Registration Now Open for Amazing Summer Institute!

Registration is now open for the professional learning event of 2009!

Constructing Modern Knowledge 2009 offers a world-class faculty and supportive environment for educators interested in exploring the intersection of creativity, collaboration, computing and powerful ideas.

Where else can you spend four days tinkering, collaborating, talking and learning with educators from around the world, plus legendary educators, including the first public school educator to be named a Macarthur Genius, Deborah Meier and Herb Kohl, author of dozens of classic books about education

Learn more about CMK ‘09 at this site.

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David Thornburg to Lead Workshops at CMMSK ‘09

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Dr. David Thornburg, one of the world’s most popular and prominent innovators in educational technology will lead two workshops at the Educon 2.1 preconference event, Constructing Modern Math/Science Knowledge.

Dr. Thornburg’s latest project is the Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.

David Thornburg joins a stellar faculty for this one-of-a-kind professional learning event. The other presenters are: Gary Stager, Ph.D, Brian Silverman, Carolyn Staudt and Ihor Charischak.

Early-bird registration discounts are now in effect.
Register today!

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Summer ‘09 Institute Dates Announced!

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Mark Your Calendars!

Constructing Modern Knowledge 2009 promises to be an even better institute than in 2008. Once again, participants will enjoy a collaborative environment committed to knowledge construction, computing and creativity.

World-class guest speakers (to be announced shortly) will join a stellar faculty dedicated to supporting each learner.

Constructing Modern Knowledge 2009 will be held in Manchester, New Hampshire on July 13-16, 2008 with a preconference event on July 12th.

Registration information will be published soon. Please enter your email address in the field below and we will keep you posted and keep checking this blog for news about next July’s premiere professional learning opportunity!

Enter email address please
Email:

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Constructing Modern Math/Science Knowledge

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Save the date!

Educon 2.1 Preconference Event

I’m pleased to announce a one-of-a-kind educational event for January 22, 2009 at Philadelphia’s Science Leadership Academy. Constructing Modern Math/Science Knowledge is a minds-on institute for K-12 teachers, administrators and technology coordinators looking for practical and inspirational ways to use computers to enhance S.T.E.M. learning. Constructing Modern Math/Science Knowledge is a preconference event @ Educon 2.1

Our presenters represent high-tech pioneers and seasoned veterans at the forefront of innovation in math, science and computing.

  • Brian Silverman has been involved in the invention of dozens of Logo versions (including LogoWriter & MicroWorlds), Scratch, LEGO robotics and the PicoCricket. An incomparable presenter, Brian is a Consulting Scientist to the MIT Media Lab, a brilliant mathematician and master tinkerer.
  • Carolyn Staudt is a veteran science educator who leads professional development for the Concord Consortium. She will be leading presentations and workshops on scientific modeling with open-source computing tools.
  • Ihor Charischak is a veteran mathematics educator and active NCTM member who recently retired from the Stevens Instiute of Technology’s Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education. He will lead workshops on “Mathematics and Computing Innovation for Monday Morning.”
  • Dr. David Thornburg is the Director of the Thornburg Center for Professional Development and The Thornburg Center for Space Exploration. He has been at the forefront of educational technology since the 1970s.
  • Dr. Gary Stager is the day’s keynote speaker and organizer. He is a Visiting Professor at Pepperdine University, Executive Director of the Constructivist Consortium and a popular education journalist.

The day features a keynote address, two plenary sessions, a choice of four workshops run twice and closing panel discussion.

Come to Constructing Modern Math/Science Knowledge and stay for Educon 2.1!

More specific information about the day’s sessions will be published in the near future.

Registration includes the complete conference program and lunch. Bring your own laptop!

Save $35 by taking advantage of early-bird registration before November 1st.

Super early-bird registration (before November 1) - $90

Early-bird registration (before December 15) - $120

Regular registration - $130

You may register for both Constructing Modern Knowledge M/S and Educon 2.1 with one click.

Click here for hotel and travel information.

1 CEU from Pepperdine University is available for an additional fee.

Download & print the Constructing Modern Math/Science Knowledge poster.

Registration is Limited - Click here to register today!

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People are Blogging!

I am still trying to find the time and the words necessary to write about what the first Constructing Modern Knowledge Institute meant to me. I hope other participants will also share their thoughts on the experience.

In the meantime, here are a few of the blogs already published about our collective learning experience.

Over time, video from the event will appear on this site as well!

Enjoy!

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Sylvia Martinez’s Reflections on CMK08

Constructing Modern Knowledge faculty member, Sylvia Martinez, has written a great blog reflecting on her experiences at our recent event.

<blockquote>The introductions were amazing. People had come from all over the country, and two from Israel and Khartoum. We had kindergarten to high school teachers, math, science, art, administrators, public and private schools, tech coordinators, district — just about every combination of educators you could imagine. After some opening words, we brainstormed some ideas for projects - dancing clowns, musical sculptures, a video or simulation about the immigrant experience, a boat, a kaleidoscope and more. Then people grouped themselves on a project. My job was to float around and facilitate, connect people with resources, open boxes of stuff, find clay or eyeballs or pipe cleaners or debug programs or whatever.</blockquote>

Read Constructing Modern Knowledge by Sylvia Martinez.

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The CMK08 Library

Like all good learning environments, an important ingredient in the Constructing Modern Knowledge was the classroom library. The following is a bibliography of the books in the CMK08 library, plus a bunch written or illustrated by Peter Reynolds and a few books I forgot to bring to Manchester.

Don’t forget there is a creativity, computing and constructivism Amazon bookstore created by the Constructivist Consortium.

Abel, J., & Glass, I. (1999). Radio: An Illustrated Guide. W B E Z Alliance Inc.

Ahl, D. H. (1978). BASIC Computer Games: Microcomputer Edition. Workman Pub Co.

Anderson, M. (2006). Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself. Nomad Press.

Baker, D., Semple, C., & Stead, T. (1990). How Big is the Moon?: Whole Maths in Action. Heinemann.

Bedford, A. (2005). The Unofficial LEGO Builder’s Guide. No Starch Press.

Boaler, J. (2008). What’s Math Got to Do with It?: Helping Children Learn to Love Their Least Favorite Subject–and Why It’s Important for America. Viking Adult.

Braitenberg, V. (1986). Vehicles: Experiments in Synthetic Psychology. The MIT Press.

Burger, E. B., & Starbird, M. (2006). Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz: Making Light of Weighty Ideas. W. W. Norton.

Cadwell, L. B., & Gandini, L. (1997). Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education. Teachers College Press.

Caney, S. (1985). Steven Caney’s Invention Book. Workman Publishing Company.

Clayson, J. L. (1988). Visual Modeling with Logo: A Structured Approach to Seeing. The MIT Press.

Colella, V. S., Klopfer, E., & Resnick, M. (2001). Adventures in Modeling: Exploring Complex, Dynamic Systems with StarLogo. Teachers College Press.

Cuoco, A. A. (1990). Investigations in Algebra: An Approach to Using Logo. The MIT Press.

Curtis, D., & Carter, M. (2003). Designs for Living and Learning: Transforming Early Childhood Environments. Redleaf Press.

Druin, A., & Solomon, C. (1996). Designing Multimedia Environments for Children. John Wiley & Sons.

Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (1998). The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Approach Advanced Reflections, Second Edition. Ablex Publishing.

Egan, K. (1988). Teaching as Storytelling. Routledge.

Erwin, B. (2001). Creative Projects with LEGO. Addison-Wesley Professional.

Field, B. (2000). Make a Movie That Tells a Story. William Field.

Goldenberg, E. P., & Feurzeig, W. (1987). Exploring Language with Logo. The MIT Press.

Gonick, L. (1992). The Cartoon Guide to Physics. Collins.

Griffith, S., Dragotta, N., & Bonsen, J. (2007). Howtoons: The Possibilities Are Endless!. Collins.

Gurstelle, W. (2004). The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery. Chicago Review Press.

Harel, I., & Papert, S. (1991). Constructionism. Ablex Publishing.

Haskins, J. (2008). Diary of a Harlem School Teacher. New Press.

Healy, C. C. (1993). Build-A-Book Geometry. Key Curriculum Pr.

Hendrick, J. (2003). Next Steps Toward Teaching the Reggio Way: Accepting the Challenge to Change. Prentice Hall.

Hill, L., Cadwell, L., & Schwall, C. (2005). In The Spirit Of The Studio: Learning From The Atelier Of Reggio Emilia. Teachers College Press.

Hoyles, C., & Noss, R. (1992). Learning Mathematics and Logo. The MIT Press.

Kelby, S. (2006). The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers. New Riders Press.

Kelsh, N. (2003). How to Photograph Your Life: Capturing Everyday Moments with Your Camera and Your Heart. Stewart, Tabori and Chang.

Kenworthy, C. (2005). Digital Video Production Cookbook: 100 Professional Techniques for Independent and Amateur Filmmakers. O’Reilly Media, Inc..

Kohl, H. (2007). Painting Chinese: A Lifelong Teacher Gains the Wisdom of Youth. Bloomsbury USA.

Kohn, A. (2006). Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community. Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve.

Kohn, A. (1992). The Brighter Side Of Human Nature: Altruism And Empathy In Everyday Life. Basic Books.

Kohn, A. (2000). The Case Against Standardized Testing: Raising the Scores, Ruining the Schools. Heinemann.

Kohn, A. (2007). The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing. Da Capo Press.

Kohn, A. (1992). No Contest: The Case Against Competition. Mariner Books.

Kohn, A. (1999). Punished By Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes. Mariner Books.

Kohn, A. (2000). The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and "Tougher Standards". Mariner Books.

Kohn, A. (2006). Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason. Atria.

Kohn, A. (2004). What Does it Mean to Be Well Educated? And Other Essays on Standards, Grading, and Other Follies. Beacon Press.

Kohn, A. (2000). What to Look for in a Classroom: And Other Essays. Jossey-Bass.

Kohn, A., & Shannon, P. (2002). Education, Inc.: Turning Learning into a Business. Heinemann.

Lopate, P. (2008). Being with Children: A High-Spirited Personal Account of Teaching Writing, Theater, and Videotape. New Press.

Magid, L., & Collier, A. (2006). MySpace Unraveled: A Parent’s Guide to Teen Social Networking. Peachpit Press.

McDonald, M. (2006). Doctor Judy Moody. Walker Books Ltd.

McDonald, M. (2002). Judy Moody. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2007). Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2007). Judy Moody Declares Independence. Candlewick.

McDonald, M. (2003). Judy Moody Gets Famous!. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2008). Judy Moody Goes to College. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2005). Judy Moody Predicts the Future. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2004). Judy Moody Saves the World!. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2005). Judy Moody’s Double-Rare-Way-Not-Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2006). Judy Moody, M.D.. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2008). Judy Moody: Around the World in 8 1/2 Days. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2006). Stink. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2008). Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express. Candlewick.

Mcdonald, M. (2007). Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker. Candlewick.

McDonald, M. (2007). Stink and the Incredible, All-time World’s Worst Stinky Sneakers. Walker Books Ltd.

Mcdonald, M. (2008). Stink and the World’s Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers. Candlewick.

McGhee, A. (2008). Little Boy. Atheneum.

McGhee, A. (2007). Someday. Atheneum.

Minsky, M. (2006). The Emotion Machine: Commonsense Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, and the Future of the Human Mind. Simon & Schuster.

Minsky, M. (1988). Society of Mind. Simon & Schuster.

Nagata, J. (2001). Joe Nagata’s Lego Mindstorms Idea Book. No Starch Press.

Onn, A. L., & Alexander, G. (1998). Cabaret Mechanical Movement. Cabaret Mechanical Publishing.

Papert, S. (1994). The Children’s Machine: Rethinking School In The Age Of The Computer. Basic Books.

Papert, S. (1996). The Connected Family: Bridging the Digital Generation Gap. Longstreet Press.

Papert, S. A. (1993). Mindstorms: Children, Computers, And Powerful Ideas. Basic Books.

Parks, B. (2005). Makers: All Kinds of People Making Amazing Things In Garages, Basements, and Backyards.. O’Reilly Media, Inc..

Patri, A. (2007). A Schoolmaster of the Great City: A Progressive Education Pioneer’s Vision for Urban Schools. New Press.

Peterson, I. (1998). The Mathematical Tourist: New and Updated Snapshots of Modern Mathematics. Owl Books.

Pilegaard, U., & Dooley, M. (2007). Forbidden LEGO: Build the Models Your Parents Warned You Against!. No Starch Press.

Potter, E. (2006). Olivia Kidney. Serres.

Potter, E. (2005). Olivia Kidney and The Exit Academy. Philomel.

Rathjen, D., & Klutz, I. (1998). Lego Crazy Action Contraptions: A Lego Inventions Book. Klutz Press.

Reynolds, P. H. (2003). The Dot. Candlewick.

Reynolds, P. H. (2004). Ish. Candlewick.

Reynolds, P. H. (2006). My Very Big Little World: A SugarLoaf Book. Atheneum.

Reynolds, P. H. (1997). The North Star. FableVision Press.

Reynolds, P. H. (2006). So Few of Me. Candlewick.

Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Corwin Press.

Rinaldi, C. (2005). In Dialouge with Reggio Emilia: Listening, Researching and Learning. Routledge.

Ryan, J., Dunford, G., & Sellars, S. (2006). Micronations. Lonely Planet.

Sato, J. (2002). Jin Sato’s LEGO MINDSTORMS: The Master’s Technique. No Starch Press.

Schwartau, W. (2001). Internet & Computer Ethics for Kids:. Interpact Press.

Singh, S. (2002). The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It. Delacorte Books for Young Readers.

Singh, S. (2000). The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography. Anchor.

Smith, D., & Goldhaber, J. (2004). Poking, Pinching &Pretending: Documenting Toddlers’ Explorations with Clay. Redleaf Press.

Sobey, E., & Sobey, W. (2008). The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More. Chicago Review Press.

Solomon, C. (1988). Computer Environments for Children: A Reflection on Theories of Learning and Education. The MIT Press.

Tobias, T. (2000). Serendipity. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

Topal, C. W., & Gandini, L. (1999). Beautiful Stuff: Learning with Found Materials. Sterling.

Upitis, R. (1992). Can I Play You My Song?: The Compositions and Invented Notations of Children. Heinemann Drama.

Upitis, R. (1990). This too is Music. Heinemann.

Villiers, M. D., & Nielsen, L. J. (1997). Is Democracy Fair?: The Mathematics of Voting and Apportionment. Key Curriculum Press.

Vines, R. D. (2008). Composing Digital Music For Dummies. For Dummies.

Vorderman, C. (1999). How Math Works. Readers Digest.

Wang, W. (2003). Totally Tasteless Photoshop Elements. McGraw-Hill/OsborneMedia.

Watson, B. (2003). The Man Who Changed How Boys and Toys Were Made: The Life and Times of A. C. Gilbert, the Man Who Saved Christmas. Penguin (Non-Classics).

Wells, D. (1998). The Penguin Book of Curious and Interesting Numbers: Revised Edition. Penguin (Non-Classics).

Wiese, J. (1994). Roller Coaster Science: 50 Wet, Wacky, Wild, Dizzy Experiments about Things Kids Like Best. Wiley.

Williams, M. (2006). Making Real-Life Videos. Allworth Press.


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One Multimedia Learning Story from CMK 08

Scott Floyd shares a terrific learning story about one project at Constructing Modern Knowledge in his blog,
Drowning in Rice and Other Deep Subjects From CMK 08.

Paul Wood and I visited the MIT Museum on Sunday with Gary Stager. Among the things we found were some truly awesome feats of engineering from Arthur Ganson. An incredible thinker and visionary himself, Ganson had multitudes of examples of his “tinkering” on display. When you look at these items of work, you might wonder why someone would spend so much time creating these little glorified table decorations. Some might say, “Why?” I say, “Why not?”

Scott’s blog is is well worth reading and watching!

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Constructing Modern Knowledge ‘08 - The Movie

New York City educator Michael Steinberg made a film documenting my recent Constructing Modern Knowledge summer institute. I think he did an admirable job capturing the spirit of CMK08, the collaborations between participants and the learning environment we created.

The quality of Michael’s effort is especially laudable since he shot and edited the video before the end of the four day event.

Enjoy!

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Not CMK08, but worth a look

This is one of my favorite Ted Talks. Author and publisher Dave Eggers tells the inspirational story of how one can create a learning environment for kids outside of school. Eggers and his colleagues also demonstrate a great deal of respect for teachers and the challenges they face.

Links:

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Brain power in NH

This is my first attempt at adding to this blog, so that in itself is exciting to me. I came into the institute slightly intimidated, because although I have been in the field many (too many!) years, I have never been a “high-techie”.. I have concentrated on curriculum software evaluation and on working with elementary teachers to help them integrate technology effectively. I think everyone gets out of a program like this what they put into it. I think the biggest problem is wanting to do it all.. my agenda here, with my software background, was to have the luxury to get more involved in the programs like Microworlds, the Tech4Learning series, InspireData, etc. That is what i wanted to do; that is what I accomplished.. 

The bonus for me has been the speakers! Although I have heard Peter Reynolds many times, I always hear something new. I was “awed” to be in Alfie Kohn’s presence. Whether I agree or not, he makes one’s brain stretch. Bob Tinker gives ones a passion for a subject that you come in hating.. he never loses his spark for learning.. I would do the program again in a minute!

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MicroWorlds EX Getting Started Videos

PROBLEMS SOLVED - LINKS BELOW NOW WORK AND VIDEOS PLAY

The following are a few “getting started” tutorial videos I created for MicroWorlds EX. The first two introduce the environment and the last two show you how to program your very own Pacman-style video game.

Click to download a trial version of MicroWorlds EX Robotics.

Be sure to visit the MicroWorlds EX Project Library.

Additional project ideas may be found here.

If you need MicroWorlds EX tech support, email info@lcsi.ca. The web site for MicroWorlds and its project library is www.microworlds.com.

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Bookstore link for CMK08

Melinda Kolk and I created an online bookstore for creative educators in conjunction with Amazon.com.

I will assemble and publish a list of the books in the CMK08 library over the next week or so.

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Welcome to Constructing Modern Knowledge!

Constructing Modern Knowledge

Dear Colleague:

You are about to embark on a four-day learning adventure in which computers, construction, collaboration and creativity are all part of the learning process. Please put away your “teacher hat” and spend as much time as possible in the role of a learner. We hope you find the right personal balance between a single-minded focus on project development and tinkering. Since knowledge is a consequence of experience, CMK08 seeks to create a learning environment in which a wide range of experiences are possible.

We offer lots of material with which you can work, including a variety of rich software environments for you and lots of “objects to think with.” Please look out for each other’s computers, books and other materials.

Collaborate with others, work alone or enjoy a combination of both, but please spend as much time as possible taking full advantage of the gift of time you have given yourself to learn. Fantastic speakers are part of the program, but CMK08 fought to avoid interrupting your project work for a series of speeches. Our goal is for you to return home remembering that you spent time with a speaker, rather than having listened to him or her. Along the way, you might want to think about your thinking and blog or keep a journal to assist in the reflective process. Read as much as you can. Lots of materials will be shared on the blog and in our library.

If you need to go for a walk to help clear your head, go for it. Take a swim or spend a few extra minutes at lunch, but remember that there is so much you can do and projects will be exhibited Thursday afternoon. Please don’t miss the speakers or daily reflection time. We will begin each morning at 9 AM.

If you have a question ask it! The only dumb question is the one never asked. If you want to learn a specific skill, let us know and a mini-tutorial will be arranged. Don’t be passive. The faculty and your fellow participants possess a wide range of skills and are here to help. CMK08 participants represent Preschool through 12th grade and beyond. We’ll try hard to meet everyone’s needs. This will be much easier if you temporarily forget that you are a teacher and become a learner. Embrace each learning adventure with gusto and you’ll exceed your expectations.

Welcome!
Gary


Constructing Modern Knowledge thanks the following for their generosity:

  • The six member companies in The Constructivist Consortium
  • The Anytime Anywhere Learning Foundation
  • Tech4Learning
  • Logo Computer Systems, Inc.
  • Inspiration Software
  • Josh Morgan of Morgan/Dorado PR
  • Sibelius/M-Audio
    Lesa King (www.graphicreporter.com) and iStockPhoto.com
  • Make Magazine
  • Craft Magazine
  • Peter Reynolds
  • Cynthia Solomon
  • Sylvia Martinez
  • Melinda Kolk
  • Bob Tinker
  • John Stetson
  • Alfie Kohn

Let’s go out and make something!

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Welcome to Manchester!

I’m sure you’re all a bit tired from traveling. I know I am, but if you have any extra energy, please meet up to say, “Hi,” Sunday night at 7 PM in the pub at the Radisson Hotel.

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LEGO Robotics Reference Materials

Fred Martin’s Art of LEGO
Fred Martin, the engineer behind the RCX brick, wrote a terrific paper explaining LEGO engineering principles.

The Art of LEGO 2
MIT Media Lab graduate students, Arnan (Roger) Sipitakiat, Paulo Blikstein and Rahul Bhargava created a handy color collection of strategies for assembling LEGO elements.

MicroWorlds EX Robotics downloadable reference handout.

Great LEGO Challenges
Here is a collection of 13 challenges sure to inspire classroom creativity.

25 Things to Do With LEGO Robotics
A timeless list of project ideas.

Gary Stager’s LEGO Robotics web page


New Workshop!

Improvisational Robotics - Authentic Opportunities for the Construction of Knowledge

LEGO Robotics offers students a high-tech high-touch improvisational medium for interdisciplinary learning. An ability to identify rich problems is required to engage learners of all ages. We will explore different approaches to bringing the curriculum alive through an improvisational approach to robotics. The new MicroWorlds EX Robotics software will be used to create interdisciplinary projects that combine the real world with the screen.

Click here for more workshop information.

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Constructivist Software

Recommended Software

Programming Environments for Learners

Cool Tools

  • Audacity (open source Mac/Windows/Linux audio recording and editing software)
  • Delicious Library (catalog books, CDs, videos on a Mac)
  • Fission (native audio editing for the Mac)
  • iShowU (low-cost video/screen capture for the Mac)
  • Tubesock (download YouTube videos)
  • TubeTV (Mac software for capturing all sorts of web video, including Google and YouTube)
  • Visual Hub (convert all sorts of video formats)
  • VLC (play all sorts of video formats including DVDs from other regions)
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Plane Reading

Constructing Modern Knowledge stands on the shoulders of giants. The following articles help set the tone for the spirit, possibilities and powerful ideas guiding the event.

Some are whimsical, others complex. However, they’re all worthy of your consideration.

Ice-breakers (4 of my favorite stories)

Powerful ideas

Read some or all of these articles before you leave, while on the plane (unless you’re the pilot) or at your convenience during and after CMK08.

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What to Bring to CMK08?

Packing list:

Clothes: The temperature in Manchester should be between the mid-60s and mid-80s(F). Bring casual clothes, comfortable shoes and a swimsuit (if you wish). You might wish to pack a smart casual outfit for dinner Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Laptop: Bring your laptop, power adapter and any necessary cables.

Gadgets: Feel free to bring digital cameras, digital video cameras, MIDI keyboards, digital microscope, web cam or any other high-tech toy you’ve been meaning to spend time learning or using. Don’t forget to bring tapes, memory cards, cables and any bits and pieces you may need.

Paper journal or blog: Each day will end with a discussion and period for reflection. It is recommended that each participant write their reflective thoughts in a journal or share their thoughts with the world via
a blog. If you already have a blog, fantastic! If you need to setup a blog in advance, try one of the following free options:

  • WordPress
  • Blogger
  • Constructing Modern Knowledge - You can have a free blog here. Just email gary [at] constructingmodernknowledge.com

Your imagination: Get ready for four days of action - with computers, experts and new friends.

Remember: Meals, except for the dinner at the baseball game, are at your own expense.

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CMK08 Pre-event Program Now Online

The tentative schedule for Constructing Modern Knowledge 2008 is now online here.

There are also some packing tips to be found there as well.

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About Gary Stager


Gary S Stager, Ph.D.
Director & Founder

Teacher educator, journalist, speaker and consultant, Dr. Gary Stager, has spent the past twenty-six years helping teachers on six continents make sense of their roles in the digital age. In 1990 he led development efforts at the world’s first two “laptop schools” in Australia. Since then, Gary has worked with countless laptop schools from Maine to Melbourne to Mumbai. Stager has taught at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology for the past decade and in 1998 helped create its groundbreaking Online Master of Arts in Educational Technology degree program. In 1982, he created one of the nation’s first computer camp programs and was the Director of Professional Development for NJ’s Network for Action in Microcomputer Educator from 1983-93

Gary is Senior Editor for District Administration Magazine, Editor of The Pulse: Education’s Place for Debate and former Editor of Logo Exchange. He is a frequent conference presenter, workshop leader and keynote speaker at conferences across the USA, Canada, China, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, India, Switzerland, France, Bermuda, Costa Rica, South Africa, The Slovak Republic and Venezuela. Dr. Stager is an Associate of Thornburg Center and worked with Seymour Papert to create the Constructionist Learning Laboratory at the Maine Youth Center. Gary’s work with incarcerated youth in Maine was the subject of the PhD. dissertation from the University of Melbourne. Dr. Stager is also a member of the One Laptop Per Child Learning Team, a collaborator in the MIT Media Lab’s Future of Learning Group and the Executive Director of The Constructivist Consortium

Gary has a degree in elementary education and once studied to be a jazz musician. He has worked with public schools, private schools, gifted students, at-risk learners and homeschooling communities, Dr. Stager’s corporate clients have included: Disney, Microsoft, LEGO, Apple Computer, Compaq, Tom Snyder Productions, Universal Studios, Toshiba, Logo Computer Systems, Inc. and Claris. Converge Magazine named Gary Stager a “shaper of our future and inventor of our destiny.” He was a finalist for best columnist in the 2006 Association of Education Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards

Most recently, Gary was the new media producer for The Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmeri Project - Simpatíco, 2007 Grammy Award Winner for Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year. The album also won the a similar award from the Jazz Journalists Association

Go to www.stager.org for more information and materials written by Gary.


Gary Stager is a unique speaker who never fails to entertain, inform, and inspire. Gary’s offers a unique combination of intellect and wit that provokes conversation and smiles alike. He is a committed educator who comes to a conference ready to roll up his sleeves and work.

Gary can have audiences on their feet cheering at a keynote and a half hour later be fielding questions and presenting his latest ideas in a breakout session or at a conference reception. He is straight talking, fearless, and a visionary educational leader who ‘tells it as it is’. Gary’s presence has always brought our conference to another, higher, level.

- Pete Reilly, President of NYSCATE

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About John Stetson

According to Gary Stager, “John Stetson is the finest educator I’ve ever met and a tireless champion for powerless children.” For more than a decade, John Stetson has worked as a daily volunteer teacher, collaborator and advocate for incarcerated teenagers within Southern Maine’s juvenile prison. He worked side-by-side with Seymour Papert, Gary Stager and MIT’s David Cavallo during the creation and three year life of The Constructionist Learning Laboratory at the Maine Youth Center and continues working in the renamed facility nearly every day. In addition to teaching kids to build guitars, robots, telescopes and to fall in love with astronomy, Stetson has arranged for college courses to be offered to at-risk high school students and has spearheaded the creation of an instrumental music program in a facility where one would not have otherwise existed. John Stetson is a father of three and holds a Masters degree in educational technology from Pepperdine University.

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About Sylvia Martinez

Sylvia Martinez is a veteran of interactive entertainment and educational software industries, with over a decade of design and publishing experience. She is currently President of Generation YES. Prior to joining Generation YES, Sylvia oversaw product development, design and programming as Vice President of Development for Encore Software, a publisher of game and educational software on PC, Internet and console platforms. Sylvia was also involved in the company’s Internet initiatives, including Math.com, the award-winning web site that provides math help to students worldwide.

For seven previous years, Sylvia was an executive producer at Davidson & Associates/Knowledge Adventure, a leading educational software developer. She designed, developed and launched dozens of software titles including Math Blaster: Algebra, Math Blaster: Geometry and Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess. In addition, she was responsible for Educast - the first Internet service for teachers that provided teachers with free news, information and classroom resources.

Before Davidson & Associates, Martinez spent six years at Magnavox Research Labs, where she developed high-frequency receiver systems and navigation software for GPS satellites.

Sylvia has been a featured speaker at national education technology conferences in areas ranging from the use of the Internet in schools, Web 2.0 technologies, student leadership, project-based and inquiry-based learning with technology and gender issues in science, math, engineering and technology (STEM) education. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University , and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

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About Melinda Kolk

Melinda Kolk is the Deputry Director of The Constructivist Consortium, Director of Professional Development for Tech4Learning. and Editor-in-Chief of the Creative Educator magazine. She is the author of Teaching with Clay Animation and has had articles on student technology projects published in Virginia’s “VSTE Journal” and Australia’s “The Educational Technology Guide.” Melinda has made hundreds of presentations at educational technology conferences around the United States.

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