As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Technology Test Kitchen at OLC Accelerate, there’s a palpable buzz of excitement in the air. For a decade, this unique space has been at the forefront of experimentation and innovation, and this year promises to be no exception. Let’s take a journey through the kitchen, exploring what makes it special and what our expert “chefs” are cooking up for this milestone celebration.
The Recipe for Success: Learning by Doing
Phylise Banner, one of the original architects of the Test Kitchen, reflects on its inception: “The Test Kitchen was born from a simple yet powerful idea: learning by doing. We wanted to create an exploratory environment that embodied constructivist learning principles, allowing participants to play, experiment, and experience firsthand the tools that drive our field forward.” (See “Technology-Enhanced Exploratory Installations to Support Constructivist Professional Development: The Technology Test Kitchen”, Musgrove et al, 2018)
This hands-on approach has been the secret ingredient in the Test Kitchen’s success. Over the years, it has sparked creativity, fostered collaboration, and ignited countless “aha!” moments.
New Flavors: AI and VR Stirring Up Excitement
As we look to the future, the Test Kitchen is embracing cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping education. Rodney Urand, Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore is particularly excited about the potential of AI and VR:
“AI and VR are two key things that I feel are transformative this year,” Rodney explains. “While many people may roll their eyes at VR, there is so much happening in that space – particularly when it comes to education. It is not just about playing Saber wars anymore.”
Rodney’s enthusiasm for AI is equally palpable: “What really lights me up though is the work happening in AI. In just six short months, there have been major updates to all of the AI platforms out there – it is a neck twister trying to keep up, but a good chef knows how to prepare in advance and we can’t wait to show you the latest and greatest come November.”
Mixing It Up: Jams in the Kitchen
This year, the Test Kitchen is adding a new ingredient to its recipe for innovation: music! Clark Shah-Nelson, Associate Dean of Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (and one of the original Test Kitchen “chefs”), is introducing “Jams in the Kitchen,” a unique blend of technology and musical creativity.
“The Jams in the Kitchen will invite participants to open up apps on their phones, tablets, laptops or folks can pack along small synths, samplers or other electronic music making devices,” Clark explains. “Join us in the Technology Test Kitchen for this opportunity to improvise and unwind and/or learn a few things about making music with laptops and other electronic devices.”
This addition promises to bring a new rhythm to the Test Kitchen, demonstrating how exploring new technologies can enhance creativity across disciplines.
A Decade of Culinary Tech Magic
As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to recognize the collaborative effort that has made the Test Kitchen a success. Phylise acknowledges the contributions of the inaugural Test Kitchen team: “With the support of incredibly innovative colleagues like Test Kitchen architect Frank Tomsic, and chefs Clark-Shah Nelson, Ann Musgrove, Patrice Prusko, Bethany Bovard, and Robbie Melton, the Technology Test Kitchen vision became a reality.”
But the story of the Test Kitchen doesn’t end with its founders. Over the years, hundreds of passionate educators, technologists, and innovators have contributed their expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm to the Test Kitchen. From guest chefs who have shared cutting-edge tools and techniques, to participants who have brought their unique perspectives and challenges, each person has added their own flavor to this rich, collaborative environment.
As we look back on a decade of innovation, we celebrate the ongoing dedication and creativity of every individual who has chopped, diced, sautéed, and occasionally flambéed their way through the Technology Test Kitchen. It’s this collaborative spirit that has made the Test Kitchen a true incubator for innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Next Course
The 10th anniversary of the Technology Test Kitchen isn’t just a celebration of past achievements—it’s a launching pad for future innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned OLC conference attendee or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to step into the kitchen and start experimenting.
So, as we raise a toast (or perhaps a whisk) to ten years of culinary tech magic, we invite you to join us at OLC Accelerate. Come ready to play, learn, and maybe even jam. After all, in the Technology Test Kitchen, the most important ingredient has always been you—the educators and innovators who bring these tools to life in learning environments around the world.
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