Published: September 25, 2009 09:16 pm      

UCO features creativity symposium for state educators

EDMOND — The University of Central Oklahoma will host educators from throughout the state for Creative Oklahoma’s creativity symposium “The New Renaissance: A Revolution in Creativity and Learning” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday in Constitution Hall, in UCO’s Nigh University Center.

The symposium will encourage an intellectual exchange of ideas about the shifts occurring today as educators and leaders prepare young people for their roles in this 21st century global economy — what many are calling a “New Renaissance.”

“We at Central are excited to bring creative minds together on our campus,” said Cynthia Rolfe, vice president for Information Technology and coordinator of the UCO Creative Leadership Council.

“As educators, we must work together to give Oklahoma students the tools they need to develop creative thinking and succeed in our rapidly changing world.”

Presenters will begin the day with a look at the elements of the Italian Renaissance and how it relates to this “New Renaissance", as well as a look at the creative mind of Leonardo da Vinci with Leonardo experts Bulent Atalay and Peter Donaldson.

Dennis Cheek, an internationally renowned scientist and Kauffman Foundation fellow, and Jack Lew from the University of Central Florida will look at what is known about development of the creative mind and how the confluences of the arts, sciences, and technology are influencing that development.

The day will conclude with a look at specific examples of creative learning environments and a roundtable discussion with several of Oklahoma’s university presidents, including UCO President Roger Webb.

Also, with the utilization of interactive hand-held devices, attendees can actively participate in stimulating presentations and dialogue with student leaders about this “New Renaissance". Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal Apple iPhone, iPod touch, or personal mobile devices to maximize their interactivity during the symposium. As the event is presented in conjunction with Apple, devices will be available for loan or purchase the day of the event.

The symposium is limited to the first 500 participants. Registration, including lunch, is $65 at the door and free for university students who are sponsored by their universities.

All pre-registered participants received an invitation to attend a special preview event, the evening of Sept. 29 at Constitution Hall, of award-winning film documentarian, David Kennard’s, “ReCreating America.”

Creative Oklahoma is a statewide creativity network with a mission to establish Oklahoma as a world-renowned center of creativity and innovation in commerce, culture and education. UCO and the DaVinci Institute are co-sponsors of the symposium.

For more information and registration, call 232-5570 or visit www.stateofcreativity.com.