Massachusetts Institute of Technology

School of Architecture and Planning Faculty Personnel Record

Name:                               Eric Klopfer   

Department:   Urban Studies and Planning / Teacher Education Program

1. Date of Birth:          

2. Citizenship:               USA

3. Education:

School                                                Degree                                        Date
Cornell University                             B.S. (Biology)                            May 1992
University of Wisconsin, Madison    Ph.D. (Zoology)                         May 1997

4. Title of Ph.D. Dissertation

“Ecological and Evolutionary Consequences of Explicit Spatial Structure in Exploiter-Victim Systems”

5. Principle Fields of Interest:

• K-12 Educational Technology – Computer Simulation Research and Development, Handheld Computers in the Classroom
• Complex Systems in K-12 Education – Simplifying Science through Computer Simulations
• The Education Arcade – Computer Games in the Classroom
• Teacher Preparation – Alternative Pathways to Teacher Preparation

6. Non-MIT Experience

Employer                                        Position                                Beginning         Ending

UMass Amherst                           Postdoc/Lecturer                     June 1998        June 1999
Amherst Schools                         Technology Coordinator         Sept. 1997        June 1998

7. History of MIT Appointments

• Assistant Professor                                                                                July 1999         June 2004
• Associate Professor                                                                               July 2004         Present

8. Department and Institute Committees

• DUSP Undergraduate Committee                                           2000                   Present
• MIT Committee on the Undergraduate Program                     2001                   2004
  • Subcommittee on Mentoring                                            2002                   2003
• Open Courseware Faculty Advisory Committee                     2002                   Present
• MIT Council on Educational Technology                               2004                   Present
• MIT K-12 Outreach (co-Founder)                                           2004                   Present
•  Network of Educators in Science & Technology (co-Chair)   2002                   Present

9. Public Service and Other Committees

• Dean’s Committee – Boston Higher Education Partnership       2000                   Present
• MITES SEED Program  - Advisory Committee                        2001                   Present
• Tech Boston – Advisory Committee                                         2001                   Present
• FLAIRS – Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society 2001                   2001
• The Education Arcade (co-Founder)                                         2003                   Present
• International Power Users Planning & Research Committee     2004                   Present
• Journal of Computer Assisted Learning Reviewer                 2004                   Present
• Australia Conference Review Committee                                   2005                   Present
• International Journal of Science Education Reviewer           2005                   Present              
• Alliance for Complexity Education @ SFI (co-Founder)    2005                   Present
• Technology & Learning Games Education Committee        2005                   Present

10. Awards Received

•                NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in SMTE                                        1998                   2000
•                Scheller Career Development Chair                                              2001                   Present

11. Current Organization Memberships:

• American Education Research Association (AERA)
• National Association of Research in Science Teaching (NARST)
• National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
• National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
• International Society for the Learning Sciences  (ICLS)
• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

Publications

1. Books

• Colella, V., E. Klopfer, and M. Resnick. 2001. Adventures in Modeling: Exploring Complex, Dynamic Systems with StarLogo. Teachers College Press.
• Klopfer., E. (In Prep). Handheld Simulation Games Augmenting Learning and Reality. MIT Press

2. Book Chapters

• Klopfer, E., K. Squire and H. Jenkins 2004.  Environmental Detectives: PDAs as a Window into a Virtual Simulated World in Kerres, Michael/ Kalz, Marco/ Stratmann, Jörg/ de Witt, Claudia (eds.). Didaktik der Notebook-Universität. Münster:Waxmann Verlag
• Klopfer, E. and A. Begel. 2005. Starlogo: A Programmable Complex Systems Modeling Environment for Students and Teachers. In A. Adamatzky and Komosinski, M. Eds. Artificial Life Models in Software, Springer.

3. Papers in Refereed Journals

• Ives, A. and E. Klopfer. 1997 Spatial variation in abundance created by stochastic temporal environmental variation. Ecology 78: 1907-1913.
• Klopfer, E. and A. Ives. 1997 Aggregation and the coexistence of competing parasitoid species. Theoretical Population Biology 52: 167-178.
• Caton, E., J. Cherrier, E. Farnsworth, S. Franklin, B. Hufnagel, E. Klopfer, J. Russell, and B. Sayler. 1998 New Niches for Life Scientists. Science 282:1266-1267.
• Klopfer, E., V. Colella, and M. Resnick. 2002. New Paths on a StarLogo Adventure.  Computers and Graphics. 26: 615-622
• Klopfer, E. and A. Begel. 2003. StarLogo in the Classroom and Under the Hood. Kybernetes.   32: 15 -37
• Klopfer, E. 2003. Technologies to Support the Creation of Complex Systems Models – Using StarLogo Software with Students.  Biosystems 71: 111-123.
• Jenkins, H., E. Klopfer, K. Squire and P. Tan. 2003 Entering the Education Arcade.  ACM: Computers in Entertainment. 1: 17-17.
• Klopfer, E. S. Yoon, and L. Rivas.  2004 Comparative Analysis of Palm and Wearable Computers for Participatory Simulations.  Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 20, 347-359.
• Klopfer, E. S. Yoon. and T. Um. 2005 Young Adventurers- Modeling of Complex Dynamic Systems with Elementary & Middle School Students. Journal of Computers in Math and Science Teaching 24(2), 157-178.
• Klopfer, E. and S. Yoon. 2005. Using Palm Technology in Participatory Simulations of Complex Systems: A New Take on Ubiquitous and Accessible Mobile Computing.  Journal of Science Education and Technology. 14(3), 287-295.
• Meir, E., J. Perry, D. Stal, S Maruca and E. Klopfer. 2005. How effective are simulated molecular-level experiments for teaching diffusion and osmosis? Cell Biology Education. 4, 235-248.
• Klopfer, E. and S. Yoon. 2005. Developing Games and Simulations for Today and Tomorrow's Tech Savvy Youth. Tech Trends. 49(3) 33-41.
• Klopfer, E. and K. Squire.  2005. Environmental Detectives – The Development of an Augmented Reality Platform for Environmental Simulations.  In Press for Educational Technology Research and Development.
• Klopfer, E. and A. Begel. 2005. StarLogo TNG. An Introduction to Game Development. In Press for the Journal of E-Learning.

 

• Klopfer, E. and K. Squire.  Case Study Analysis of Augmented Reality Simulations on Handheld Computers.  In Review (revised and resubmitted) for The Journal of the Learning Sciences.
• McFarland, D., and E. Klopfer. Scholar Practitioner Information Networks for Education (SPINE). In Review for the Educational Researcher. 
• Yoon, S. and E. Klopfer. Complexity Begets Complexity: A Complex Systems Design and Evaluation Approach to Professional Development. In Review for.
• Yoon, S. and E. Klopfer. Anonymity in Game Play and the Prisoner’s Dilemma. In Prep for.

4. Refereed Conference Proceedings

• Klopfer, E. and V. Colella. 1999.  Structuring Collaboration in Workshops and Classrooms:  The StarLogo Community of Learners.  Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), Palo Alto, CA.
• Taylor, J., R. Noll, V. Colella, and E. Klopfer. 2001. Creating and Analyzing Models in StarLogo: A Secondary Science Approach.  National Association of Research in Science Teaching (NARST), St. Louis, MO.
• Klopfer, E., and E. Woodruff.  2002. The Impact of Distributed and Ubiquitous Computational Devices on the Collaborative Learning Environment.  Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) 2002.
• Woodruff, E., E. Klopfer, G. Andrews, K. Mackinnon, S. Yoon, N. Chandra. 2002. Distributed computational devices for collaborative learning. Candian Society for the Study of Education.
• Klopfer, E. Adventures in Modeling 2002. Teaching and Learning about Complex Systems in Ecology.  Biomathematics and Related Computational Problems (BIOCOMP) 2002.
• Klopfer, E., K. Squire and H. Jenkins. 2002. Environmental Detectives  PDAs as a Window into a Virtual Simulated World. International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education.
• Klopfer, E., T. Um. 2002. Young Adventurers- Modeling of Complex Dynamic Systems with Elementary & Middle School Students. International Conference on the Learning Sciences.
• Klopfer, E., K. Squire, and H. Jenkins. 2003. Augmented Reality Simulations on PDAs.  American Education Research Association (AERA), Chicago 2003.
• Klopfer, E., and E. Woodruff.  2003. Platforms for Participatory Simulations - Exploring Systems and Generating Discourse with Wearable and Handheld Computers.  Conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL), Oslo 2003.
• Yoon, S., E. Klopfer, E. Woodruff, H. Scheintaub.  2003. Investigating How a Wearable Computer Technology Influences Opinion Dynamics.  Proceedings of Society for Chaos Theory, Boston, 2003.
• Squire, K., E. Klopfer, S. Barab, and C. Dede. 2004. Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulations in Education.  American Education Research Association (AERA) 2004
• Scheintaub, H., E. Klopfer and S. Yoon. 2004. Complex Systems Modeling Supports and Extends Secondary School Science Learning.  Submitted to National Association of Research in Science Teaching (NARST) 2004
• Klopfer, E. and K. Squire. 2004.  Getting Your Socks Wet: Augmented Reality Environmental Science. Submitted to the International Conference on the Learning Sciences (ICLS) 2004
• Yoon, S. E. Klopfer, G. Richardson, and J. Taylor. 2004. Insights Into the Complexity of Designing for Professional Development Networks in Educational Technologies: Tensions Between Structure and Agency. Submitted to the International Conference on the Learning Sciences (ICLS) 2004
• Yoon, S. & Klopfer, E. 2005. Social network influences in a complex systems design for professional development in educational technology use: Results of a first phase implementation. In the proceedings of the 3rd annual Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI. 
• Yoon, S. & Klopfer, E. 2005. Using palm technology in participatory simulations: A new take on ubiquitous and accessible mobile computing. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Montreal, PQ. 2005.
• Klopfer, E., J. Perry, K. Squire, M. Jan. 2005, Collaborative Learning through Augmented Reality Role Playing.  Paper presented at the conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, Taiwan. 2005.
• Klopfer, E., J. Perry, K. Squire, M. Jan. 2005 Mystery at the Museum – A Collaborative Game for Museum Education.  Paper presented at the conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, Taiwan. 2005
• Klopfer, E. J. Perry, K. Squire, M. Jan. Design and Use of Handheld-Based Augmented Realities for Learning.  Paper submitted to the American Educational Research Association.
• Yoon, S. and E. Klopfer. Feedback, Adaptation, Network Capital and Self-Organization (FANS): The Application and Evaluation of a Complex Systems Framework for Professional Development. Paper submitted to the American Educational Research Association.ICLS 2006

5. Other Professional Publications

• Colella, V, E. Klopfer, and M. Resnick. 1998. StarLogo Community of Learners. The Logo Exchange. v.17 #2: 20-22.
• Colella, V. and E. Klopfer. 2000.  Seeding Change: Bringing Modeling to Science Teachers and their Students. The Bulletin of The Santa Fe Institute.  v. 15, #2.
• Colella, V. and E. Klopfer. 2001. Changing the Nature of Science Teaching and Learning through Modeling. The Logo Exchange. v.20.
• Klopfer, E., K. Squire and P. Tan. 2003.  Top 10 Innovations. Technology and Learning. November, v.24. 
• Klopfer, E. 2005. Playing to Learn. State of the Art Computer Games go to School.  Access Learning, July/August 2005.

6. Papers Presented at Academic and Professional Conferences

• Klopfer, E. 1999. Constructing Computer Models in the Classroom using StarLogo.  Paper presented at Technology and Education, Amherst, MA.
• Klopfer, E., and V. Colella. 2001. Adventures in Modeling. Paper Presented at Special Interest Group in Graphics (SIGGRAPH) 2001.
• Yoon, S., E. Klopfer, E. Woodruff, H. Scheintaub. 2003.  Investigating How a Wearable Computer Technology Influences Opinion Dynamics.  Society for Chaos Theory, Boston, 2003.
• Yoon, S. and E. Klopfer. 2004. Using Palm Technology in Participatory Simulations of Complex Systems.  National Association of Research in Science Teaching (NARST) 2004
• Silverman, B., B. Mikhak, E. Klopfer and S. Scheintaub. 2004. A New Kind of Science Education - Lessons Learned from StarLogo and Perspectives on NKS – New Kind of Science, Boston (NKS) 2004
• Klopfer, E. and S. Yoon. 2004. New Technologies to Enhance Learning.  Power Users Summit, United Nations, NY.
• Klopfer, E., and J. Perry. 2005. Authoring Toolkits for Augmented Reality Simulations.  International Conference on Interaction, Design and Children 2005.  Boulder, CO.

7. Invited Presentations and Workshops

• American Association of Universities – Teacher Preparation, Fall 2001
• ITESO – Workshop on Complex Systems – Guadalajara, Mexico Spring 2002
• Museum Institute of Teaching Science – Modeling for Museums – Boston, January 2002
• Boston Museum of Science – Participatory Simulations – Boston, Spring 2002
• Computer Supported Collaborative Learning – Computer Games and Simulations in Education – Seattle, October 2002
• Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers– StarLogo in Science Education – Worcester, November 2002
• University of Alaska, Anchorage – Complex Systems Colloquium – March 2003
• American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education – Video Games and Learning February 2004
• MIT Alumni Association of New Mexico – Adventures in Modeling May 2004
• American Association of Colleges  of Teacher Education – Video Games and Learning- February 2004
• Technology and Learning’s Tech Forum – MIT Games and Education – October 2004
• Serious Games Summit – Augmented Reality Simulations for Learning – October 2004
• Florida Community College – New Technologies in Science and Math Learning – April 2005
• Technology and Learning’s Tech Forum – Research in Games Education – October 2005
• Korea Education and Research Information Service – Handheld Games for Learning – November 2005
• Learning Lab Denmark – Augmented Reality Games for Learning – January 2006

8. Press

• Boston Globe – February 18, 2001 “Program Puts Fourth Graders to Test – Class Tries Learning Tool Developed at MIT Lab”
• Boston Globe – July 8, 2001 “Director and MIT Talks About Science”
• Tech Talk – July 18, 2001 “Klopfer sparks interest in teaching, learning science and math”
• MIT IS Newsletter
• Tech Talk – April 10, 2002 “School kids get excited by science”
• CCTV – April 1, 2002 StarLogo at the Agassiz School
• Santa Fe New Mexican – April 15, 2002 “The New Scientific Method”
• Worcester Telegram and Telegraph – February 23, 2003, “Students Play Genetics Mating Game”
• Boston Globe – July 2003 – “Interactive Game Teaches Students Genetics”
• Tech Talk – November 2003 – “Education Arcade zooms in on games in the classroom”
• Wilmington Advocate – 2005 – Piloting New Ways of Learning
• The Village Voice – 2005 – Game On!
• AP – 2004  - Video Games Teach More than Hand-Eye Coordination
• Technology Review – 2004 - The Education Arcade
• Technology Review – 2004 – Look Listen Walk
• MIT Spectrum – Spring 2005 – “Playing Games”
• CBS 4 News – April 2005 – Participatory Simulations in the Classroom

9. Awards

Top Ten Innovations – The Education Arcade is selected as one of the top 10 innovations in education technology by Technology and Learning Magazine.  Contributed to story showcasing the Education Arcade.

10. Software Developed         

• StarLogo 2.0 – Recently released a new version of StarLogo software (in collaboration with Mitchel Resnick, MIT Media Lab)
• StarLogo DDA – Online discussion area to support StarLogo users
• Environmental Detectives – Handheld based computer simulations (in collaboration with the Kurt Squire and Games to Teach Project)
• Charles River City – Outdoor location based simulations for middle school students.
• Outbreak at MIT – Indoor location based simulation designed to train epidemiologists.
• Augmented Reality Simulation Platform – Platform in development to allow the creation of location aware computer simulations for handheld computers.
• Mystery at the Museum – Indoor location aware simulation game platform launched at the Museum of Science.
• Participatory Simulations – Wearable computer based simulations on the evolution of cooperation, genetics, market formation, and predator-prey relationships. Palm based simulations on genetics, cooperation, predatory prey relationships and epidemics.
• StarLogo TNG – An entirely new version of StarLogo aimed at lowering the bar of simulation development in the classroom.  Will employ a new graphical user interface for designing simulations as well as 3D and vector based representations of phenomena to broaden the range of applications.
   

Theses Supervised

• Monique Lo (MCP -2001) – Modeling and Study of Infectious Diseases
• Douglas Ricket (MEng- 2002) – Women’s Technology Program
• Robert Lillianfeld – (S.B. 2003) – Analyzing the TEAL Project as a Tool for Teaching University-Level Electricity and Magnetism
• Priscilla Cheung (MEng 2003) – Augmented Reality Simulations
• Nick Bozard (S.B. 2003)  - Networks: A Participatory Simulation
• Jon Wolfe (S.B. 2003) – Augmented Reality User Interfaces
• Kodjo Hesse (S.B. 2003) – Tracking Users in Augmented Realities
• Jon Hyler (S.B. 2004) – Indoor Location Based Augmented Realities
• Tricia Um (S.B. 2004) – Simulation Development for Middle Schools Children
• Spencer Cross (SB 2005) – Data Integration in Augmented Realities
• Mark Boudreau (SB 2005)  - Combining Indoor/Outdoor Augmented Realities
• Bruce Dibelo (SB 2005)- NPCs in Indoor Augmented Realities
• Nicholas Behrens (SB 2005) – Network Protocols for Augmented Realities
• Lauren Clement (SB 2005) – User Interface Design in StarLogo
• Chester Tse (SB 2005) – 3D Collisions in StarLogo
• Ben Povlich SB 2006
• Daniel Wendell MEng 2006
• Corey McCaffrey MEng 2006

Grants and Research Contracts

• NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship - PI (1998-1999)– $50K -  Professional Development of Teachers Using Computer Simulations
• NSF - Co-PI (2003-2004) $35K - Osmobeaker
• Leapster - PI (2003-2004) $35K – Leapster Assessment
• NSF ITEST - PI (2003-2006) $1 million – New Mexico Adventures in Modeling
• Young Faculty Leaders Forum -  PI (2004-2006) $50K – Enhancing and Assessing Student Understanding of Biological Concepts with Participatory Simulations
• Intel Foundation -  PI (2005) $27.5K – Augmented Reality Simulations for Learning
• NSF ITEST – (2005-2008) $90K - EcoScienceWorks:  Exploring and Modeling Ecosystems Using Information Technology
• StarSchools – Department of Education Co-PI (2006-2009) - $1.5 million (MIT $450K) - Improving Mathematics and Literacy Learning Through Augmented Reality Simulation Games With Emerging Mobile Technologies
• NSF ITEST – Advisor (2005-2008) - Community for Rural Education, Stewardship and Technology

Grants in Prep/Pending

• NSF Informal Science Education – Decision Making for the 21^st century
• Office of Naval Research – Outdoor Augmented Realities
• Department of Education IES – Assessing Science and Math Learning through Augmented Reality