Staff Biographies
Dr. Dennis Harper
- Resume (Word doc)
Dennis Harper, Ph.D.
Generation YES is led by Dr. Dennis Harper (wikipedia article.) Dr. Harper has been an international leader in the educational technology field for over 35 years. He wrote the first college text on computer education, RUN: Computer Education while a faculty member at the University of California. Dr. Harper has taught in universities around the world and has been instrumental in bringing the first computers into schools in numerous countries.
After returning to the U.S., Dr. Harper joined the Olympia, Washington School District where he conceived and directed the development of Generation www.Y, an innovative model of student involvement in school technology infusion, teacher professional development, and school improvement. Funded by a U.S Department of Education Technology Innovation Challenge Grant, the program is not only still going strong in Washington, but also has spread to hundreds of schools throughout the country. Over 100,000 teachers and students in the U.S. have participated in the Generation www.Y model of professional development.
In 2001, the US Department of Education's Expert Panel on Technology rated Generation www.Y as "exemplary" - one of only two programs given this rating after an extensive review of hundreds of such programs.
After the Generation www.Y grant was completed, Dr. Harper founded Generation YES (Youth and Educators Succeeding) to continue providing support and disseminating the model. The model was recently renamed GenYES, since the "Generation Y" students are growing up, and this model still continues to represent all students in K-12, no matter what name they give this new generation of learners. The company also distributes other programs that support and extend the GenYES methodology to other areas. These programs focus on student-centered collaborative learning in the areas of technology infrastructure, technology peer mentoring, technology certification, leadership and community service.
Dr. Harper is a frequent speaker on the topic of student empowerment through technology. His keynotes are an entertaining mix of inspirational passion and hard-won experience with real schools, real teachers, and real students.
In recognition of his contributions to the field of technology and education, Dr. Harper Dr. Harper has received numerous accolades including ISTE's Making IT Happen award, Distinguished Educator of the Year by Technology and Learning Magazine, Shaper of the Future by Converge Magazine, Technology Advocate for the United States by District Administrator Magazine, and one of George Lucas Education Foundation's Daring Dozen Educators for 2008. In January 2010, Dr. Harper was chosen by Tech & Learning Magazine as one of the thirty most influential technology educators over the past 30 years.
Sylvia Libow Martinez, M.A. Education Technology
Sylvia Libow Martinez is a veteran of interactive entertainment and educational software industries, with over a decade of design and publishing experience.
Prior to joining Generation YES, Sylvia oversaw product development, design and programming as Vice President of Development for Encore Software, a publisher of game and educational software on PC, Internet and console platforms. Sylvia was also involved in the company's Internet initiatives, including Math.com, the award-winning web site that provides math help to students worldwide.
For seven previous years, Sylvia was an executive producer at Davidson & Associates/Knowledge Adventure, a leading educational software developer. She designed, developed and launched dozens of software titles including Math Blaster: Algebra, Math Blaster: Geometry and Maurice Ashley Teaches Chess. In addition, she was responsible for Educast - the first Internet service for teachers that provided teachers with free news, information and classroom resources.
Prior to joining Davidson & Associates, Martinez spent six years at Magnavox Research Labs, where she developed high-frequency receiver systems and navigation software for GPS satellites.
Sylvia has been a keynote and featured speaker at national and international education technology conferences in areas ranging from the use of the Internet in schools, Web 2.0 technologies, student leadership, digital citizenship, project-based and inquiry-based learning with technology and gender issues in science, math, engineering and technology (STEM) education. In 2010 she served on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2014 Technology and Engineering Literacy Assessment planning committee.
She holds a Master's in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Amber Richards
Amber Richards is the Customer Service Lead for the Generation YES programs. Her role is to ensure that customers’ needs are being met by providing a wide range of support and keeping the lines of communications open and friendly.
Amber graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies. Her background in science makes her a passionate advocate for STEM education and she will be working with our many projects to enrich student learning in these areas. Before joining Generation YES, Amber was an AmeriCorps volunteer with a local Educational Service District. Through a project-based learning approach, she empowered students to connect with their environment and make positive changes in their communities. Finding ways to incorporate the use of technology to accomplish this was a key component.
By incorporating a student-centered approach to education, Amber has seen first-hand the incredible impact that can be made when students are given opportunities to become leaders.
Steven Hicks
Steven coordinates Generation YES projects in Malaysia, working with our partners Labtech International Limited, the Multimedia Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Education to bring an innovative model of technology support to Malaysian secondary schools. The Malaysian Student Technology Leaders (MYSTL) program provides students with technology and leadership skills to support peers and teachers as they learn to use 21st century technologies in education..
Before joining Generation YES, Steven Hicks spent several years teaching English in Mishima, Japan and special needs students in St. Louis, MO. He received his Master's degree in Public Administration from the Evergreen State College in 2010. Steve is passionate about education reform and strongly feels that the effective use of technology is a prerequisite to an informed, collaborative citizenry.
