Digtial Citizenship
Designing for the 21 Century Classroom
Flipping Your Classroom
Enhancing Intruction with Technology
Personalized Learning Through Gaming
Grade(s): 9 / 10 / 11 / 12
Keith O Sorensen
Director of Educational Technology in School District 211
847.755.6750
Ed.M. Harvard University - Administration, Planning and Social Policy
M.S.Ed. Northern Illinois University - Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
B.S. Ed. University of Illinois - Elementary Education
I have been working exclusively in the field of instructional technology/ classroom integration since 2004. Before that I was an elementary school teacher for ten years. Technology integration focuses on improving four areas: the quality of teacher instruction; the quality of instructional resources; the process of learning; and the quality of work created by each student.
The last two years have brought with them enormous changes in the field of educational technology. Mobile computing has completely changed our view of instruction; the cost of a netbook or tablet has dropped below $400; Internet costs have been cut in half; cell phones have become viable instructional tools; collaborative software and sites such as Google have changed the way we work and communicate; and gaming is finally being recognized as a legitimate learning tool. This convergence of great ideas and devices has made it possible to begin a one-to-one program in our school district. The first true pilot program involving over 1,000 students will begin in August of 2012. It is an exciting time to be working in the field of educational technology.
Bill Nye is a man with a mission: to foster a scientifically literate society by helping people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Nye has spent the past 20 years educating students young and old about science and understands the importance of keeping minds active after the last school bell rings. “Learning can happen anywhere and at anytime – the important thing is that it should never stop,” Nye said. “We’ve put together fun, free and easy activities that will make this the summer of learning versus the summer filled with the dreaded words ‘I’m bored.’ ” AN EARLY KNACK FOR HOW THINGS WORK Making science entertaining and accessible is something Bill has done most of his life. Growing up in Washington, D.C., he spent afternoons and summers de-mystifying math for his classmates. While working for Boeing in Seattle, Bill combined his love of science with his flair for comedy. After winning a Steve Martin look-alike contest, he became an engineer by day and a stand-up comic by night. Eventually, Bill made the transition to comedy writer and performer on Seattle’s home-grown ensemble comedy show “Almost Live.” This is where “Bill Nye the Science Guy®” was born. The 18-time Emmy Award-winning show appeared before Saturday Night Live and later on Comedy Central. During this time, he also wrote five kids’ books about science, including his latest title, “Bill Nye’s Great Big Book of Tiny Germs.” BROADENING HIS MISSION Bill’s passion for math and science translated into a love of space. His role as CEO of The Planetary Society, the world’s large space interest organization, has taken him across the globe. And one thing Bill is very proud of is the MarsDials, two sundials on residing on Mars he created with Cornell scientists. America’s favorite stand-up scientist hasn’t changed much from that kid growing up in Washington, DC. He still rides his bike to work. He’ll pull out his Periodic Table of the Elements from his wallet. And his drive for helping others understand science is as strong as ever.
