Learning Through Technology
Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom with Ed Tech: A Conversation with Gary Stager
August 14, 2024
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. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! Like what you’re hearing on the podcasts and want to dive deeper? Subscribe to our Newsletter here: https://stsed.com/podcast/

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:

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:

Other reads mentioned in the episode:
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