John Bransford
Biography
John D. Bransford joined the University of Washington in Seattle in 2003 where he holds the title of the James W. Mifflin University Professorship and Professor of Education. Prior r to this time he was Centennial Professor of Psychology and Education and Co-Director of the Learning Technology Center at Vanderbilt University. Early works by Bransford and his colleagues in the 1970s included research in the areas of human learning, memory and problem solving, and helped shape the 'cognitive revolution' in Psychology. Author of seven books and hundreds of articles and presentations, Bransford is an internationally renowned scholar in cognition and technology.In 1984 Bransford was asked by the Dean of Peabody College at Vanderbilt to help begin a Learning Technology Center that would focus on education. The Center had grown from 7 people in 1984 to approximately 100 by 1999. During that time, Bransford and his colleagues developed and tested a number of innovative computer, videodisc, CD Rom and Internet programs for mathematics, science and literacy. Examples include the Jasper Woodbury Problem Solving Series in Mathematics, The Scientists in Action Series, and the Little Planet Literacy Series. Many of these programs are being used in schools throughout the world.
Bransford and his colleagues have won numerous awards. His Ph.D. dissertation won honorable mention in the national 'Creative Talent Awards' Contest; several of his published articles (co-authored with colleagues) have won 'article of the year' awards in the areas of science education, technology, design, and theories of transfer. The Little Planet Literacy Series, which Bransford helped develop, has won major awards including the 1996 Technology and Learning Award and the 1997 Cody award for Best Elementary Curriculum from the Software Publishers Association. Bransford received the Sutherland Prize for Research at Vanderbilt, has been elected to the National Academy of Education, and was awarded the Thorndike award for 2001.
Bransford served as Co-Chair of several National Academy of Science committees that wrote How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School (1999) and How People Learn, Bridging Research and Practice (1999). He is currently serving as Co Chair of another National Academy of Science committee as well as a National Academy of Education Committee. He is on the International Board of Advisors for Microsoft's Technology and Learning program, and has worked with the Gates Foundation to develop technology-enhanced workshops that link learning and leadership.
Bransford joined the University of Washington in September of 2003 where he holds the title of the James W. Mifflin University Professorship and Professor of Education in the College of Education.
EDUCAUSE Presentations
Memberships
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