Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.S. in computer science, 1988
Ph.D. in computer science, 1992
Masters Thesis:
MultiLogo: A Study of Children and Concurrent Programming
Ph.D. Thesis:
Beyond the Centralized Mindset:
Explorations in Massively Parallel Microworlds
Princeton University
B.A. in physics, 1978
Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude
Thesis:
Some Implications of the Theory of Density Fluctuations in the Universe
Work Experience
Faculty
I am currently an Associate Professor at the Media Laboratory at Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, where I hold the LEGO Papert
Chair. My research interests include: role of technology in learning
and education; design of computational systems for nonexperts and
children; decentralized systems and decentralized thinking; informal
learning environments; learning in virtual communities.
Educational product development
I have led the development of a family of Programmable
Bricks, which served as inspiration for the LEGO MindStorms product
line. I have also led the development of StarLogo,
a programmable modeling environment designed to help students explore
decentralized systems and self-organizing phenomena.
Informal learning environments
I co-founded the Computer
Clubhouse, an after-school learning center where youth from
under-served communities work together on computer-related projects. I
have also developed several museum exhibits involving robotics,
artificial intelligence, and educational computing. These exhibits
have appeared in more than a dozen science/technology museums. I serve
on the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Science in Boston.
Educational computing consulting
I have consulted on the use of computers in schools, both in the
United States and in several foreign countries (including Costa Rica,
Russia, Canada, Australia, and Israel).
Journalism
While working for Business Week magazine (1978-1983), I wrote
more than 100 articles about science and technology, including three
cover stories about computers. In addition, I have written freelance
articles for several magazines, including Rolling Stone and
Technology Review. I also served as chief writer/editor for
two books by Regis McKenna: The Regis Touch (1985) and
Who's Afraid of Big Blue (1989).
Honors
LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research, 1998-present
Fukutake Career Development Chair, 1995-98
National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award, 1993-98
General Electric Foundation Fellowship for Computer Science, 1986-87
Vannevar Bush Fellowship for Science Journalism, 1983-84
AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, 1978
Phi Beta Kappa, 1978
Publications
Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams, MIT Press (1994)
Constructionism
in Practice (co-edited with Y. Kafai), Lawrence Erlbaum
(1996)
Research
papers
Mitchel Resnick
MIT Media Laboratory
20 Ames Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-9783
617-253-6215 (fax)
mres@media.mit.edu
(Mitchel Resnick was a camper and counselor at Camp Boiberik from
1970-75.)