Ideal for librarians and teachers, "Warren demystifies technology."
Who is Warren Buckleitner? Visit his Media Links page.
Warren’s Workshop and Speaking Options
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- Warren Buckleitner, Ph.D.
The Mediatech Story: How to create a community technology center from the ground up, on a shoestring.
250 word blurb: With new media comes amazing opportunities for the town library. At least that’s what we’ve been finding at the Flemington Free Public Library, located in the center of a small New Jersey Town of about 5000. With the help of our library trustees (of which I am one) we designed a special room around the challenges and opportunities of new media. It’s called Mediatech, and it just celebrated its five year anniversary. 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 downstairs, vs. upstairs. How the main part of the library uses technology, in a “traditional” setting. A discussion of the new library culture.
- New forms of literacy.
- Marketing new services to the town.
- 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.
- 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.
Keynote: Inside the Reviewers Notebook. Presenting The Dust and the Magic of 2012
As a professional reviewer, Warren Buckleitner swims in a sea of the latest educational games, gadgets and apps. Some are amazing, others are train wrecks. Can you tell the difference? The ability to make quick, accurate decisions when choosing the latest products can make a huge difference in your budget. In this session, Buckleitner will provide a crash course — including demonstrations and testers videos — in how he sorts between the dust and the magic.
Keynote: When Old Theory Meets New Technology
If BF Skinner called Jean Piaget on his iPhone, what do you think he’d say about learning and technology? There’s never been better time to dust off your learning theory in order to make sense out the latest surge of technology news rushing toward your ‘in’ box. In this humorous resurrection of educational ghosts, technology reviewer and educational psychologist Warren Buckleitner will demonstrate which technology products best support each theoretical framework, and help you create your own vision for the classroom of the future.
For Librarians
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 the read write web mean for early childhood educators? This is a workshop adapted specifically for early childhood settings (ages birth to 5 years). We’ll discuss room arrangement, the daily routine, and how to support the subject areas.
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.
Introduction to Scratch
Scratch – the programming language from MIT, is easy to learn. Teaching Scratch can be even easier, after you’ve completed this one hour workshop. a 1:2 computer/participant ratio is required.
The Best Apps for Kids
Pull your iPhone or iPod Touch and try out some of the latest Apps for children.
Make a Request
Contact Lisa DellaFave (lisa@childrenstech.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
“I didn’t really want to come today because I would’ve much rather been in my classroom. However, within minutes of the beginning, I began changing my mind and was hooked. 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
“Thank you for traveling to Michigan to share your expertise on interactive media. As a society we are fortunate that you have dedicated your time and talent to evaluate interactive media and advocate for universal access.” Laura Scott, Michigan Library Association
“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