1. We must be MAD! The Redesign of a Middle School Technology Program
Robin Beaver, Director of Technology
Joe Savitsky, Middle School Teacher
Rosemont School of the Holy Child

2. Academic Tech at RSHC - A VERY Brief History
Application instruction
Integration
The Move to One-to-One
Started like everyone did - applications
Moved towards integration - no computer teachers - all taught by content-area teachers- ultimate opportunities for integration
Eventually need outpaced access
Drive towards 1:1 came from teachers - grass roots movement

3. A Changing Landscape
Impact of One-to-One program on how and where we work
What do we do with the computer lab?
Not a problem but an opportunity
While the original model was still working (and very important) in LS things were changing in the MS
Student device could handle most classwork
Lab being used for group projects and when working on some projects that are better done on full machines
Not enough use of space so what else can we do with prime real estate?

4. Options and Ideas
Worked with faculty, students and parents to explore ideas
Always mindful of goals for space
Providing Opportunities for
Creativity
Problem Solving/Critical Thinking
STE(A)M
Collaboration
Student choice
Knew we wanted it to remain work space for groups but what else could we do?
As we went through this process we were also learning more about tinkering and the maker movement

5. The Space Flexible Durable Lots of power
Most furniture on wheels and collapsible
Hard and washable surfaces
Power from ceiling
Lots of storage

6. The Stuff Hardware iMacs Materials MacBook Pros Hand Tools
Makerbot Replicator II
Makerbot Digitizer
Google Glass
Software:
1-2-3D Design
iMovie
PhotoShop
SketchUp
Materials
Hand Tools
Soldering Iron
Glue guns
Wire
Motors
Batteries
Old computer parts
Tons of tape
Etc.
We had this great space - now what do we fill it with
Very high expectations - if we build it they will create - really?
Kind of panicky till found Invent to Learn - part pedagogy/theory and part recipe/how to
Made the point that engineers work with a problem and parameters, in creative writing we give prompts...

7. The Program Schedule changes From Integration to Pure Technology
Freedom to explore within parameters
Last year - once a cycle - this year more
Still important to build foundation in lower school
Still working with integrated tools in content area classes
Tech Studio mostly for pure tech with serendipitous connections
Can also use lab for other projects

8. What do we actually “DO”?
Coding
3D Design
3D Printing
Game Design
Electronics
Video/audio production
Robotics

9. The MAD Lab in Action

10. Results Engagement Excitement Problem solving Collaboration
Tech skills
Confidence
Engagement happened right away
Other things growing gradually - our kids are not used to “playing” this way

11. Looking Forward Going deeper Creating more Skills transference
Exploring new technologies and ideas
Applying what we learn
Making the world a better place!

12. Resources Contact us: Robin Beaver - rbeaver@rosemontschool.org
Joe Savitsky -
Online:
Invent to Learn - The Book
Invent to Learn - Resource Page
MakerShed
This slideshow - tinyurl.com/MADLabPAIS