Technology within a Waldorf context - a Symposium

From WikEd

The Digital Dilemma: Evaluating the Use of Technology in the Classroom

February 11 and 12, 2005 • Rudolf Steiner School in New York City

Keynote Speaker: Todd Oppenheimer

Summary of the symposium

Does the use of computer technology in classrooms help or hinder the goals of education? One of the goals is the development of imagination and insight, integral to thinking. Research has shown that the human capacities of imagination and insight are crucial not only for an individual’s success, but for an individual’s well-being and the health of the society. From that perspective, what effect does the use of computers as an educational tool have? Is it merely useful, effective, and “neutral,�? such as a paintbrush or pencil, or does its use foster values that are detrimental to the goals of education?

Educators and researchers will present their views on how computer technology may advance or impede the goals of education. They will address a variety of perspectives on how and when computer technology can be used appropriately in the high school classroom, both to further the development of healthy thinking and to allow students to experience what is becoming an essential medium of the arts, the sciences, and communication.

The keynote speaker will be Todd Oppenheimer, author of The Flickering Mind: The False Promise of Technology in the Classroom and How Learning Can be Saved. The symposium will also include a panel discussion moderated by Todd Oppenheimer, presentations, and workshops on traditional and digital arts within the Waldorf High School Curriculum.

Speakers

The theme of evaluating the use of technology grew out of the recognition that educators (I include parents) face a dilemma -- to use or not to use. At every step more questions appear. This conference is not to give answers, but to provide a forum for the many, many questions and to give a framework for answering them ourselves.

The "mainstream" educators in the audience may learn from Waldorf's thoughtful approach -- the emphasis on a teacher's refined observation and the development of healthy thinking. Waldorf educators will appreciate Tina Blythe, of Teaching for Understanding and lately of Harvard's Project Zero, and they will gain insight from how others have developed their use of technology in the classroom.

Todd Oppenheimer is a key figure in this because of his insights into the broader questions that face education, as well as his breadth of knowledge of schools and individuals who have been facing these questions. His book, The Flickering Mind is highly recommended.

In addition, here is a list of panelists and workshop leaders so far:

Lowell Monke of Alliance for Childhood
Cedar Oliver, Digital Arts Teacher at High Mowing Waldorf School
Bryan Whittle, Science and Math teacher of the Saratoga Springs Waldorf School
Michael Howard, sculptor, formerly of Sunbridge College, author of Educating the Will
Vasilica Vascu, middle school and high school Eurythmy teacher at Garden City Waldorf School