Warren's Biography and Writing Samples
Brief bio: Warren Buckleitner, Ph.D. established Children's Technology Review following 10 years of research at the High/Scope Educational Research Foundation. In 1995, he was awarded the SIIA's Codie Award for "Best Software Reviewer," the only journalist to ever receive a Codie award. From 1997-2003 he coordinated the Bologna New Media Prize, a global award program for children's interactive media. He is an former advisor to Consumer Reports WebWatch and has taught at elementary and college levels. He is also a regular contributor to the New York Times.
Dr. Buckleitner has a rare blend of experiences -- as a technology expert who is also a parent, reviewer, former classroom teacher, teacher trainer, college instructor and Library Trustee.
He holds a BS in Elementary Education (cum laude) from Central Michigan University, an MS in human development (Pacific Oaks College) and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Michigan State University.
He is also the founder of the Dust or Magic Institute on Children's Interactive Media and the Mediatech Foundation, a community technology center located in Flemington, NJ.
"I enjoyed your presentation and got some
great ideas. I felt that you made the idea of using
technology not so scary for those of us who don't use
it."
Tricia Pierce
dd
Workshops and Keynotes by Warren Buckleitner
I enjoy speaking to groups, especially educators and librarians, about topics related to children and technology as long as there are no conflicts of interest. When done as a keynote address, these talks can frame large issues and set the stage for a rich conversation about children and learning.
For Educators
Keynote: Exploiting the Power of Educational Technology, With Examples
These types of talks are common these days— an expert at a podium telling a group of hyper-busy educators they need to "get on the bandwagon." So what's different about this one? I take things a step further, by grounding the tired topic in real, commercially viable examples. As a reviewer, I test many of these state of the art products personally. This show-and-tell, combined with videos of real kids and products you can use tomorrow, are mixed into a framework of familiar learning theory.
350 word blurb: If you could dial a time machine back to 1958, B.F. Skinner would be putting the final touches on his Teaching Machine. Skinner predicted this device would fundamentally change classroom practice. Exactly 50 years later, iPod Touches and Google can bring any map, fact or educational game in front of students. Has Skinner's dream come true? What do all these technologies mean for the business of schooling? Nobody can actually predict the future, but when you look at commercial products as the individual “dots,” and apply the lens of a standard curriculum, a more a realistic vision for the future of schooling begins to crystallize. In his talk, Buckleitner will show how the technology-driven educational changes predicted by Skinner and others are starting to happen and offers hints of what the classroom of 2050 might look like. This talk will inspire educators of all levels to think broadly about technology, both in and out of school.
Here's a keynote I did for Michigan Virtual University (this BlipTV version has been edited for length -- you can see the full version at http://www.mivu.org/symposium).
For Librarians and Library Directors
Essential Electronic Services for Youth
With new media comes new opportunities for the town library. We've learned that first hand, in the Flemington Free Public Library, located in the center of a small New Jersey Town (pop. 5000). With the help of our library trustees (of which I am one) we designed a special room -- from the ground up -- around the challenges and opportunities of new media. It’s called Mediatech, and it just celebrated five years of free public service. Nuts and Bolts topics include how to circulate video games, how to manage noise, and how to sell the community on the idea. Come and learn from our mistakes and victories from this story that has changed many lives (including mine).
If you build it, they will come. Then what?
- Changes in culture -- downstairs, vs. upstairs. How the main part of the library uses technology, in a “traditional” setting.
- New forms of literacy. Why the library needs to provide access.
- Marketing unconventional services to your community.
- How to build a collection the old fashioned way... By donations.
- Choosing games for circulation. Which work, which don’t and why.
- Age specific challenges — from toddlers to seniors.
- The latest game systems. Which work best in public settings? What are some of the key issues you need to consider?
- More game console issues. Setting up passwords and parental controls, keeping track of wireless controllers.
- Controlling the din.
- Circulating hardware (cameras, PSP, DS, GBAs, Leapsters, Didj, Vsmiles)
- Forming clubs (the Serious Game Testers Club), digital photography club, editing movies, and so on
- Other services (video editing, file transfers, refurbishing old computers for local families)
- Keeping children safe
- Managing theft
- Bringing out your inner social worker
- Macs vs. Windows; Linux vs. Windows
- If you need a filter, you’re already in trouble.
- Ten ways to minimize trouble before it happens.
- How to make a Mediatech: clearing the political brush, forming a board, working with the local government, raising money and a million other questions you might have.
100 Best Video Games for Public Libraries —Collections
We'll go through the various genres of video games (multi-player, adventure, handheld, music and so on) and talk about strengths and weaknesses of each. Next, we'll discuss some of the issues related to circulating video games. Finally, we'll go through a list of the top 100 games based on circulation criteria, based on CTR reviews.
The Children's e-Book, Revisited.
Children’s E-Books have been around now for over 15 years. It is easy to remember such classics as "The Living Books" (Just Grandma and Me, Broderbund) and the multiple CD-ROM Discus series. More recently, children's literature has shaped electronic media, in the form of story-based video games (see Where the Wild Things Are, from Warner Bros. Entertainment) and specially coded printed pages (see Tag Reader, Leapfrog). Finally, mono-touch and multi-touch screens hold great potential for delivering children’s stories (see Duck Duck Moose apps, in Apple App store). In this session, we'll explore the past, present and future of electronic children's books, and think about the possibilities of future hardware configurations. Participants will leave with better knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of each platform.
Other Workshop Topics
These can make good breakout sessions.
Technology Enhanced Settings for Early Childhood Education
What does Web 2.0 mean for early childhood educators? This is a workshop adapted specifically for early childhood settings (ages birth to 5 years).
Child Development 101 for the Designers of Children's Interactive Media
How to design interactive media that works. This is a talk designed specifically for graduate programs in interactive design.
Logistics,
Prices and
Details
Materials Needed: A good quality VGA projection system (for a MacBook) and sound system for the computer.
Request
a Workshop
Please contact me directly (warren @ childrenssoftware.com) for prices, dates and details.
1-800-993-9499 (phone)
1-908-284-0404 (phone)
1-908-284-0405 (fax)
Or by mail to:
Active Learning Associates, Inc.
120 Main Street
Flemington, NJ 08822
"Thanks for making the day fun (and funny). You eased a lot of boredom and I'm just not talking about myself. The information you presented was very helpful to me and my classroom. I got lots of great ideas for integrating technology. Thanks"... Sandie
"I enjoyed your ideas of application in the classroom. You were very personable and knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed your enthusiasm toward children and that you have actually been in the classroom." Susan Montagne
"Thank you for putting ideas into my head! I have always wanted to implement slide shows, etc. into my school year and until now I had no idea it could be so easy. I can't wait to install some of these programs both at home and school. I think my own children will love movie making, etc. Thank you!"
"I enjoyed the workshop-- You obviously know
pre-K and the way you taught us mirrors your teaching
skills."
Candie Wright
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