In today's fast-paced world, the need for holistic education has become more paramount than ever before. Serene Wang, the founder of Elitelink, the visionary behind the Life Architect curriculum and a key opinion leader in AI education, has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of global education. Wang recently sat down to share insights into her journey, her philosophy, and her hopes for the future of education.
Serene Wang embarked on her education journey guided by a sense of curiosity and a passion for English linguistics. Yet, this initially directionless pursuit led her to a fulfilling career in education technology and learning design only after traversing the complex path of three different degrees. “The journey took me eight years and three degrees to find a career that genuinely brought me joy. I found that I wasn't alone in this struggle, as a survey we conducted showed that a large number of students were not satisfied with their chosen major. This experience inspired me to design a curriculum to guide students through college,” she said.
“After reviewing AI national strategies in 2016, I noticed a lack of support and regulation for teachers and schools using AI tools. In response, I started researching AI tools accessible to educators, analyzing their pros and cons, and sharing the information in free webinars. I created a video series to help teachers understand AI applications in education, including potential negative impacts. Alongside other EdTech thought leaders, we formed an online community and hosted monthly webinars, making strides to raise awareness about AI in education.”
Today, her story resonates with many students experiencing the same dilemmas and uncertainties she once faced. Motivated by her own experiences and the plight of numerous students, Wang developed the Life Architect curriculum. This unique program guides students in high school and college through the murky waters of college applications, major exploration, and career development. Through Life Architect, Wang aims to replace anxiety and uncertainty with clarity and purpose, making the journey from school to career a more navigable, rewarding experience.
As a trailblazer in the educational space, Wang has shared stages with prominent figures such as former First Lady Laura Bush and has significantly impacted the education sector, boasting over a million followers on the popular Chinese social media platform, Weibo. Wang detailed how she leverages this platform to share valuable learning materials, engage with her audience, and support individuals in their educational journey. "It is my aim to empower individuals and support them in their educational pursuits, helping them achieve their goals and aspirations," she said. The impact of her work on the Weibo platform has been recognized, as she have been featured as one of the top 10 educators on the platform for five consecutive years. This achievement is significant considering the competition from over 50,000 other professional education accounts on the platform.
Wang's bestselling book, "30 Minutes to Master TOEFL Reading: Contextual Vocabulary Memorization," further cements her reputation as an educational innovator. When asked about her motive, she said, “As an international student, I understand the importance of demonstrating language proficiency through a standardized test when applying to schools in the U.S. However, I have noticed that most test preparation materials primarily focus on test-taking techniques rather than enhancing language skills.” Her approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which vocabulary is used, thereby bridging the gap between test preparation and practical language usage. Wang's innovative approach aims to redefine language learning, encouraging students to be confident, competent English language users beyond just the examination setting.
As a panel judge and director of the instructional design project at the EDspark Competition, Wang uses her extensive experience to inspire the next generation of educational innovators. Under her leadership, the competition encourages creativity and entrepreneurship among young individuals, further asserting her belief in their capacity to shape the future of education.
Wang has collaborated with tech giants and Fortune 500 companies like Google, Amazon, PwC, Bloomberg, and Facebook, designing courses and providing training for their employees. Her approach to designing educational content is both unique and effective. She emphasized customization, learner-centric approaches, practical applications, interactive elements, and continuous improvement as the backbone of her courses. Her ability to integrate her understanding of the global workforce, technology, and cross-cultural communication into her course design sets her programs apart.
As an advisor to international internet startups incorporating VR and AI technologies into their product offerings, Wang shared her thoughts on the future of AI in education. "AI holds tremendous potential to transform the industry and revolutionize the way we teach and learn," she stated. She believes that AI can enhance personalized learning, provide intelligent tutoring systems, and streamline administrative tasks for educators. Yet, she was quick to point out the importance of carefully considering ethical and privacy concerns while integrating AI into education.
When asked about advice for aspiring educators, speakers, and thought leaders, Wang emphasized the need to find one's unique voice and message, embrace innovation, foster collaboration, be an advocate for equity and inclusivity, remain adaptable and open to learning, and inspire others. She encourages aspiring educators to "share success stories, motivate others to pursue their passions, and provide support and guidance to those seeking to make a difference."
Looking towards the future of education, Wang predicted significant advancements. She anticipates a greater focus on personalized learning experiences, integration of emerging technologies like AR, VR, and AI, an evolution of online and blended learning models, increased focus on research and evidence-based practices, more equitable access to education, and continuous professional development for educators.
Wang concluded the interview with a heartfelt acknowledgment of her privilege to contribute to the field of education. She expressed gratitude to her community of educators, students, parents, and partners who have inspired and supported her work. As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, Wang's insights provide valuable direction and inspire hope for a future where education truly empowers all learners to succeed.
To read the full interview, please visit this link. For more information, visit http://www.elitelinkeducation.com.
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Company Name: EliteLink
Contact Person: Serene Wang
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Country: United States
Website: http://www.elitelinkeducation.com/
