Brent Loken

Brent Loken - Innovative Educator and Change Agent

'If we value independence, if we are disturbed by the growing conformity of knowledge, of values, of attitudes, which our present system induces, then we may wish to set up conditions of learning which make for uniqueness, for self-direction, and for self-initiated learning.'

Carl Rogers

Workshops

1. A Digital Exploration of Non-Linear Functions in Algebra-NCTM National Conference 2007

This hands-on workshop will introduce teachers to a new way of engaging students in the discovery of non-linear functions. Participants will learn how to design a GSP document that provides this framework. This will include learning how to use digital video, Logger-Pro and GSP.

-Bob in Motionland Video

-Additional GSP Documents that we didn't have time to discuss

If there is anything else just let me know and I'll try and post it.

2. Designing a Digital Expeditionary Based Classroom-NSTA National Conference 2007

Engaging students in an academically rigorous study of the nature of science while maintaining their interest can be a challenge for educators. Learning how to design a thoughtful and meaningful unit is essential to promote student understanding. One way to accomplish this task is to design an extended investigation using technology, which allows students to create a digital portfolio of their work. During this workshop, I will lead teachers through the steps needed to successfully design their own expedition. This will involve giving participants an example of a recent expedition used in my Physics classroom, exploring the research on effective use of technology and allowing them time to work with various technologies (Logger Pro, Digital Video, Vernier Probes, GSP, Graphing Calculators and Flash) needed to produce this digital portfolio. The emphasis of this course is not only to show teachers how to integrate these technologies but also how to design expeditions with the ultimate goal of students sharing and defending their portfolios to a large audience. During this course, I will also emphasize how to use the NSES standards as the foundation in designing expeditionary units.

-PowerPoint

-Help Videos- Make sure to scroll down to the bottem for NSTA Help Videos

-Digital Portfolio Physics Example

-Digital Portfolio Math Example

-Digital Portfolio Integrated Example

3. Designing a Digital Expeditionary Classroom-Exeter Math, Science and Technolgoy Conference 2007

Digital expeditionary classrooms pursue long-term intellectual investigations built around significant projects and performances. Participants will successfully design their own expeditions. This will involve showing student examples, exploring research on effective use of technology, and allowing time to work with various technologies (Logger Pro, digital video, probes, GSP, graphing calculators, flash, blogs and WIKI’s). Participants will leave the course with fresh ideas and the tools necessary to use expeditions in their classrooms.