The Miller Institute
for Learning with Technology
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The Miller Institute
for Learning with Technology
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Sign your student up for 2007 Summer Workshops now!
The Classroom Technology Officers [CTO] program is a unique
opportunity for school students in middle school and above to acquire the skills of
Information Technology [IT] pros, including troubleshooting on
multiple platforms. 20 hours of hands-on activities illustrate
ways to help teachers and family with preventive maintenance and
problem resolution, on Windows and Mac computers, networks, and
printers. Students take apart a working computer and then put it
back together, learning to identify and properly handle each
component. In the Troubleshooting Game, teams insert faults into
computer systems, competing for best bug and fastest solution.
Besides specific skills, students learn general problem-solving
strategies and gain confidence.
No prior experience necessary.
For more details call 650-598-0105.
Why purchase a stock PC, when you can build a powerful, personal computer with more capability per dollar from components? Learn to identify the parts and properly handle delicate electronics. Understand how the parts interconnect to accomplish key functions: input, processing, storage, output. Computers include Intel P4 processors, advanced motherboards, substantial memory, ample disk space, Windows XP Pro, optical drives, speedy graphics cards, Firewire, and USB. Students own the finished computers, having acquired the skills to upgrade and maintain them over time. In addition to hardware skills similar to those required for A+ certification, learn to install operating systems with dual boot capabilities, and optionally learn a bit about Linux. For details, call 650-598-0105.
Current project parts and specifications (opens in new window).
Why settle for games and applications written by others, for others,
when you can write your own computer games or applications to do
precisely what you want? In this camp, students who are already
confident users of technology take the next leap by assembling a simple
"floor turtle" style robot and then writing their own
computer programs to control it. Examples from basic robotics programming help
illustrate powerful ideas such as variables, conditionals, iteration,
recursion, subprocedures, data structures, and algorithms.
Problem-solving and debugging skills learned in the computing context
generalize and can be applied in a wide variety of non-computer
settings.
Students use Apple's Garage Band, iMovie and other tools to produce their own music video.
Typically, students begin to be ready for this series of workshops by fifth grade, depending on prior access to technology at home and at school. Occasionally, students are ready by the time they enter fourth grade. However, the depth and breadth of the material varies depending on the venue and audience, so that the material remains challenging throughout high school as well as for adults who describe themselves as "technophobic." We have sometimes had entire families attend, and build a computer together, as well as having seniors working side-by-side with young adults and their younger siblings. The main pre-requisite is strong interest and a desire to learn new things. One way to manage the cost of the Parts Kits is to team up with a friend or family member, sharing a single finished computer or robot.
No. The primary prerequisite for participation is strong interest. In previous sessions, we found that prior academic achievement is not necessarily a predictor of technology success; but tech success tends to lead to increases in self-esteem and academic achievement, especially for formerly low achievers. We also found that girls and boys are equally likely to benefit from and enjoy the program, as are students of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
Students receive a Binder, including program outline, checklists, and other printed materials to assist them in their technology projects. The binders also include some basic tools such as emergency startup disks for various computer platforms, a small flashlight, etc. Students completing the program also receive a certificate of completion, indicating the skills they have mastered, and a CTO membership card. Build a Computer participants who purchase parts walk away with a powerful computer! Program a Robot participants keep their robot! Most importantly, all receive 20 hours of FUN, hands-on instruction, and authentic, practical experience, taught by the same folks who help design and support the computer networks at many local schools. During the next academic year, our graduates attending local schools are often offered additional opportunities to extend their expertise, such as by helping out with technology projects around their own school and by eligibility for special field trips, such as Intel, The Tech Museum, and MacWorld.
The lead instructor is Mark L. Miller, Ph.D., founder of the program
and Principal Investigator on the original Kellogg Foundation grant.
Miller is President and Executive Director of The Miller Institute
for Learning with Technology (learningtech.org). He earned his Ph.D.
in Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(1979), specializing in models of human thinking and learning, with
applications to education, contributing to such innovations as the
LOGO programming language. Miller has nearly three decades of industry
experience, and teaches technology courses part-time at local schools
and community colleges. Mark’s workshops always receive outstanding
reviews.
Mr. Loren Parkhurst of MicroLAN Consultants adds significant expertise on the Intel platform and Microsoft Windows.
Ms. Nancy Gutgsell, the Computer Lab Teacher at Central Middle School, and an instrumental contributor to the CTO program since its inception, helps to ensure that CTO instruction emphasizes tasks likely to occur in the classroom or school computer lab setting.
Ms. Alice Miller, CANEC Region 4 Coordinator, former charter school business manager, experienced school technology coordinator, and CFO of The Miller Institute, adds years of experience dealing with the realities of middle and high school student education.
Greg Miller, a graduate of the first CTO program and part-time intern for The Miller Institute, brings a student perspective and serves as a great role model for younger students entering the program. Greg will be entering his junior year at UC Santa Cruz in the Fall.
Robert Olague, a graduate of the first CTO program and part-time intern for The Miller Institute. Robert will be entering his junior year at USC in the Fall.
All adult staff have passed TB screenings and have had finger prints and background checks performed at the San Mateo County Office of Education.At least two adult instructors are present at all times.
All instruction is in English. However, if more than a few Spanish-speaking students enroll in a given workshop, an Interpreter (who is not one of the technology instructors) can be available to assist during most sessions. Our usual Interpreter is a native English speaker, who is fluent in Spanish, and has spent a year studying in Spain. There is no ability, at this time, to assist ELL students whose native language is other than English or Spanish.
... your program had a PROFOUND impact on (name-of-student)....he's so proud of himself ... he's now talking about computer jobs ... asked his teacher to invite the Cañada College pre-engineering program to ... do a presentation ...-- Cathy Lipe, K-12 Education Program Manager, Hewlett Packard
I was truly impressed by the ... students. Your Kellogg program sounds like it could be an eventual solution to some of the tech support needed by schools. More importantly, the students are the ones who ultimately benefit. Just listening to the kids as I drove them to and from, their self worth jumped significantly during the week... -- Joe Becerra, former Director of Technology and Media Services, SMCOE
... you will be happy to know that (name-of-student) is blossoming.... He has been on the honor roll for two terms, received an academic accolade, was awarded the coach's award in soccer, is skiing on the varsity ski team and has been selected for the tech team.... (He) is just thriving in every way. What a change from the (low grades he had) struggled to achieve for 3 years running.... You're fabulous!! -- Margaret C., Parent
Detailed information and signup sheet can be found here:
Registration and Payment Information
Information about our summer workshop program is available online (http://www.learningtech.org/services/cto/), by telephone (650-598-0105), and via email (cto@learningtech.org). Unsure if our programs are right for your daughter or son? Give us a call! Or ask a student who attended in previous years how much they enjoyed it!