SOUTH BEND, IND. (August 26, 2008) – Bernie Dodge, professor of Educational Technology at San Diego State University, will be the keynote speaker at Ivy Tech-South Bend’s third annual Information Technology Symposium on Friday, Oct. 3.  The event is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is co-sponsored by The South Bend Tribune.

Dodge received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, an M.S. in Instructional Technology from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design, also from Syracuse University.  He is considered a pioneer and leading expert in the areas of design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based learning environments.

Dodge’s keynote address, “Can Technology Make Us Wise?,” will focus on how self-directed knowledge management can become a part of our regular routine and can be accomplished by the smart use of blogs, wikis, concept maps and other web-based applications.  He will also host two breakout sessions, one of which will focus on teaching with WebQuests. A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which learners are given an interesting and engaging task which requires them to transform information they access from the Web and other sources. Examples of WebQuests will be shown and critiqued, and an overview of freely available online templates and guides for creating WebQuests will be provided.

Ivy Tech-South Bend’s free symposium is designed for high school students and teachers; others who are interested in information technology careers; and members of the local business community.  Participants in the full symposium will choose from a variety of breakout sessions which include topics on computer programming, computer hardware, computer networking, Web development, information technology security and Microsoft Office specialties.  Attendance is limited and advance registration is required.  To register online click here or contact Connie Miller at (574) 289-7001, ext. 5362 or email crmiller@ivytech.edu.