ISACS 2014 – NEW WAYS TO TEACH, NEW WAYS TO LEARN (Sylvia)

Sylvia will be making two featured presentations at the annual Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) conference. 

 1. Making the Case for “Making” in the Classroom

The Maker Movement is a revolutionary global collaboration of people learning to solve problems with modern tools and technology. Adults and children are combining new technologies and timeless craft traditions to create exciting projects and control their world. The implications are profound for schools and districts concerned with engaging students, maintaining relevance, and preparing children to solve problems unanticipated by the curriculum. The technological game-changers of 3D printing, physical computing and computer science require and fuel transformations in the learning environment. K-12 educators can adapt the powerful technology and “can do” maker ethos to revitalize learner-centered teaching and learning in all subject areas.

2. PBL Gets a “Make”-Over – Prompts, Scaffolding, and Assessment for the Maker Classroom

Of course students should have powerful hands-on project-based experiences in the classroom – but how does that happen? This session will explore how to design engaging prompts with helpful (but not TOO helpful) scaffolding. We will also discuss how to manage the project process when students are using cutting edge technology integrated with iterative design. Participants will learn about new research on assessment for projects and real classroom practices with students using modern technology and materials.