From his earliest days as a middle school teacher, Brian embraced technology's vast potential in students' learning experiences. This interest eventually led to a job in New Orleans at Trinity Episcopal School as the Director of Technology. There, he led in the development of a growing technology program for seven years--the last of which was focused on sustaining ties within the school community during and in the months following Hurricane Katrina.
Eager to share his experiences as an educator, technology director, and parent, and keen on developing his thinking, Brian began engaging with schools nationally and internationally through his work as an education consultant and his development of a vast global learning community. In addition to his mentoring in various schools and districts, he also led keynotes and hands-on presentations in schools and at conferences across the United States, in Canada, in Europe, and in Asia. Some of these events include the Building Learning Communities Conference (BLC), the Cisco-sponsored Smithsonian American Art Museum Teacher Institute, the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators Conference (LACUE), the European League for Middle-Level Educators Conference (ELMLE), and Practical Pedagogies. He's also been a co-lecturer for an Executive Doctoral Program for K-12 School Administration at Seton Hall University.
While continuing to consult and present, Brian's focus is back at Trinity Episcopal School as its Learning Design Coordinator, where he collaborates with an adventurous team of educators who are currently reimagining and revisioning their deeply held beliefs about teaching and learning. This ongoing work will be supported through his 2018-19 fellowship opportunity with Leadership+Design.
Learn how to tap Google’s free online toolset and knock down the walls of your classroom, engage students and make connections in new and exciting ways. During this pre-conference session you will build robust learning solutions that you can immediately apply in your classroom. Develop a custom search engine based on your particular subject area or unit of study. Create an interactive map for your literature, history, math or science class. With these and other open-ended tools, the options are endless.
Internet Safety is an essential part of working with children and the Web, and yet many of us know very little about it. In this session you will learn many myths and conflicting messages we hear about online safety. You will also discuss the issues involved with building a code of ethics for your school and your students.
In today's globally connected society, geography is more important thn ever. Google Maps is a free tool that is easy enough to use with all ages. Even elementary grade students can dive in. You will learn to build a tour within Google Maps - complete with descriptions, links and images. Great for ANY subject area.
Today, the Internet offers us a wide variety of tools that can be used to enhance your current curriculum. From mapping software and communication tools to wikis and online photo management, your students can find ways of learning and presenting new information in fun and motivating ways. It may sound overwhelming, but in this session, learn how to effectively channel all of these resources together.