TED and TEDx

TED

TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out, in 1984, as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Talks are usually short, 10 to 20 minutes or less, and most are supported by short videos or slides projected behind the speaker. Think show-and-tell by and for adults.

Subjects range from the challenges providing solar-powered LED lightbulbs to Haitians (economics, cultural differences) to Hurdy-gurdy for beginners (music, history) to why a YouTube video goes viral (math, social studies).

TEDx are independent TED conferences use the TED format. These talks happen all over the U.S. and the world. Many are sponsored by local school districts and allow students and faculty to share their interests, research and ideas.

These TED and TEDx talks are recorded and the best are placed on the Internet, in places like TED.com and YouTube. There are literally thousands of talks by speakers from all walks of life and all ages.

TED Topics

This page shows the wide variety of topics covered by TED talks.

Using this page, you can find an introductory video for an upcoming class topic.

Daniel Schnitzer: Inventing is the easy part

How small-scale solar products (like solar-powered LED lightbulbs) could transform lives, but that despite their value, they won't simply sell themselves.

TEDx

The TEDx Program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences. You can combine local live presenters and/or TED Talks videos, sparking deep conversation and connections at the local level.

Each TEDx event is planned and coordinated independently, under a free license granted by TED. Click the link to see what it takes to organize a local TEDx event.

TEDx Events Map

Interested in checking out a TEDx event. There's probably at least one event within an hour or two drive of your location.

TEDx Talks on YouTube

These are videos filmed at independently organized TEDx events and uploaded by the organizers. Enjoy the collection: 11,000+ videos from organizers in 120+ countries!

Hint: Rather than scrolling thru 11,000 videos ... type in TEDx and some words describing the topic of interest in in the YouTube search field.

Caroline Phillips: Hurdy-gurdy for beginners

Caroline Phillips cranks out tunes on a seldom-heard folk instrument, a hurdy-gurdy, a.k.a. the wheel fiddle. A fun lesson on its unique anatomy and 1,000-year history.

TEDx Conejo videos

This link shows the wide variety of topics that can be covered at a single TEDx event.