CRAIG KEMP is a head of Digital Learning and Innovation, teacher of teachers, blogger, workshop facilitator, and speaker. Although he hails from New Zealand and now calls Singapore home, Craig is truly a global force for innovation in education.

In our conversation, recalls the challenge of rebuilding a school community after the tragic loss of a student. He describes how his current role constantly requires him to look, investigate, and use technology in new ways that improve learning. He tells us why team sports represent the perfect mix of fitness, play, and collaboration … and why he always plays to win! Craig also shares great recommendations in books, Twitter, YouTube, and more.

Follow Craig online here:

• TW: @MrKempNZ
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/Mrkempnz/
• Blog: http://mrkempnz.com/

Find the highlights from our conversation at the timestamps below:

• 1:09 – Craig describes his current context in education. Originally from New Zealand, he’s taught in Singapore for six years at The Stamford American International School. As the head of Digital Learning and Innovation, Craig heads a team of Digital Lead Learners. Calling his role a dream job, he enjoys helping educators in his local context and around the globe.
• 2:32 – Craig recalls the time his education community suffered the tragic loss of a student. During that time it became critically important for the community to rally around positive memories and keep moving forward, striving to be better as a way of honoring that student’s memory.
• 4:12 – When it comes to why he’s passionate about education today, Craig points to the constant change. His role requires him to look, investigate, and use technology in ways that help kids learn. Lately he’s been looking at how AR (augmented reality) and AI (artificial intelligence) can impact the how and why of learning.
• 6:29 – Outside of the classroom, Craig is passionate about team sports like cricket, volleyball, and sometimes basketball. He points out that team sports offer the perfect mix of fitness, play, and collaboration with other people.
• 7:34 – Craig’s got a lot on the go, and one way he manages it all is by utilizing his calendar effectively. If it’s not in the calendar, it doesn’t happen! He also has very high standards: he expects everything to be done well and perhaps better than it’s ever been done before. He makes stuff happen partly by investing in himself and others on his team – with the ultimate goal of making a positive impact on student learning.
• 8:55 – Craig’s top Twitter recommendation is @GCouros. George is a non-stop source of amazing inspiration who helps educators to rethink what is possible in education.
• 9:44 – Edtech is Craig’s wheelhouse, so you know these two picks are solid. The first is FlipGrid (follow @FlipGrid on Twitter), and the second is Empatico (follow @EmpaticoOrg). FlipGrid is a secure platform that allows students to represent their learning using video, and it’s now completely free. Empatico is a new start-up that seeks to connect learners and classrooms around the globe. It promises to remain entirely free as well, so make sure to check out both of these tools.
• 12:53 – Confessing to a bit of a man crush on George Couros, Craig’s book recommendation is The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity.
• 14:32 – For the commuter, Craig’s podcast pick is non-educational but definitely inspiring. Check out Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman. Follow the podcast on Twitter (@MastersofScale) to learn more.
• 15:19 – If you’re looking for a good YouTube channel to subscribe to, take a look at Movie Reviews for Kids by @ATorrens84.
• 16:12 – Although he’s not a Netflixer, Craig will occasionally kick back with an old-school rerun. One of his all-time faves is Anchorman featuring the legendary Will Ferrell.
• 16:59 – Craig says good night from Singapore, and shares the best ways for us to follow him online. See above for the details and links!

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Song Track Credits

• Intro: Relax (by Simon More)
• Outtro: Starley – Call on Me Remix (by DJ Zhorik)

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