Virtual Reality or Real Connection? The Dilemma of the Digital Age | Chrysoula Lazou | TEDxDUTH
In the digital age, we are more connected than ever, yet we often feel more isolated. She explores the paradox of technological connectivity and human disconnection, focusing on virtual reality, digital tools, and their impact on our perception of relationships. With a balanced perspective, she examines both the opportunities and challenges these technologies bring, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and mindful use of technology to enhance—not replace—our real human connections. Chrysoula (Chryssa) Lazou holds degrees in English, Distance Education, and Immersive Technologies. A researcher at AETMA Lab, D.U.Th., she is pursuing a PhD on technology-enhanced learning for digital and media literacy. Her work explores AR/VR/xR and AI in education. She is an IVLP alumna, Vice President of the International Association for Blended Learning, and Co-Chair of the VR/AR Association – Universities & Colleges Committee. She has led media literacy projects in Southeastern Europe and has received multiple awards, including the UNESCO Global MIL Alliance Award (2nd Prize, 2022) and the Governor General’s Gold Academic Award (2019/2020). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 10:51Rwanda 1994: Chaos and Genocide Denialism | Mika Goldman Shayman | TEDxAISG YouthWhile there is often an association of genocide with order, that false perception has been used to promote violence and a lack of international accountability. Through a deep dive into the 1994 Rwandan genocide, this talk explores the ways a false portrayal of the genocide as "chaos" allowed it to continue unstopped. Mika Goldman Shayman is an 18 years old AISG alumni, who currently volunteers at the school. In her free time, she likes pursuing "grandma activities", including baking, knitting, sighing dramatically, and reading as many books as humanly possible. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:15Small Seeds, Big Growth: Cultivating Order in Chaos | Amanda Wei | TEDxAISG YouthChaos is inevitable-- but what if it's also an opportunity? This talk explores how embracing entropy, rather than fighting it, can transform the way we navigate life's messiest moments. You’ll discover how small, intentional habits can grow into powerful tools for thriving in uncertainty as well as how these small seeds can grow into big trees. Amanda Wei is a 13 year old 7th grader at AISG. She was born in Hong Kong and currently lives in Guangzhou. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, playing sports, discovering new hobbies, and watching the sunset. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:26How to handle chaos in your life | Zak Gendin | TEDxAISG YouthChaos is something we see every day and everywhere, however we can find order in this chaos by finding consistency and predictability. Only by noticing entropy in our lives, by finding a balance between embracing and ignoring chaos, can we begin to find success, satisfaction, and happiness. Zak Gendin is a tenth grade student from the U.S. and has lived in seven countries. He participates in cross country, table tennis, and badminton. Outside of school, Zak enjoys climbing and spending time in nature. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:58Neurodivergence: building order amidst chaos | Dominika Kurek | TEDxAISG YouthBeing neurodivergent can feel like an endless storm of chaos; between juggling a million thoughts at once, being overstimulated, and feeling stuck, that can make us desperate to make rules or structure to create some order in our minds and lives. This talk explores that dissonance—those conflicting yet coexisting aspects of chaos and stability—in order to understand our neurodiverse experiences and needs better, in hopes of finding a balance that works uniquely for each of us. Dominika Kurek, originally from Poland, is a current senior at AISG, and has spent the past decade in Guangzhou. Her hobbies include reading, making to-do lists, and staying home, whenever possible This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:21A teacher’s advice for finding balance | Darcie Flansburg | TEDxAISG YouthIt is not enough just to put in effort. To achieve mastery of a skill an individual needs to engage in years of deliberate practice. Through this work a person can determine the right path and direct their energy toward meaningful pursuits. Darcie Flansburg M.A., ME.d., is a Secondary English Language and Literature teacher at AISG. Originally from California, she has been living and teaching in China for 9 years. Prior to that she taught in public high schools in America. When she's not teaching she's attempting to write her own literature and traveling the world with her husband, Mr. Ulhaq. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:04The beauty in disorder | Henry Li | TEDxAISG YouthWhat if the key to a fulfilling life isn’t control, but chaos? While we often strive to plan every detail, it’s the unexpected—the disorder—that adds vibrancy and growth to our lives. This talk explores why embracing unpredictability, rather than fearing it, can lead to a more authentic and dynamic existence, much like a wild meadow blooming in beautiful disarray. Henry Li is currently a sophomore at AISG, where he's known for participating in student council, vlogging, and consistently acting like an NPC. In his free time, he often likes to ponder about personal development or thought-provoking concepts, which allows him to bring his original and unique ideas onstage tonight. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
