John Brecht
Software Engineer
John Brecht is a software developer and researcher whose primary focus is science visualization for education using 3D graphics, spatial data, and networked, interactive environments.
John started school with an interest in science writing. He pursued a bachelor's degree in astrophysics, as well as studying a good deal of computer science and philosophy. By the end of his undergraduate years, John had made significant contributions to the design and development of web based physics courses at Michigan State. John stayed on at Michigan State to pursue a PhD in astrophysics. He also became a TA for the web based physics course he helped create. This stint at teaching combined with his experiences at Michigan State's MIND Lab and LITE Lab convinced John to change gears and pursue interests in Educational Technology.
An internship at CTL in the summer of 1998 was John's kickoff at SRI. After completing a Master's in Physics at Michigan State, John returned to SRI to work with Doug Gordin and members of SRI's Artificial Intelligence Center on SRI's Digital Earth project.
Since then, John has participated in a number of science visualization projects with particular focus on spatial data, distributed data, and interactive 3D graphics. In 2002, John submitted a proposal to NSF's Advanced Computational Research program, in which he proposed to create an educational interface to astronomical data available via the US National Virtual Observatory. The interface would make use of the streaming virtual reality software created under the Digital Earth project, presenting sky data rather than land data.
More recently, John has worked on projects involving collaborative activities using wirelessly networked handheld devices. John has created a formalization of classroom collaboration patterns know as CML - the Collaboration Modeling Language.
John is also in the process of writing his first science fiction novel.
Education
- M.S., Physics, Michigan State University, 1999
- B.S., Astrophysics, Michigan State University, 1997
Professional Experience
- Software Engineer, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (1999-present)
- Intern, Basic Science and Remote Sensing Initiative, Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (1998-1999)
- Intern, Laboratory for Instructional Technology in Education, Department of Science and Mathematics Education - Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (1998-1999)
- Intern, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (1998)
- Intern, Media Interface and Network Design Lab, Department of Telecommunications, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (1997-1998)
Research Areas at CTL
Learning Environments
Technology Development
Current Projects at CTL
- Adaptive Expertise in Second Life (InnoQ)
- Contingent Pedagogies for Conceptual Teaching and Learning (Staff)
- OPerETTA Initiative: Optimizing Performance & Enhancing Teaching with Technology & Assessment
- ScribbleProv: Supporting disciplined improvisation during face-to-face discussion
- Speech Technology Enhanced Assessment of Mathematics Modeling (STEAM)
- Wireless Internet Learning Devices (WILD)
Past Projects at CTL
- Calipers: Using Simulations to Assess Complex Science Learning ended 2007
- ChemSense ended 2005
- Data and Inquiry in Geoscience Education (DIGS) (Staff) ended 2007
- Learning in Informal and Formal Environments (LIFE) Center ended 2009
- Principled Assessment Designs for Inquiry (PADI) ended 2008
- Tuple Spaces as a Foundation for Collaborative Learning ended 2006
Publications
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Brecht, J., Cheng, B., Mislevy, R., Haertel, G., & Haynie, K. (2009). The PADI System as a Complex of Epistemic Forms and Games (PADI Technical Report 21). Menlo Park, CA: SRI International.
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Brecht, J., DiGiano, C., Patton, C., Tatar, D., Chaudhury, R., Roschelle, J., & Davis, K. (2007). Coordinating networked learning activities with a general-purpose Interface. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning.
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Brecht, J., Pea, R., & Chung, M. (2002). CML – The ClassSync Modeling Language. Presented at the Computer Support for Collaborative Learning (CSCL) conference, Boulder, CO.
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