Evening with Marco Torres - 'Teacher Xtraodinaire'

An Evening with Marco Torres - 'Teacher Xtraodinaire'

When: 9 April 2003, 5.30pm - 7.00pm Where: (e)-vision Digital Media Centre Corner Blair and Wakefield Streets, Wellington There is no charge for this event, bookings essential. Phone on (04) 384 3550 or mailto:marco@evision.org.nz email us to book your place

How does a social science teacher become a multimedia guru?

Marco Torres comes to us from San Fernando High School, Los Angeles, USA, where he is a High School Teacher, Media Coach and Education Technology Director. Marco has been recognized internationally for his accomplishments in the classroom, administering complex budgets and for the use of technology to empower minority students.

He has received numerous honors and awards for his work helping students empower themselves through the mastery of multimedia. He serves as one of Apple's Distinguished Educators and is an advisory board member of The George Lucas Educational Foundation.

"Media is the language of kids." Students who may not take to learning by reading a textbook or listening to a lecture often jump at the chance to understand complex concepts by presenting finished products in the form of a film or a Web documentary or a PowerPoint® presentation.

When it comes to his students, Marco Torres' enthusiasm, energy and commitment to teaching and learning is endless. "It is all about the students," said Torres, "their strong desire to achieve success, their leadership capabilities and their vision to make a better life for themselves and others. Educational technology, for many kids, can be a tool for liberation. I have watched quiet, meek students use these powerful tools to channel their own ideas outward in a loud and effective manner.

In 2000, Torres was recognized by Apple Computer as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE). Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer has also recognized Torres as a "visionary in education" by nominating him for the Computerworld Smithsonian honors program. The office of California Governor Gray Davis, State Assemblyman Tony Cardenas, and State Senator Richard Alarcon have all identified Torres as one of the model educators in California.

At age 21, Torres earned a dual degree in political science and literature from UC Berkeley. Dabbling in politics, he worked for former L.A. City Councilman, Richard Alcarcon (now a California state senator). Torres recalled, "I learned how to manage strategic partnerships and take on a leadership role at an early age. I learned how to get it done."

This year, his students created Got milk? ads and are also working on short documentaries (video essays). His class has been featured in a promotional piece called "Critical Balance" (filmed by Apple Computer) that talks not about computers, but the power of instructional technology and how important it is to integrate the use of technology as a tool to communicate and create, not to simply do. Torres and his program has been spotlighted and recognized on local and national television, radio, and print.

Marco is in NZ courtesy of Apple Education. He is speaking @ "Doing it Differently" an Education conference 14th - 16th April.

(e)-vision is delighted to host this event in partnership with Apple.

To book for this event on the 9th April, 5.30pm - 7.00pm email us at mailto:marco@evision.org.nz

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