? Get an overview of global project-based collaborations that you can get your students and school involved in, and explore how you can tap into the content and resources of TakingITGlobal's Global Education Platform to create your own projects on any issue!
Reimagining Learning in a Globalized World
Today's world is changing fast, and students need to be prepared to both compete and collaborate in an increasingly digitized and interconnected global society. Join TakingITGlobal to explore how technology can be employed to facilitate international connections that build students' technology skills while also empowering them to understand and act on the world's biggest challenges. Learn how teachers around the world are using technology to reimagine and reshape learning in a globalized world.
Global Classrooms, Global Citizens
Climate change, poverty, conflict... these are just some of the pressing issues facing our world. If we are to shape a better common future, students must be empowered to think and act as global citizens. Discuss how teachers around the world are using TakingITGlobal's award-winning virtual classroom platform and innovative global projects to safely connect students with global peers, humanizing global challenges and inspiring youth to work together for positive change.
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What if I want a longer keynote / experience with TIG's co-founders?
Email us at pd@tiged.org or call us at 416-977-9363, extension 319, and we will work with you to determine the best offering content and time for your audience. If you'd like a longer, and a more hands-on experience, be sure to check out our workshop offerings!
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Do you have any videos of the co-founders in action that I can see before we make a decision?
Check out this video of Michael delivering a keynote addresses at Microsoft UK's Innovative Education Forum:
Testimonials
"The course has broadened my horizons in the areas of global education and highlighted ways in which I can more actively engage in this form of educational model."