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Inspo

Greater good is amazing, but let’s start with common good

October 11, 2019 0

Technology is changing the way we live our lives, that’s for sure. Each day, we are discovering new solutions to humanity’s problems, including medical enhancements, scientifically elucidation and remedies to our day-to-day issues. But how about using technology for common good? Christophe Gerard wanted to change the way we look at people with disabilities, so he founded Airbus, together with some dedicated and brilliant engineers.

The story of Christophe’s childhood is not a happy one – he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 12 and he had his leg amputated by the time he was 13. This type of incident might affect us in a negative way, but Christophe saw an opportunity. Eager to transform this adversity into something good, not only for himself but for other disabled people as well, he decided to rethink prosthesis: from just a “tool” that allows people to walk to an actual work of art. This triggered an interest in 3D printing, which makes all kinds of once-unthinkable design innovations not only possible but affordable too. The best part of his innovation is that he gives people the chance to create decorative prosthesis leg-pieces which look like an extension of their personalities.

“Print my leg” is an amazing project and, fortunately, it’s not the only initiative Christophe has – he’s also working together with Airbus engineers on a smart glove for visually impaired people, a new type of prosthesis leg for rowing and free mechanical hands for children in need.

We are really excited to discover this true innovator and luckily, we will have the chance to be inspired by his story on November 17th at TEDxBucharest Metamorphosis! Are you? Book your seat now!

TEDxBucharest

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Inspo

Technology advancements and the shift in our values

October 4, 2019 0

It’s 2019 and we now need technology almost as bad as we need oxygen. We might exaggerate for a greater effect – but you get the point. We’ve integrated all tech things in our day to day activities so much that unconsciously or not – with all the smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, smart toothbrushes, smart fridges – our whole life is a smart-life. And this is great…if used wisely!

The advantages of all technological advancements are huge and obvious. Not only talking about our gadgets and cool devices that make our chores and tasks easier or more fun. Especially talking about all the medical breakthroughs, facing and solving the environmental struggles, the law enforcement efficiency – the big players at the table. We’re lucky to be able to witness all of this and to enjoy all the benefits. We’re even luckier that we can actually be part of the technological movement and leave our mark on pieces of it.

But have you ever thought about how all of this has been influencing your core values? Have you – as a human being – changed or you’re just enjoying the benefits of it with no consequences? Are your choices based on the same principles and influenced by the same factors as 5 or 10 years ago? Or even better – are your choices looking like the ones your parents or grandparents made in similar circumstances? 

Ethics of technology is a thing and it helps ensure an informed design and use of technologies while exploring the way they co-shape human values and ultimately induce value change. And Olya Kudina – Ethics & Technology Researcher – will join us in November to share her studies and her results on the matter. Are you curious about the effects of technology on your values, your choices, your beliefs? Let’s talk about all of this then at TEDxBucharest Metamorphosis, on 16 & 17 November! Tickets still available!

photography & retouch: Bogdan Mocanu, Oana Bardan - thebucharests.ro

TEDxBucharest

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Inspo

When the school system needs to embrace Metamorphosis

October 1, 2019 0

We bet you’ve wondered more than once ‘What should school look like?’ – either when you were a student or as a grown-up in a search for answers and better ways of doing things. Is it really all about teachers talking at students and giving them tests and grades? Or can it be more than that?

In 2012, an Iowa community started an experiment with the sole purpose of finding out how the school system can be improved. During the experiment, 65 adults, including local leaders, were brought to a high school to re-experience student life. All 65 of them went through an entire school day, complete with desks, lectures, textbooks, bells and permission slips to use the bathroom. In the end, they had to share their thoughts and all of them reached the same conclusion – it can be done much better!

We know this, you know this, everybody knows this – our school system is in high need of embracing Metamorphosis and reinventing itself. But how can we be a part of the process and add to it? Catalin Ciupala will join us in November – not to talk at us and grade us – but to share his amazing results as a VR embracing teacher! Because at Saguna College in Brasov – an 1850s building of great historical importance – math is full VR in a high tech laboratory! And this is just the beginning – technology can be sprinkled over all the other school subjects, in an attempt of transforming how these feel, how each subject impacts students, and how it can be applied further on.

Preparing not only our kids but also ourselves for life and not standardized tests is a crucial mission and it can be done! Catalin is one of the many that can prove it. We’d love to hear out your thoughts on the matter – so let’s meet on November 16 & 17 and open our backpacks full of ideas worth spreading! Save your seat!

photography & retouch: Bogdan Mocanu, Oana Bardan - thebucharests.ro

TEDxBucharest