On October 17, 2017, the TorchTech Community welcomed Clay Shirky to discuss his view of the present and future directions of educational technology at NYU. Clay is now the Assistant Provost for Educational Technology. 

This is Clay’s 17th year at NYU. During his time here, he has worked at Tisch’s Interactive Telecommunications Program and at the Journalism Institute. He served as a member of the planning group for NYU Shanghai and as Chief Information Officer after the campus opened. Clay is now back at Washington Square. 

Clay discussed several topics and made many interesting points. For example, Clay emphasized that innovation happens in the schools, and having instructional technologists in the schools is critical. As NYU is decentralized, it also needs more communication among schools and central units. Better usability and accessibility are becoming priorities now too. Clay discussed NYU’s online and low-residency programs, and the older non-traditional students with full-time jobs or children that are attracted to these programs. 

Energetic, realistic, focused. Three words that describe Clay Shirky and his leadership style. His strong legacy of innovation and success position him as a force to help NYU move forward in new directions within the digital education space. Watch the video of the event

Keynote with Clay Shirky
Robert Squillace introducing Clay Shirky	Clay Shirky speaking	Clay Shirky speaking
Staff in the audience asking questions	Staff in the audience asking questions	Staff in the audience asking questions