Revolutionary  advances in information technology and new media coupled with evolving learning styles and changing economics are rapidly leading to a fundamental remaking of higher education in America.

Several events at the 2012 IdeaFestival will address topics related to education, including Richard DeMillo's "Reimagining Higher Education" on Thursday, September 20. IF University is expanding upon DeMillo's discussion by hosting classes before and after IF to look deeper into this important topic. 

This first class, "The Remaking and Destiny of Higher Education," will examine the historical context and disruptive developments which may result in a radical new vision for higher education in America. Another class following DeMillo's presentation at IF (title and topic to be announced) will follow in October.

Facilitators: Mary Gwen Wheeler, Executive Director 55,000 Degrees, Louisville; Philipp Kraemer, Chellgren Chair for Undergraduate Excellence and Professor of Psychology, University of Kentucky; and Kris Kimel, Founder of the IdeaFestival and President, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation.

Course fee of $10.99 includes light refreshments at Epicenter, an international distilling center located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Epicenter is an "artisan distillery and education center" that provides a comprehensive experience in the time-honored craft of distilling. (The course fee does not include a ticket to DeMillo's presentation at the 2012 IdeaFestival.)

Suggested preparation: Read "The Gathering Storm," an op-ed by Kris Kimel, published in the July15, 2012, Lexington Herald Leader. Also: Read From Abelard To Apple, by Richard A. DeMillo. Richard A. DeMillo is Director of the Center for 21st Century Universities at Georgia Institute of Technology and holds a number of academic appointments there. He is the author of over 100 articles, books, and patents, and was Hewlett-Packard's first Chief Technology Officer.