91ÖÆƬ³§

Big ideasÌýare everywhere at SXSW EDU. This year,Ìýwe’reÌýfocused on something more powerful: implementation.

Across five partner sessions,ÌýWGU leaders areÌýdiving into what itÌýactually takesÌýto move from strategy to outcomes — whetherÌýthat’sÌýbuilding stronger apprenticeship pathways, defining Education 3.0, adopting AI in sustainable ways, or supporting educator well-being.

IfÌýyou’reÌýlooking for practical frameworks, honest conversations, and tools you can useÌýimmediately, add theseÌýsessionsÌýto your schedule.ÌýDon’tÌýforget to check out the opening party on Monday night!

91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s Sessions at SXSW 2026

Monday, March 9

WorkshopÌý| 9:00–10:30 AMÌý|ÌýAustin Marriott DowntownÌý-ÌýRoom 403-404

In a world of complexity, noise, and time pressure, making the right decision is harder—and more critical—than ever. Decision Intelligence (DI) is a simple yet powerful framework that blends design thinking, strategy, and evidence-based practice to drive better results and faster learning. Whether with pen and paper or in tech-enabled systems, DI helps anyone—from students to leaders—make smarter decisions. In this hands-on workshop, you will apply this framework to your own area and leave with practical tools to navigate complexity and make smarter decisions in your life, work, and community.

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PanelÌý| 4:00–4:45 PMÌý| Austin Marriott DowntownÌý-ÌýWaterloo Ballroom 4

The value of a higher education degree continues to be called into question, even as workforce shortages deepen in key fields—including teaching, nursing, and cybersecurity. Embracing apprenticeships and work-based learning, and especially now as funding from the Department of Labor and philanthropic foundations ramps up, is one way for higher ed to better align degrees and career paths with workforce needs and to improve student success and affordability. With a concrete connection to careers, these pathways also attract those who are now opting out of college. In this session, join experts as they share insights on how to build pathways to workforce-aligned apprenticeships.

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Opening Party | 7:30–11:00 PM | Antone’s Nightclub

The fun is just beginning! Keep the exciting day one energy going and celebrate the official start of SXSW EDU 2026 at the opening party. Join your fellow attendees to toast an invigorating week ahead filled with collaboration, inspiration, and unexpected discoveries.

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Tuesday, March 10

SoloÌýPresentationÌý| 9:30–9:50 AMÌý| The Westin Austin DowntownÌý-ÌýParamount III

EducationÌýstands at an inflection point. Traditional models built for uniformityÌýcan’tÌýmeet the needs of today’s diverse, digital, and lifelong learners. Advances in neuroscience and technology reveal that authentic, connected learning – not rote memorization – drives real understanding. Learn from the nation's largest conferrer of bachelor's degree in education how "Education 3.0" offers a blueprint for transformation, empowering educators to design learning ecosystems that are flexible, inclusive, and future-ready through the fusion of neuroscience, learning science, and technology.

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Workshop | 2:00–3:30 PM | Austin Marriott DowntownÌý-ÌýRoom 604-605

Integrating AI tools into educational institutions canÌýfeel like fittingÌýa round peg into a square hole. This workshop explores the real-world challenges and strategies of integrating AI into existing organizational ecosystems. Drawing from case studies of engagements with emerging tech organizations, this session will explore mission alignment, change management, and the gap between instructorÌýperceptionsÌýand student usage. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to envision AI integration within their contexts, informed by survey data on hopes and fears surrounding AI in education.

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Wednesday, March 11

WorkshopÌý|Ìý9:00–10:30ÌýAMÌý|ÌýCourtyard Marriott - Rio Grande Ballroom AB

As an educator, you give so much to your students and your community –Ìýit’sÌýtime to make sure you are putting yourself on your list. This is a supportive workshop designed to help educators pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward creating a plan to prioritize their well-being. In this interactive session, educators will explore practical, research-based strategies to sustain their well-being and reignite their passion for teaching. Participants will reflect on their personal and professional needs,ÌýidentifyÌýenergy-draining patterns, and design a personalized well-being action plan that helps prevent burnout, promotes work-life balance, and enhances job satisfaction.