Powerful Ideas for Global Learning and Leadership in the 21st Century

IDIT HAREL CAPERTON, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Dr. Caperton is a pioneer in using new-media technology for creative learning, innovation, and globalization through constructionist learning theory. She founded the World Wide Workshop in 2004 to leverage her unique blend of award-winning research, business acumen, and leadership in new-media learning projects around the world. Most recently, the foundation launched Globaloria to invent ways of using social networking and Web 2.0 tools to teach game-making and project-based learning to youth worldwide. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Caperton conducted breakthrough research at the MIT Media Lab that led to publishing the book Constructionism with Seymour Papert. Her book Children Designers received the 1991 Outstanding Book Award by the American Education Research Association. In 1995, she founded MaMaMedia and launched MaMaMedia.com, ConnectedFamily.com, and Papert.org. Pioneering kids Internet media, MaMaMedia established global distribution and advertizing partnerships, and won numerous honors, including: the Computerworld-Smithsonian Award (1999), the Internet industry's coveted Global Information Infrastructure Award (1999), and the 21st-Century Achievement Award from the Computerworld Honors Program (2002). In 2002, she was honored by the Network of Educators in Science and Technology and MIT "for devotion, innovation, and imagination in science and technology on behalf of children and youth around the world." Selected MaMaMedia activities were recently re-programmed for OLPC. Idit holds degrees from Tel Aviv University (BA, 1982), Harvard University (EdM 1984; CAS 1985), and MIT Media Lab (PhD, 1988). Print Resume

SHANNON SULLIVAN: DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

As Director of Programs, Shannon Sullivan launched the Globaloria program and its first network, MyGlobalLife.org, in 2006. She continues to expand this network and develop new web-based learning programs for the foundation, including MyScienceLife.org, MyHealthLife.org, and MaMaMedia/OLPC - a joint venture with One Laptop Per Child Association. As executive producer, Shannon defines the content offerings and learning materials for these open-source programs, sets the editorial tone, and leads the production team. For 15 years, Shannon has been a director, producer, writer, and editor of innovative multimedia programs that entertain, educate and inspire action. She has worked for MTV, MaMaMedia, Knowledge Adventure, Davidson and Associates, and Barry Howard Interpretive Design. Her body of work includes online communities, websites, videogames, creativity tools, interactive learning programs, broadband video shows, CD-ROMs, mobile phone applications, print products, and museum exhibits. She holds a MEd in instructional technology from the University of Virginia, and a BA in journalism and history from the University of Southern California.

AMBER OLIVER: DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS AND OPERATIONS

As Director of Partnerships and Operations, Amber is responsible for identifying and managing in-country partnerships with youth associations, local experts and institutions. She makes initial contact and provides primary support to new participant countries and communities. She also focuses on scaling up the use of Globaloria networks within and between countries in order to develop and nurture a vibrant and sustainable global social network. Amber comes to the program from UNICEF, where she managed the organization's interactive youth portal, Voices of Youth. During her 13+ year career in international development, she has also worked for the United Nations, The World Bank, and for organizations in Bangladesh, India, Senegal and other developing nations. She holds a master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a BA from Brown University.

DAVID LOWENSTEIN: STATE DIRECTOR, GLOBALORIA WEST VIRGINIA

As state director of Globaloria West Virginia, David Lowenstein manages and leads the Globaloria program's operations throughout the state. His responsibilities include providing ongoing support and communication to educators, partners, funders, and government leaders to ensure the success and growth of the program in all current and future participating schools.
Prior to becoming state director of Globaloria West Virginia, Lowenstein was a founding member of the production team for E-Line Venture's "Talkers & Doers," a free-to-play, social impact, browser-based game currently in development. Previously, David was selected as a National Urban Fellow by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop to help drive policy, fundraising, and public engagement efforts. While at the Cooney Center, Lowenstein also co-authored a policy brief that was released in June of 2009 entitled "Game Changer: Investing in Digital Play to Advance Children's Learning and Health." David's work experience also includes serving as executive vice president of Education Online Services Corp, managing director of the Minority Media & Telecommunications Council, director of programs for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, and manager of technology programs and policy for the National Urban League. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from James Madison University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College's School of Public Affairs.

MEREDITH BATTJER: WIKI AND WEBMASTER

As Worldwide Workshop's Technology Manager and Wiki/Webmaster, Meredith Battjer is responsible for the organization's online presence. Born and raised in Cleveland, she moved to Connecticut to attend Wesleyan University. A major in French piqued her interest in West Africa, where she spent her junior year abroad. After graduating in 2002, she moved to New York City and began working in the nonprofit field. She has written for, designed, and managed several non-profit websites. While earning her Masters Degree at New York University's Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), she worked for MTV/Nickelodeon’s teen network, The N (now TeenNick). She is excited by the possibilities of Flash as a tool for storytelling, gameplay and learning.

RACHEL ROSENFELT: ASSISTANT PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

As the Assistant Programs Coordinator, Rachel offers wide ranging support to the Foundation, helping to manage, enhance and expand its various programs. She coordinates the Globaloria Civics Track in West Virginia, acts as a mentor to educators and students as they learn civics by making web games, and leads the program evaluation and report writing. Rachel is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University, where her experience as a social activist led her to discover the power of Web2.0 to organize, reach out, and generate discussion about progressive issues. Rachel's interest in social media as a field of research as well as her hands-on experience with a variety of internet technologies has shaped her belief in the power of modern technology achieve positive social and political change globally.

REBECCA REYNOLDS: GLOBALORIA RESEARCH PARTNER, AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH

Dr. Rebecca Reynolds has been collaborating with Dr. Idit Harel Caperton on the development of the Foundation's overall program of research for Globaloria, and has helped to establish methodology for measuring the success and impact of the program. The pilot research she has contributed has resulted in a series of Foundation Research Reports, and several paper acceptances to conferences including AERA and WikiSym. She continues to work on publishing the program results in peer-review journals, and data collection, analysis and reporting. Rebecca was awarded a fellowship from AERA and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to work on federally-funded educational technology initiatives with AIR, and now consults with the Foundation from Washington, DC. She received her PhD in mass communications as a Doctoral Fellow at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University in 2008, focusing on children's use of technology for learning, with Dr. Harel Caperton as her advisor. Her prior professional experience includes key roles in product management and interactive marketing for Pearson's Family Education Network, ZDNet Ziff Davis, Peoplestreet, and TechTarget. She holds a BA in sociology from Tufts University, and MA in media studies from the Newhouse School, Syracuse.

BRIAN JUDY: SENIOR FLASH DEVELOPER, INSTRUCTOR, CURRICULUM DEVELOPER

As Senior Flash Developer, Brian created an original application called Sound Toy and donated it to Globaloria. He continues to contribute to the program by updating and donating other activities in Flash. As Curriculum Developer, Brian creates, expands and improves custom tutorials and learning content for the MyGLife, MYSLife and MyHLife networks. He also leads online problem-solving sessions with Globaloria participants via web conference. Brian owns his own Web Design and Development company, Red Aphid. As a visiting faculty at American University in Washington DC, Brian is implementing a pilot of Globaloria in his "Introduction to Gaming" course and assessing how it can be used at the university level. He has 20 years experience in computer development, website development and design for companies such as AOL, Sierra Online and Viacom Interactive. He holds an MFA in Art and Technology from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.

ERNESTO SANTOS: INFORMATION/DATABASE ARCHITECT, LEAD WEB DEVELOPER

As Information/Database Architect, Ernesto developed the site framework and back-end systems to support the Globaloria 'starter kit' website in English and a wide variety of other languages. He also authored a set of administrative tools for the site. As Lead Web Developer, he wrote the HTML templates for both the front and back-end web pages, and provides technical support for Wiki issues. Ernesto also wrote Globaloria's HTML tutorials. Ernesto has taught Flash and Internet Design classes at Brooklyn College, and has worked for Scholastic Software and Bear Stearns. He co-founded an Internet startup, Monkeydreams LLC, in the late 1990s. He holds a BA in Philosophy and Art from Brooklyn College.

JEFFREY GRAY: WEBSITE AND WIKI DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Jeffrey Gray is an award-winning musician and a former full-time employee of World Wide Workshop. He has developed databases for many clients, including Banco Popular and Loeb Partners. He has created promotional materials for Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Bear Stearns.

 

 

 

RICHARD GOEHL: ART DIRECTOR AND LEAD DESIGNER

As Art Director and Lead Illustrator/Designer for Globaloria, Rich is responsible for establishing a design direction that visually conveys the mission of the Globaloria program to world audiences with little or no text. He was the Lead Designer for the MyGLife.org website, establishing the overall style of the site and creating design assets for all activities. Rich has more than 12 years of professional experience as an illustrator, designer and fine artist. He holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design.

ITAY OPHIR: PRODUCT MANAGER

Itay supports production needs of Foundation projects. Itay has extensive experience in designing and managing technical projects and computerized learning projects; He worked as a Project Manager at Microsoft in Israel, and for 10+ years has specialized in educational software development of computerized learning environments. He has recently completed a Masters of Education program at Tel Aviv University in Technologies and Computers - specifically focusing on Education and Curriculum planning.

LEE KRAUS: ADVISOR, GLOBALORIA WEST VIRGINIA

Dr. Kraus was the Program Manager of the state-wide implementation of Globaloria in West Virginia During January-October 2008. He worked with the WV educators to ensure their ongoing development and success and growth of the program in all participating schools. Dr. Kraus has 14 years of experience in conceptualizing and developing instructional technology.
His professional experience includes positions in higher education, state government administration, and as founder and president of an e-learning company. As senior vice president of the Information Research Corporation
(IRC) for 7 years he was responsible for oversight of the design, development, and implementation of various e-learning solutions. He has served as principal investigator on two Small Business Innovative Research
(SBIR) programs and has played key roles in the creation of web-based training programs in the non-profit and government sectors. He has conducted research on the effects of instructional technology on knowledge acquisition, attitudes, and knowledge application. Lee Kraus holds an education degree from Glenville State College and an EdD in instructional technology from West Virginia University.

MAITREYI DOSHI: SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

As Special Projects Coordinator, Maitreyi works closely to ensure the smooth functioning and successful statewide implementation of the Globaloria West Virginia program. She is based at the Center for Professional Development in Charleston, WV. Maitreyi brings the unique perspective of a youth who was empowered by opportunities to combine social activism, technology and the arts in her career, studies and personal pursuits. She is deeply passionate about non-profit branding and social marketing. She holds a BA in Graphic Design, Studio Art and Political Science from Concord University and a Masters in Community Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). As a teenager in India, Maitreyi was a delegate at Junior Summit '98, hosted by the MIT Media Lab, and a core member of Nation 1. She also volunteered with TakingITGlobal and iEARN

AMU PTAH: PARTNERSHIPS

Consultant Amu Ptah has worked with not-for-profit organizations committed to progressive social change, empowerment and advancing community health for nearly 15 years as an educator, community organizer and advocate. In 2003 Amu launched an independent consulting firm providing program and organizational development support and guidance to organizations in the New York City metro area including the Drum Major Policy Institute, the Research Center for Leadership in Action at New York University, the Ms.
Foundation for Women and the Opportunity Agenda. Amu is an experienced and successful trainer, facilitator and public speaker who brings to the World Wide Workshop a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and solid grounding in building and managing coalitions and strategic alliances as the Manager of Partnerships. Amu received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from Bard College in 1994 and will earn her Masters of Arts in Political Science from the Graduate Faculty at the New School for Social Research in 2008. Amu is a native New Yorker living in Montclair, New Jersey with her son.

RIM NOUR: PROJECT COORDINATOR

As Project Coordinator, Rim helps the team develop, implement, test, improve and expand its programs and curricula. Prior to joining the World Wide Workshop Foundation, Rim interned at the World Bank in the policy division of the Department of Information and Communications Technologies and most recently completed the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. Rim holds a BSc in Computer Science Engineering from Manouba University (Tunis, Tunisia) and a Master of Public Administration in Economic Policy Management from Columbia University.

TERRENCE GRANNUM: PRODUCER, LEAD WIKI DEVELOPER

As a Producer, Terrence wrote and conceptualized specific content offerings for the MyGLife website and Wiki, including activities, tutorials and support pages. He worked closely with Design and Programming leads to develop and test site functionalities. In 2006, he also led sessions at the pilot workshop in Israel. As Globaloria's first Wiki Developer, he set up the Wikis added new features and helped program participants learn to use them. Terrence has been an internet design and programming consultant for over seven years. He holds a BA in International Relations, Economics and French from Lehigh University.

JAMES BOHON

A high school junior at Randolph Technical Center in Elkins, WV, James participated in the first year long pilot of Globaloria in West Virginia. He is continuing to work on original games in the Globaloria program this Fall. He has also joined the World Wide Workshop Foundation team as an intern. In that role James is contributing to the MyGLife curriculum, supporting educators and mentoring other Globaloria students at his school and across West Virginia.

STEWARD DEERING

Steward is a student Marshall Community and Technical College, where he studies Information Technology. An intern with WWW since February 2008, he has been creating game tutorials, concepts, and ideas or helping to teach RTC students game design and flash programming. Outside of school, work and his internship, he spends time in Huntington, WV, with his wife and daughter.

REBECCA DISTLER

A first-time intern, Rebecca graduated from Columbia Prep in New York City in 2008. She plans to attend Yale in the fall, looking to major in Psychology or English. Through Columbia Prep's Science Research Program, she spent three years studying serotonin receptors in relation to clinical depression and designing an independent protocol for determining the prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in a population of New York City adolescents. She has been dancing ballet for almost 14 years, performing with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater and the Warwick Ballet Theater.

JADRY GRUEN

As an intern at the WWWF, Jadry Gruen has helped to analyze and code several of the West Virginia wiki pages, write newsletters, create a Globaloria facebook group, and worked on various other projects that facilitate the foundation's growth. A native New Yorker, Jadry has danced ballet since the age of three at the Manhattan Ballet school, and has performed in two full dance productions each year since the age of five. She recently graduated from Columbia Grammar and Preparatory school in New York City, where she served on the student government and participated in various singing groups and a multi-ethnic cultural awareness club. Jadry will attend Davidson College in the fall with a full merit-based scholarship.

NOA HAREL

Noa, who is about to enter her junior year at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in NYC, is the foundation's "original intern" who participated in WWW's Israel program in 2006-07. For her latest intern assignment, Noa recently traveled to New Orleans to work with the Rethink camp, helping kids use Globaloria as they"rethink" cafeterias and security in New Orleans public schools. Noa loves music and makes her own, playing guitar and spending time song writing. She also enjoys dancing in all of its forms. In school, she especially finds interest in math and looks forward to continuing to learn it. Noa loves to have fun but is always willing and ready to work.

LEAH MORGAN HERNDON

Leah is a current student at Marshall Community and Technical College, where she enjoys learning about computers and designing websites. She resides in West Virginia, and is an accomplished majorette, with a particular passion for fire batons. Her work for WWW includes game proposals and ideas, graphics design with great attention to detail and color and mastering the different flash programming skills necessary to create attractive and informative games.

AIXSHA HICIANO

Once published in an international literary magazine "A Vision," Aixsha graduated from Columbia Prep in New York City in 2008 and will enter Yale in the fall. A self-proclaimed movie aficionado, she is a triple threat within the Columbia Prep theater department, acting in drama productions, singing in musicals and most impressively, directing a production of "Romeo and Juliet," the largest and most elaborate production ever attempted independently by students. She was an active member of Columbia's Model Congress.

LESLIE HICIANO

Leslie is entering her junior year at Columbia Prep in New York City. This is her first year as an intern at WWW, and she recently traveled to New Orleans with the WWW staff to work with students in the New Orleans "Rethink" camp. She worked with 15 students there to generate ideas for a healthier cafeteria and safer public schools, diligently documenting their initial progress using a blog, video and photos. An avid music and movie lover, she avoids meat but loves the stage, showcasing her impressive vocal skills in multiple Columbia Prep musicals, concerts and music groups.

RYAN ONELL LETADA

Inspired by those who changed the world with simple ideas, Ryan hopes to empower youth to dream bigger through innovation, enterprise and technology. In addition to supporting partnership development, he is responsible for identifying and implementing best practices of improving the Foundation's social media presence. For years, Ryan has been active in affecting change through activism and social enterprise. He is also the founder of Innovative Dreamers, a social venture committed to harnessing the power of technology for youth development. At the end of his internship, he will begin his Fulbright Fellowship to study best practices of homelessness reduction programs in Manila, Philippines. Ryan holds a BA from Wheaton College in Economics and Sociology.

LETICIA PEREZ

Born in Jarabocoa, Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Leticia graduated from Columbia Prep in New York City in 2008. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she loves math, science and psychology. She will study at Yale in the fall, hoping to enter medical school and become an ophthalmologist. She is the recipient of Columbia Prep's Science Department award and Tech Theater Award. She actively participated in Columbia's theater department, stage-managing two productions and working tech for many others.

DANIEL RON

Daniel has been interning with World Wide Workshop since December 2007. He graduated Lexington High School in Massachusetts in 2009, and is now a member of the MIT class of 2013. He plans to major in mathematics and physics, and study computer science. While in high school, he was a member of the Math Team, track team, soccer team, linguistics team, and captain of both the computer science team and robotics team.

TREVOR SMITH

Trevor Smith has been interning with World Wide Workshop since February 23rd, 2009. He began Globaloria in college and is graduating Marshall Community Technical College in 2010. He plans to major in Animation and Game Development. He is an avid video game player who enjoys drawing and listening to music of all sorts.

CHARLES STEWART

Charles Stewart worked as a World Wide Workshop Foundation intern between January and July in 2008. He began Globaloria his junior year at Man High School and became intern in senior year. Charles is now beginning his first year at college, where he plans to continue pursuing his passion for game design.

EMILY WOLF

Graduating at the top of her class at Columbia Prep in 2008, Emily will attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. An avid level-10 tennis player, Emily has traveled the country and the world training and playing matches, reaching an impressive rank amongst the top 100 tennis players in her age division. Although tennis consumes many hours of her days, Emily remains a focused and diligent student.