William C. Castell

A link to my unofficial BU Academy Technology blog… and further thoughts about my educational technology pedagogy, and work this semester.

Having worked professionally in the software development arena for 10 years and with an additional decade of K-12 teaching and academic IT experience, I am a “constructivist.”

I believe in empowering students, faculty and staff with technological tools for critical thinking and creativity. I was fortunate enough to meet and have a conversation with Seymour Paypert while at graduate school – this led directly to my teaching of robotics at BB&N. His book “Mind Storms” had a profound impact on my philosophy.

One last item I think is interesting…what is the first part of the Sunday New York Times that you read?  I always read page two of the business section. The interviews are fascinating.

As the administrator (tech guy) of technology for BU Academy, I have come to appreciate this role as much like that of a chef. I have to serve diverse communities (students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni) with a wide variety of solutions. We can only “serve” what we have – make do with what is around us, and do so in a timely manner. If tech is good, you never think about it. Same applies to learning…you don’t think about the process, but the content.

One of the questions I have been asked, and often ask myself, is how does a Studio Art (print making and silk screen) and Art History (Early Italian Renaissance) major wind up in Information Technology administration for a school?

I have an appreciation for the life of schools -and what they create.  I am very much a part of this culture.  Having worked at the Buckingham Browne and Nichols school for six years, and now at Boston University Academy for five years, I’ve learned much about the K-12 experience as an administrator and learning specialist-but nothing can replace first hand knowledge of this life long process. More importantly, nothing can replace parents who place education as the most important thing in one’s life.

More importantly, I added to this experience my time at Oberlin working at the Baldwin Co-Op. Part of OSCA.  Stated below…

From OSCA’s web site:

The principles which guide modern cooperative organizations including OSCA were formulated in 1844 by a group of textile workers in Rochdale, England who were fed up with the exploitative nature of the market during the British Industrial Revolution. They decided to pool their money and open a small retail store which operated on principles which have become the foundation of modern co-ops.

These principles are:

• Open membership
• Democratic control
• Limited return, if any, on equity capital
• Distribution of economic savings
• Education of members
• Cooperation among cooperatives

Cooperation is a skill that comes with time and practice.

This site is my own personal ePortfolio. I’ve come to reflect of all the different jobs, schools, people and places I have had the privilege to learn from.

Bill