Canopy's eLearning Speaker Series: Apple's Don Henderson on 'Challenge Based Learning'

As part of the Canopy eLearning Speaker Series designed to bring exciting, innovative ideas to the UC community, Apple Senior Manager of Creative Expression Don Henderson will present his lecture "Challenge Based Learning: Take Action and Make a Difference," Oct. 29.

This talk will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. in 400 Tangeman University Center. During the lecture, Henderson will discuss how to create and implement a challenge and explore ways in which it can be integrated into the classroom.

Henderson applies a simple strategy to both instruction and professional learning, which he believes should be a hands-on experience: creating an engaging environment where the learner is empowered to take an active role in their own learning. 

This type of environment exemplifies the Third Century phenomenon of Challenge Based Learning, a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that encourages learners to leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. It is collaborative and hands-on, guiding students to work with peers, teachers and experts in order to formulate great questions, develop deeper subject-area knowledge, solve challenges, take action and share their experiences.

As a practicing artist, Henderson shows creativity is an integral part of both teaching and learning, as it helps students become better communicators and learners. By providing the students with inspiration, an innovative learning environment, a plan and the most flexible and creative tools, Henderson has created empowering programs that help all learners explore new ways to communicate and learn with technology.

Prior to joining Apple, Henderson was director of educational and library technology for Grossmont Union High School District in El Cajon, California. He is a two-time Smithsonian Laureate for the award-winning digital media and staff development programs he created for the school district.

Henderson is currently a member of Apple’s Education Content team, responsible for creating programs and solutions that integrate Apple technology across both K-12 and higher education. A part of his role also included the creation of the Challenge Based Learning Framework.

He also serves as co-chairman of the New Media Consortium, a nonprofit group focused on the impact of new media and technology for learning.