1. Navigating an Open Future Keynote to CTEA (Colorado Tech Ed Association) Brent G. Wilson 1 November 2007

2. How did you wind up a technology educator? Technology can transform learning Good blend of my technology and people skills Advocate for the student Like making things

3. Tech Ed has come a long way But it’s still about making things! And always will be

4. Key concerns Trends in education Keeping up with technology 21st century learner - evolving needs Best teaching practices Finding and keeping support

5. Trends in education & society NCLB - mandated accountability Open source - open resources Changing demographics Technology everywhere Information and service economy

6. 21st Century Learner More diversity, mobility Less support from home Open to technology Sense of entitlement - why should I learn this? Active users of technology

7. Global challenge - it’s a Flat World out there! One report (2004) - China graduates 2-3 times as many engineering and technical degrees College attrition for math/science majors: 50% People will have 3-6 careers in their lifetime Colorado paradox - strong IT, aerospace, biotech, energy - but homegrown grads lacking

8. Technology Literacy Another NCLB requirement - tech literacy by end of 8th grade Colorado’s approach - better than most State-wide definition and framework District choice of measures (at least for now) Standards include technology an engineering education Another opportunity for school leadership

9. The Electives Squeeze CSAP under-performing leads to… Doubled efforts in literacy, math, leads to… Reduced electives, including tech ed, leads to… A narrowed curriculum is not the answer to NCLB requirements! Dropouts and low test scores

10. Leaving out the learner No real voice Lack of Input No ownership Meaningful participation Unchallenged Real life is more interesting!

11. Videogame Envy Why can’t we make instruction as compelling as Halo ? Heard this before? It’s partly a red herring, and partly true.

12. Making things - antidote to boredom Technology Project-based pedagogy Design Science Learner Experience Creativity Real World Math Materials

13. Career and Tech Ed - on the move COMPETES Act - $43 billion New emphases: - New media - Engineering - Communication - Collaboration - Online tools - Community links

14. School Leaders - New Prestige Old days - ghettoized Nowadays - others are envious Potential for school-wide leadership Technology in service to the whole school

15. Experience Mediates Learning Experience Learning Plans

16. Lived experience Pacing Engagement Compelling Invitation Flow Challenge Heightened Awareness Suggestive, evocative

17. Constructed experience - rising to the story level What learning experience explains something about you? These can be transforming - shaping your sense of self; community membership; vocation

18. The Living Dead Our students are often in need of redemption!

19. Bringing the Dead Back to Life Aesthetic qualities - heightened experience, drama, challenge Mythic qualities - hero’s journey, ritual, symbols Surrender to the situation - beyond teacher/learner control

20. Good vs Great Design Everyone loves good design But NOT everyone loves GREAT design Don Norman, Emotional Design (2004)

21. Holistic Practice Theory AND Practice Research and Design Engineering and Art Psychology and Design Crafts Efficiency, impact, and quality experience

22. Fin Questions? Thank you!