Events

Connected Learning Lab Symposium: Otaku Communities as Platforms for Neurodiversity Inclusive Learning – a Cross Cultural Dialogue

Date: October 5 – 10, 2025
Time: 4:00am – 5:00pm [PST]
Location: Online and In Person (UC Irvine, Calit2 Building, 1st floor Auditorium, followed by a reception)

Otaku culture and communities are centered on connection and communication driven by passionate interest in Japanese popular media such as anime, manga, and games. Whether through online communities, fan conventions, gaming, cosplay, or creative production, many of these affinity groups are spaces of refuge and belonging for neurodivergent individuals. This symposium highlights an emerging set of efforts to build learning environments that tap these strengths of otaku and fan culture to support neurodiversity inclusive, connected, and interest-driven learning.

More Information/Registration

Past Events

Connected Learning Summit 2025 Date: October 5 – 10, 2025 Location: Online and In Person With a unique focus on cross-sector connections and progressive and catalytic innovation, our summit brings together leading researchers, educators, and developers. Our mission is to fuel a growing movement of innovators harnessing the power of emerging technology to expand access to participatory, playful, and creative learning. We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to connected learning while aligning with their goals and initiatives. More Information/Registration
Making Connected Learning Visible in home, school and community settings Date: July 13, 2023 Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm [AEST] Location: ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child – E Block, Level 5, Kelvin Grove Campus
2023 Play Make Learn Conference Date: July 20-21, 2023 Location: Memorial Union – 800 Langdon St. Madison, WI More Information/Registration
Connected Learning in Focus: Celebrating Neurodiversity Date:September 21 – 23, 2023 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM [JST] Location: “Dragon Gate” conference hall, 18th floor of the Shibuya PARCO DG Building, Tokyo, Japan More Information/Registration
Connected Learning Summit 2023 Date:October 26 – 28, 2023 More Information
Connected Learning Summit 2022 Date: July 27 – 29, 2022 More Information
Connected Learning Summit 2021 Date: July 7 – 30, 2021 More Information
Connected Learning Summit 2019 Date: October 3 – 5, 2019 More Information
Connected Learning Summit 2018 Date: August 1 – 3, 2018 More Information