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
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
About Robert Tinker, Ph.D.
Bob Tinker has, for thirty years, pioneered research on innovative approaches to education that exploit technology. The initial development of probeware for learning based on real-time measurements was performed in his group. His team at TERC was the first to develop “network science” for dispersed science investigations. The initial result of this work was the National Geographic Society Kids Network, the first curriculum making extensive use of online student collaboration and data sharing.
Thirteen years ago he started the nonprofit Concord Consortium to concentrate on innovative applications of technology in education. The Consortium developed the Virtual High School and professional development based on online learning. Current work focuses on sophisticated simulations in science, probeware, and handhelds, and applications of these technologies to pressing educational issues. All these technologies are being integrated into portals that offer a glimpse of what inquiry-based education could look like in a few years.
Bob earned his Ph.D. in experimental low temperature physics from MIT and has taught college physics for ten years.
garystager on October 27th, 2008
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