The nonprofit organization TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) recently launched TED-Ed on YouTube, featuring short lessons aimed at school-aged children on a range of topics from pandemics and the art of paper folding to urban ecology and why we don’t see signs of alien life. Biljana Labovic (BFA 2001 Animation) and Jeremiah Dickey (BFA 2001 Animation) direct the production team for the videos, which are created from teacher-submitted lesson plans from around the world. After reviewing submissions, the team works with teachers to refine their best lessons into short, 10-minute segments. TED-Ed then sends the teachers portable “recording booths” to tape audio for the lessons, which the teachers can instantly share with the animation team at TED-Ed. In addition to animating and producing clips, Labovic’s and Dickey’s work helps shape the ideas for the videos. Other members of the production team include Lisa LaBracio (BFA 2006 Animation), freelance animator, and Celeste Lai (BFA 2011 Fine Arts), TED-Ed intern.

TED-Ed’s mission is to capture and amplify the voices of great educators around the world. By bringing the lessons of extraordinary teachers to life through collaborations with talented animators, TED-Ed hopes to reach more students beyond their individual classrooms and encourage them to become life-long learners.

To learn more, visit TED-Ed.