Broadcast on January 21, 2023
The Age of Technology and the Arts: Innovation in Content-based Curriculum
Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Catherine Little, Debbie Dailey, Steve Coxon, and Cara Bernard
Description
This session explored new areas of content being used in programs for the gifted and how effective they are in motivating and engaging learners. Presenters offered perspectives on the role of robotics, the performing arts, and engineering. The panel provided insights on incorporating these areas into existing programs and services and supporting talent development in these domains.
About the presenters
Joyce VanTassel-Baska is the Smith Professor Emerita at The College of William and Mary in Virginia where she developed a graduate program and a research and development center in gifted education. Formerly, she initiated and directed the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University. She has also served as the state director of gifted programs for Illinois, as a regional director of a gifted service center in the Chicago area, as coordinator of gifted programs for the Toledo, Ohio public school system, and as a teacher of gifted high school students in English and Latin. Dr. VanTassel-Baska has published widely including 38 books and over 700 refereed journal articles, book chapters, and scholarly reports. Her major research interests are on the talent development process and effective curricular interventions with the gifted.
Cara Bernard is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Connecticut, where she teaches courses in choral and elementary methods and curriculum. As a conductor, Cara prepared choruses for performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Cara’s research areas include music teacher evaluation, policy, curriculum, and social justice. She is associate editor of Visions of Research in Music Education, and co-author of the book Navigating Teacher Evaluation: A Guide for Music Teachers, published by Oxford University Press.
Steve Coxon is Professor of education and executive director of the Center for Access and Achievement (CA2) at Maryville University. He conducts research on developing STEM talents, especially spatial ability, mathematics, and creativity with a special focus on talent development in populations traditionally underrepresented in gifted and STEM education. He is the author of more than 50 publications including the book Serving Visual-Spatial Learners and has given more than 100 presentations and workshops on these topics. Steve earned his PhD from the College of William and Mary in educational policy, planning, and leadership in gifted education. He was the 2010 recipient of the Joyce VanTassel-Baska Award for Excellence in Gifted Education and the 2020 recipient of the Laura Joyner Award from the Mensa Foundation.
Debbie Dailey is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Through teaching, service, and scholarship, Dr. Dailey has devoted her life to education at all levels of schooling for over 34 years.
Catherine Little is a Professor in the area of Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development in the Educational Psychology program at the University of Connecticut.