The best way to predict the future is to invent it - Alan Kay

My primary interests include computer programming and constructionist learning, and most of my recent activities have focused upon the development of youth-oriented environments and learner-centered design activities that promote foundational computational literacies and systems thinking. I've worked with youth of all ages and with a variety of learning technologies such as Alice, Game Maker, Greenfoot, Scratch, Starlogo and Robocode in both formal and informal learning spaces, and have written and spoken extensively on the subject of constructionist approaches to learning in after-school settings, libraries, technology centers, and online communities.

For the past few years I've managed a not-for-profit educational program, Game Maker Academy, that partners with schools and libraries to offer informal game design, robotics and digital storytelling activities as a means of nurturing media literacy and programming skills among youth from about the 5th through 12th grade. I also facilitate a game design club composed of teens in Chicago's north shore area who meet on a monthly basis to discuss and collaborate on digital design projects. This group has given shape to a very active hacker space in the tradition of the People's Computer Center and the Homebrew Computer Club. Most of the club's older teen members facilitate Game Maker Academy workshops during the summer months.

Upcoming Classes/Presentations

Illinois Library Association (October 2011)

Rhode Island Library Association (June 2011)

Robocode Chicago 2011 (June 18 - July 30)

Robocode Chicago is a series of workshops and competitions designed to introduce Java to the novice programmer. Participants will design a virtual robot for individual and team-oriented battlebots competitions to be held at an all-day event on July 30.

Park Ridge Public Library (April 26 - May 6)

Starlogo TNG
Learn to create 3D games and stories using Starlogo TNG from MIT's Media Lab and Scheller Teacher Education Program.

Intel Computer Clubhouse (May 21)

International Scratch Day
Scratch Day is a worldwide network of gatherings, where people come together to meet other Scratchers, share projects and experiences, and learn more about Scratch. Scratch Day 2011

Northwestern University (Fall 2010; Winter 2011; Spring 2011)

Center for Talent Development:

COMPUTER GAMING ACADEMY I (CTD-SEPP11-F-22)
An Intro to Java programming course. Syllabus and class web page to be posted in September 2011. (2 concurrent sessions offered; see Fall course listings) No prerequisite. This course is offered throughout the academic year. The advanced course, Computer Gaming Academy II, is offered during the Winter and Spring sessions. Text: Kolling, Michael. Introduction to Programming in Greenfoot (plus handouts).

INTERACTIVE WEB DESIGN WITH PHP & MYSQL (Honors Elective) (CTD-DELE10-1-211)
This course involves elements of programming, graphic design, media editing and information management. Learn to use the web tools behind most blogs, wikis, online chats, shopping and social networking web sites! Soon you’ll be creating your own version of the next big web trend!. High school credit: 1 semester. Prerequisites include experience with HTML and related editing software.Text(s): PHP 6 and MySQL 5 for Dynamic Websites by Larry Ullman; Building Social Web Applications by Gavin Bell.

3D ANIMATION IN JAVA (Honors Elective) (CTD-DELE10-1-209)
Students in this course learn how to use the latest Java graphics and programming techniques to make new and complex entertaining games. From simple, but fast, full-action games to multiplayer 3D games, students further investigate the computational literacies in this widely-used standard computer programming language. High school credit: 1 semester. Prerequisite: Computer Gaming Academy II or Introduction to Computer Programming in Python at CTD. Text: Killer Game Programming in Java by Andrew Davison.

I also teach the following distance courses during the academic year:

• Computer Gaming Academy I (CTD-DELE10-1-123) (For grades 4-6, an enrichment course that introduces object-orientation and foundational data structures using Game Maker, not to be confused with the on-campus Java course) Text: The Game Maker's Apprentice by Jacob Habgood and Mark Overmars.
• Computer Gaming Academy II (CTD-DELE10-1-124) (The followup course to Computer Gaming Academy I)
• Web Design (CTD-DELE10-1-122) (For grades 4-6, an introductory HTML course.) Text: HTML in Easy Steps by Mike McGrath (plus handouts).