Professor Mark Warschauer Directs the UCI Ph.D. in Education Program, the Digital Learning Lab, and Several Research Projects; Publishes; Mentors; and Engages in Community Activities
Professor
Irvine, Calif., September 1, 2008
Mark Warschauer, Professor of Education and Informatics at the University of California, Irvine, has spent the last 15 years investigating the impact of new digital media on language development, literacy, and learning. Warschauer is founding director of the Department of Education's Digital Learning Lab and director of UCI's Ph.D. in Education program. The latter includes a specialization in Language, Literacy, and Technology, one of the only such Ph.D. specializations in the United States.
Professor Warschauer has published eight books examining the role of technology in education, including, most recently, Laptops and Literacy: Learning in the Wireless Classroom. The book analyzes data from ten K-12 schools in which all the students have been provided laptop computers for use throughout the school day. Warschauer's study suggests that effective deployment of laptops has great value for enhancing the learning of traditional skills such as reading and writing, as well as 21st century skills such as information literacy, multimedia literacy, and learner autonomy. Warschauer's previous books address topics such as the international digital divide and the use of computers for second language instruction.
Professor Warschauer currently directs several funded research projects in the Department of Education. A project nearing completion has examined children's development in a large technology-intensive after-school program. Other projects include a study of technology use by ESL teachers around the world; an evaluation of teaching, learning, and assessment in a K-12 school focused on 21st century learning; and a study of a one-to-one laptop programs in Mexico. Recently initiated is a project to create an innovative computer learning game for science instruction. Professor Warschauer is also active in the community through his involvement on the Learning Program Advisory Board of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County.
Warschauer is known as an active mentor to graduate students, undergraduates, and visiting scholars, all of whom participate actively in the Digital Learning Lab. "The best part of this job," says Warschauer, "is the opportunity to work closely with smart and enthusiastic people of all ages around the world." Those interested in getting involved in Warschauer's research can read about how to "Join Us" at the Digital Learning Lab's website.
