I have been playing around with augmented reality apps lately, seeing how they might be used for education and civic engagement. The field is still in its beginning stages, but we are already starting to see some interesting applications of AR. Of course, augmented reality applications have been around since the early 1990s. But it…
Category: Education
SMALLLab at MacArthur DML Conference: Games that Teach STEM Skills to Kids
One of the neatest exhibits I saw at the MacArthur Digital Media and Learning Conference this past week in Long Beach was a series of interactive learning games created by the SMALLLab group at Parsons. They have a bunch of neat simulations and games they created to teach various science, math and engineering principals…
Connecting Digital Learning Theory and Practice at MacArthur DML Conference
I'm currently in Long Beach, California for the MacArthur Foundation-sponsored Digital Media and Learning Conference. The DML is a three day gathering of about 500 academics, educators, nonprofits, techies, and funders focused on "fostering interdisciplinary and participatory dialog and linking theory, empirical study, policy, and practice." I.e. the event is intended to get folks who…
Thanks and Farewell to Global Kids
As a reader of this blog you know that in a few weeks I am moving back to my hometown in Bay Area California in order to be closer to my family and pursue other interests. After three years at the youth development nonprofit Global Kids, I thought it would be useful to recap how…
Christmas Giving 2010: Supporting Peace and Justice in Brooklyn, DC, and around the World
In these times, contributing to charities and causes is more difficult for many people, who often are struggling to make ends meet and worrying about the future. I'm more fortunate than many, in that I don't have to worry about how the rent is getting paid, putting food on the table or healthcare. (Well, at…
Global Kids’ Online Leadership Program is Hiring a Program Associate
The Online Leadership Program at Global Kids is looking for another program associate to add to our crack squad of educators and technologists. If you think you have what it takes to make a difference in the lives of marginalized teens using cutting edge tech and innovative pedagogical techniques, than you should apply. Global Kids…
Appeal from Our Teens to Support Global Kids
Here's some of our rockstar teen leaders urging folks to support my organization Global Kids. Please give whatever you are able to support our teens to be community activists, successful students and future leaders in the world. Thanks! [Link: Global Kids contribute page.]
Classic 8-bit Gaming Safe Sex PSA: Condoms Give You Extra Lives! (video)
I love this classic Super Marios Brothers-style PSA about safe sex practices created by the Leichestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership. Someone needs to make this game! So incredibly clever. [Hat tip to my colleague Sarah for the link!]
Global Kids Launches DC Programs with Gala Benefit
Last night, my group Global Kids threw a fancy to-do at the home of the French Ambassador to celebrate the launch of our new educational programs in Washington DC. Sadly I could not be in attendance to sample the delicious treats prepared by world-class chefs Daniel Boulud, Jose Andres and Michael Richard and others. Pictured…
How Ken Swift teaches improvisation and character in B-boying
I dropped in on Ken Swift's regular "breaking fundamentals" class that he has been running at PMT Studios for awhile now. It's always an enlightening experience, learning from one of the original innovators of this unique artform. Teaching breaking is enormously difficult, which I know from humbling personal experience. The dance demands so much from…