What does “Dust or Magic” mean for COMPUTER EXPLORERS classes?

Participants in Dust or Magic are limited to only fifty people each year, and COMPUTER EXPLORERS is excited to be among those invited to attend!  Warren Buckleitner, technology education guru, hosts the conference.  I love being on the ground-floor to learn about what’s new!

 Two years ago we had a demo of the LiveScribe pen – I used one of two prototypes in the world … and now you can buy them at Target! Last year, a LEGO rep came specifically from Denmark to give us a sneak peak of LEGO Universe, the company’s 3-D gaming site, a visual presentation so secret that we had to agree not to use any recorders or cameras during the demonstration!

 One of my favorite parts of the conference is the critics’ panel.  Each member demonstrates a technology product that is “dust” (lots of flash, but no permanent value) and another product that is “magic” - (one that will stimulate children’s imaginations and make them want to learn more.)

 To quote the Dust or Magic Website:

Dust or Magic is an annual critique and review of commercial children’s interactive media products. The demonstration-intensive three day institute is designed for individuals who need to understand the latest technology, and how it can be applied to the next generation of products. Discussions are framed in the context of child development theory. Dust or Magic is about designing and making, and less about marketing and selling.

 You can tell from the photo that after three days, we’re all a little sleep-deprived from the fun and games! Watch for next week’s blog and a report on what’s new … or at least what’s new that I can talk about!

http://www.childrenssoftware.com/dustormagic/

Cyndee Perkins

Director, Curriculum and Program Development