Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom with Ed Tech: A Conversation with Gary Stager

Learning Through Technology

Technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. Integrating technology in classrooms has brought about significant changes, offering new opportunities and challenges for students and educators.

In this Learning Through Technology podcast episode, Alex and Bob connect with Gary Stager, Founder and CEO of Constructing Modern Knowledge, a summer institute for educators. Gary is one of the original pioneers of Ed Tech, and over his 30-year career, he has been a keynote speaker, journalist, teacher educator, consultant, professor, software developer, publisher, and school administrator. Gary believes that we learn by standing on the shoulders of giants. Let’s learn from this giant in Ed Tech.

Gary recounts his early involvement in 1-to-1 computing in Australia and his passion for using computers to enhance learning. He stresses the importance of empowering learners through technology, criticizing the trend of using tech for compliance rather than creativity. Gary calls for a shift in mindset towards fostering meaningful learning experiences and emphasizes the value of computational thinking. He advocates for simplicity in tech integration and shares insights on creating inspiring educational environments, urging teachers to embrace students' interests and promote a love of learning.

Here are the key touchpoints from the discussion:

• Introduction to Gary’s background in Ed Tech
• Gary's passion for Ed Tech and its origins
• Defining Ed Tech and clarifying its purpose
• Loss of creativity in teachers and reliance on technology
• Concerns about the current state of Ed Tech
• The future of Ed Tech and computational thinking
• Creating an environment for student engagement and bringing joy to learning
• Advice for new teachers
• The impact of caring teachers on students' lives

In addition to being a popular keynote speaker at some of the world’s most prestigious education conferences, Gary Stager is a journalist, teacher educator, consultant, professor, software developer, publisher, and school administrator. An elementary teacher by training, he has taught students from preschool through doctoral studies. In 1990, Dr. Stager led professional development in the world’s first laptop schools and played a major role in the early days of online education. Gary is the founder of Constructing Modern Knowledge, a summer institute for educators.

Dr. Stager is co-author of Invent To Learn—Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom, which Larry Magid of CBS and The San Jose Mercury News called the “bible of the maker movement in schools.” Invent To Learn has been translated into nine languages. Dr. Stager’s most recent book is Twenty Things to Do with a Computer Forward 50: Future Visions of Education Inspired by Seymour Papert and Cynthia Solomon’s Seminal Work.

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Gary’s Recommended Resources: https://professorgarystager.com/pod

Gary says we learn by standing on the shoulders of giants, so we must read what they have written:

• Being Digital by Nicholas Negroponte
• The Children's Machine: Rethinking School In The Age Of The Computer by Seymour Papert
• When Things Start to Think by Niel Gershenfeld
• The Second Self: Computers and The Human Spirit by Sherry Turkle
• Mindstorms: Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas, Chapter 7 by Seymour Papert
  

Other reads mentioned in the episode:

• "The Computer In The School, Tutor, Tool, Tutee" - CITE Journal
• Twenty Things to Do with a Computer Forward 50: Future Visions of Education Inspired by Seymour Papert and Cynthia Solomon’s Seminal Work by Gary Stager
• Basic Computer Games by David Ahl
  

Other Resources:

• Gary Stager on LinkedIn
• Gary Stager Website
• Resources for Educators Interested in the Work of Gary Stager
• Constructing Modern Knowledge Website
• Cymbal Press Website
• Alex Inman on LinkedIn
• Robert Cireddu on LinkedIn
• Educational Collaborators on LinkedIn
• EduTech Group Website
• STS Education Website
• STS Education Group on LinkedIn

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