So Who Am I?

The realization of learning with technology requires skill, art, and wisdom.

I am the director of technology at the American School of Warsaw. I support, guide, and direct technology at a school with about 900 students and 100+ staff / teachers. I'm an open-source guy, I loath organizational stupidity, and I absolutely love teaching and learning.

I tend to lean towards a constructivist educational philosophy. I really don’t like how standardized tests are used in America.

I first realized I was a geek in the 6th grade. My 6th grade math teacher put me in front of a Texas Instruments 99A and 4 days later I was teaching the class how to program. I took off from there, enjoying a genuine curiosity with technology and computers. I have used 2400 baud modems, tape drives, and remember when we had to park hard disks. I absolutely love hacking around in OS X and Linux.

I have worked with kids and helped others my entire life. I love teaching, and watching a kid “get it” really lights me up. I am very interested in effective education, educational theory, assessment, and learning.

I deeply believe computers and technology can strengthen, deepen, and broaden our learning. I see my students spending more time evaluating and analyzing information rather than simple memorization and categorization. I see how my students can really extend their learning with technology.

My interest in computer games began in the heady days of Zork and Infocom, and has continued since. I still enjoy computer games, focusing on text-based multiplayer games (built on the PennMUSH server). Combining games in education has been a natural and fluid process. I am committed to “getting it right”, to use games to create lasting understandings across content areas and disciplines.

I am married to a wonderful and beautiful woman, Dagmara, and I am still trying to learn Polish.

I have many hobbies and interests. I love to hike, cook, read, and I am especially interested in military history. I occasionally smoke a pipe - perhaps once a month - and I find it to be a real treat. I enjoy shooting WW2 rifles. One of my dreams is to compete at Camp Perry in the M1 Garand shooting championship. I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, and I can't wait to introduce my daughter to camping.

Invite me to speak

I am an engaging and entertaining speaker. I bring insightful, common-sense, down-to-earth observations about technology and education. I tie current educational theory and research to "boots on the ground" experience to create helpful and practical presentations. For a list of my previous speaking engagements, press interviews, and awards, please look at the front page of my site. If you'd like to contact me, contact me

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