David Albert

Artificial Intelligence (Course)

This one-semester introductory survey course about Artificial Intelligence is offered in the fall semester of the 2009-2010 academic year, at the Harvard University Extension School. Check the course web site for complete details, and ponder the question of what it might mean for a computer to be intelligent, or to be able to think.

Morse School

I am an instructional technology specialist for the Morse School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this role, I teach classes in grades K-8, offer professional development workshops and curriculum planning assistance to teachers in grades K-8, and administer the website and local area network.

Expeditionary Learning Schools

I am the database consultant and website designer for Expeditionary Learning Schools Outward Bound (ELS), the urban education division of Outward Bound USA. I create Filemaker Pro custom database designs, and assist with all aspects of their Information Technology support.

The National Classroom, Inc.

I am a statistical consultant, database designer, and webmaster for The National Classroom. I have conducted studies of race and gender gap issues on the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) tests, and worked on other MCAS-related research and education projects. Our AchievementInfo.Com site presents questions from the MCAS in an easy-to-read and easy-to-study-from format.

Intellectual Property Law and the Internet (Course)

Co-taught with Michael Albert, this one-semester course was offered at the Harvard University Extension School. We focus on the main themes of Intellectual Property: trademark, copyright, and patent legislation, as they apply on the Internet. We also examine some issues of free speech. Check the course web site for complete details. Although we are not offering the course in 2009-2010, I expect to offer it again in a future year.

Teaching with Modeling and Simulation (Course)

This course examines how computer models and simulation software can be used in the teaching of middle and high school science and social studies. Check out the course website for much more information! Please note: the course is not currently slated to be listed in next year's course catalog. I hope it will be offered in a subsequent year.

Exhibit Interpreter, Boston's Museum of Science

Saturday mornings, I sometimes spend a few hours at the Science Museum in Boston, taking out supplementary exhibits or demonstrations, or helping visitors make sense of the permanent exhibits on the halls. I am there less frequently than in the past, due to the demands of fatherhood, so if you'd like to meet me there, be sure to let me know you are coming. If you want to take your chances, look for me in a dark red lab coat.

Virtual Communities on the Internet (Course)

This one-semester course on Virtual Communities on the Internet was offered from 1996 through 2002 at the Harvard University Extension School. Check the course web site for complete details. Also consider our fundamental question: are computer-based communities "virtual", or are they real?

MUSEnet

My work on the MUSEnet (Multi-User Science Education Network) project no longer takes much of my time. As Aslan on MicroMUSE, I helped direct the first Multi-User Simulation Environment used primarily for educational purposes. The project still exists, but few changes have been made in recent years. My papers have been presented at several DARPA-sponsored conferences. Feel free to check out MicroMUSE via telnet to www.musenet.org, login as "guest" (no password needed).

WELLmuse

Physically located in Sausalito, California, The WELL is home to an eclectic group of writers, musicians, philosophers, and others. The WELLmuse may be explored by visitors and WELLbeings alike. I spend some time there when I have a chance.