The Brain's Cheat Codes: Learning Through Gamification | Mohamed Ali | TEDxAjou U Tashkent
Can games unlock our brain’s full learning potential? In this dynamic talk, the speaker explores how gamification can supercharge education by turning lessons into engaging, brain-boosting challenges. Discover how game mechanics like rewards, levels, and storytelling can transform classrooms—and why tapping into our brain’s "cheat codes" might be the key to deeper learning and motivation. It all started in 2017, when I was a twelve year old child. We had just landed in Türkiye due to my traveler family, a land of captivating history and vibrant culture. Yet, a language barrier stood between me and the world around me. Feeling isolated and quite bored, I found myself drawn to the familiar glow of my father's old computer. In a quest for virtual adventures, I stumbled upon Code.org, a website that promised to unlock the secrets of coding. Little did I know, it would be the spark that ignited a lifelong passion for technology.Those first blocks of code were like magic spells, weaving digital worlds into existence. I devoured the introductory courses on Code.org, collecting certificates with childlike pride. Each challenge solved fueled a burning curiosity – what else could this code create? This newfound fascination propelled me to delve deeper, to unravel the mysteries behind the ones and zeros that powered the digital world. 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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- 11:51How archaeologists find the truth (and you can, too) | Trevor Wallace | TEDxDaltVilaWhat can ancient shipwrecks and buried ruins teach us about fighting disinformation? This talk takes you on a journey beneath the waves and into the past, revealing how archaeology uncovers hidden truths in a world increasingly overwhelmed by fake news and manipulated narratives. Through vivid examples of shipwreck excavations in Menorca and the analysis of ancient artifacts, this talk showcases how archaeologists uncover evidence like a crime scene investigation to separate fact from fiction.It’s a visually stunning exploration of how disinformation about lost civilizations and AI-faked discoveries threatens our grasp on reality. By blending hard evidence, unexpected insights, and the urgent challenges of today’s digital misinformation, this talk will show why archaeology is one of the best tools for defending truth—and why the world needs it now more than ever. I’m an explorer, artist, and filmmaker based in Kaua’i, Hawai’i. As Vice President of Research and Education at The Explorers Club, I manage grant programs that fund field science expeditions around the globe. In 2018, I was honored as New Explorer of the Year for my work uncovering the oldest Scythian tomb. I currently lead shipwreck excavations in Menorca and mentor future explorers through field schools. In Kaua’i, I collaborate with Native Hawaiian communities to protect sacred sites, partner with the local museum, and teach media workshops for youth.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
- 8:28Why quick fixes don't work | Elyes . | TEDxYouth@NIAElyes holds up a mirror to our everyday habits, asking what our screen time is really costing us. His talk dives into how phones are quietly stealing our time, focus, and ambition—normalizing distraction and discouraging growth. It’s a wake-up call to stop scrolling and start living. Elyes is a self-taught musician with a passion for exploring new skills. He’s actively involved in his school community, taking on leadership roles and contributing to various initiatives. He has also worked with startups at Web Summit, gaining insight into innovation and entrepreneurship. Through his TEDx talk, he hopes to share his experiences and encourage others to take on new challenges. 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
- 14:38How entrepreneurs use curiosity as their strength | Apurva Ganoo | TEDxEspoo YouthApurva Ganoo was a Speaker at TEDxEspoo Youth 2025!What if curiosity and creativity could be the driving forces behind real-world change?In this TEDx Talk, Apurva Ganoo, takes us back 15 years to a coastal fishing village in Chile, ravaged by a devastating earthquake. He presents us with a question that seems simple but reveals the truth about human nature, empathy, and the complexity of problem-solving: Do you prioritize a boiler or a bathtub?Most of us would think that the water heater or boiler, which ensures warmth and access to water, would be the practical choice. However, the residents of these fishing villages made a surprising decision: they chose the bathtub. But it was not for the reasons you might think. For them, the bathtub was not a symbol of luxury or relaxation after a long day - it was a tool for survival. In a region where water was not guaranteed and resources were unreliable, the bathtub served as a reservoir, a key resource to store water for emergencies. Apurva uses this example to empathize how often we overlook the true needs of others because we see the world through our own lens of privilege and comfort.This Talk dives into empathy and curiosity, and how these two qualities are essential for understanding the realities of others. Apurva empathises that entrepreneurs are often seen as problem-solves, but they can be oblivious to the struggles and challenges that don't directly affect them. It is not a natural instinct to empathize with problems outside of our experience, yet he explains that we should make an effort.Curiosity is not about asking questions, it is about understanding perspectives that are different from our own. Apurva further explores the relationship between curiosity and creativity. He encourages us to look beyond what we think creativity should be. Creativity is not just for artists or innovators in the traditional sense, it is a skill we call all development. He compares creativity to a train on a set of rails, suggesting that sometimes we need structure and boundaries to let creativity flow.At the end of Apurva’s Talk he says: “The best innovators are able to think very big and think very small. The biggest innovators are also always questioning things. But you are not questioning things because you don't agree with them.You are questioning them from a point of curiosity and wanting to learn.”This TEDx Talk is a reminder that curiosity, empathy, and action are the driving forces behind innovation.#TEDxEspooYouth #TEDxTalk #TEDxEspooYouth2025 Apurva Ganoo is a permanent (tenured) Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Aalto University School of Business. His research examines entrepreneurial education from a critical perspective, exploring its connections to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem and institutions. In his teaching, he contributes to Aalto's new master’s program in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and teaches introductory bachelor’s courses in entrepreneurship. Apurva is actively involved in several EU-funded capacity-building projects, where he has played a key role in securing over €3M in funding and establishing partnerships with universities across Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2024, Apurva was recognized by the Suomen Liikemies-Yhdistys (The Finnish Businessmen's Association) for his contributions to promoting entrepreneurship at Aalto and beyond. 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
- 3:59The secret life of microbes | Alexander Claasen & Noah Kerler | TEDxDiscovery College YouthGut Feeling: How Microbes Shape Our MoodDid you know your gut could be the key to your happiness? In this engaging and science-packed TEDx talk, Noah and Alex explore the fascinating connection between your gut and your brain—also known as the gut-brain axis. Learn how trillions of tiny microbes living inside you influence your mood, mental health, and even your ability to handle stress. With practical tips on diet, sleep, exercise, and probiotics, this talk will change how you think about your health—from the inside out!#GutBrainConnection #MentalHealth #Microbiome #TEDxYouth #HealthyGutHappyMind #Probiotics #ScienceForStudents I love to eat and I love animals. I love spending time with my family. I really like to hangout with friends and I cant wait for you to view my ted talk as it would be an amazing experience for me.I love Nature and Animals and really like eating, sleeping and spending time with family. I really like hanging out with my friends and the ted talk will be an amazing experience for me as a speaker. 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
- 13:47Finding Purpose and Strength in Stillness and Grief | Zymba Ding | TEDxAteneodeManilaUIn the Philippine drag scene, Zymba Ding is known as the fierce, fearless, and ferocious drag superstar that is never afraid to push the boundaries of performance and authenticity. In this talk, Zymba shows a side of her unknown to many as she bares her story of experiencing loss within her family while forging her identity as a drag queen.Zymba shares how drag was an escape for her—a platform for her to experience the glitz, glamour, and the applause of life. At the same time, she was struggling with the loss of her father and sister. Zymba explains how her success in drag felt heavy and how her happiest moments were overshadowed by the grief over her loss of the people that mattered to her the most. However, she never let her grief stand in the way of her dreams. She emphasized how she transformed her grief into the looks and performances that allowed her to witness her survival and create the drag queen known today as Zymba Ding.To Zymba, stillness is not the absence of movement, rather it is the presence of meaning. Zymba proclaims that in the stillness of her grief, she found meaning in her art and her soul in drag. Zymba emphasizes that grief is part of life’s path and that it is something people go through. Formerly a contestant on Drag Race Philippines Season 3, Zymba Ding is a rising drag performer. In just over a year, she has managed to earn titles in competitions such as Dragdagulan, Ikaw Nemen, and Bunganga Battle Royale. Zymba takes pride in incorporating her Christian identity within drag, aiming to bridge two seemingly different worlds through her strong performances. Her representation of her hometown and history with leprosy is evidence of her love for the craft and unapologetic spirit, making her one of the most promising new voices in Philippine drag. 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
- 22:46IL RISCATTO E LA RINASCITA DI UNA COMUNITÀ | Nicola Rocco Valluzzi | TEDxLatronicoNel 1999, Castelmezzano, un borgo delle Piccole Dolomiti Lucane, affrontava lo spopolamento e la chiusura dei servizi. Tuttavia, da un'idea visionaria è nato il “Volo dell’Angelo”, una zip line tra Castelmezzano e Pietrapertosa, trasformando la situazione in un'opportunità di rinascita. Dal 2007, questa attrazione ha attratto visitatori globali, generando un'economia turistica stabile e nuova imprenditorialità, grazie all'impegno dei cittadini. Questa storia dimostra che lo spopolamento può essere affrontato con creatività e visione, trasformando il declino in un modello di turismo comunitario. Nicola Valluzzi, laureato in Giurisprudenza all’Università di Salerno, ha maturato un’ampia esperienza nella pubblica amministrazione e nel settore dello sviluppo territoriale e delle politiche del lavoro. Ha lavorato per Italia Lavoro S.p.A. come agente territoriale e consulente per l’avvio dei servizi per l’impiego in Basilicata, promuovendo cooperative pubblico-private. In SMA Basilicata S.p.A. è stato Project Leader e responsabile Progetti speciali. Ha curato l’organizzazione del personale per il progetto “Vie Blu” della Provincia e Regione Basilicata. È stato docente IULM a Milano con un corso sul turismo esperienziale legato alle Dolomiti Lucane. Ha completato corsi post-lauream in diritto comparato e relazioni sindacali (Bocconi). Le sue competenze spaziano dall’organizzazione delle risorse umane alla progettazione territoriale, con una visione strategica orientata all’innovazione nei servizi pubblici e alla valorizzazione del territorio. 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