Start2Finish's new series, Thinkers and Doers, aims to connect theory and practice through generative conversations. How do we apply big ideas to every day? How do we keep a human touch in challenging times.

This inaugural conversation explores the relationship between technology and education in COVID times. By looking at the strengths, weaknesesses, opportunities, and risks of the last year, the speakers will propose new ideas on how we can think about Edtech in 2021 and beyond.

Tamara Lechner is the co-founder of CreatePositive, a global group passionate about using Positive Technology to help bridge the gap between what schools teach and the mental health and future skills students need to live happy and successful lives. Her commitment to improving proactive wellbeing on a global scale and has led to her involvement with world leaders in contextual wellbeing measurement, Positive Psychology and Education.

John M. Mikton is currently the Head of Education and Media Technology at the International School of Luxembourg . He is a trainer and course designer at the Principal Training Center – Technology Leadership course and at the Teacher Training Center Online Blended Learning course. John is a Learning2 Community Coach, and trainer at Institut de formation de l’Éducation nationale du Luxembourg. He is a certified Google Trainer and Apple Distinguished Educator. John has worked over the last 25 years Education and Media Technology Leadership in International Schools in Africa, Asia and Europe. John is the author of the blog: https://beyonddigital.org and consults with schools internationally.

Gabrielle Monique Warren is the Media Director and Advocacy Officer at Start2Finish. She is currently working on a Masters of Education for York University with a concentration on early childhood pedagogies. Working at Start2Finish for over 6 years, she is committed to living between the tensions of theory and practice to actively think about education in Canada.