Bio

Robin is a recognized expert in Web 2.0 technologies, integrating them into education, and ensuring safe yet effective use of these tools. She specializes in educating teachers and parents of “generation-y” youth. Robin founded Kinderguarded in 2008 to meet the needs of parents concerned about their children’s online safey, but the mission has since expanded to include educating parents and teachers about online safety and technology literacy. Robin recently took on the role of Long Island Technology in Education examiner, reporting on all aspects of technology integration throughout Long Island classrooms. She also writes about critical topics on educational technology and online safety in her blogs: Education 2.0 and Kinderguarded. Robin has written numerous publications and is currently working on two books – one for adults and one directed at children – highlighting online safety issues. In addition to providing consulting services through Kinderguarded, Robin also provides professional development to teachers at schools within the Nassau BOCES network.

Successful technology integration and professional development projects include designing and delivering a WebQuest as a culminating Social Studies unit for a 4th grade class where the students examined the role that Colonial values and the American Revolution has on America today; strategizing with teachers to design lessons that utilize new technologies in their classrooms, and mentoring students on website design, presentation skills and strategies for the FIRST Robotics Competition (upon which the team received the Safety Award and the Chairman’s Award for the SBPLI region). She has also conducted professional development workshops with teachers on topics such as leveraging iTunes University, using WallWisher, embracing the power of SMART Board and SMART response systems and discussing the impact of 21st century skills in education. She has coached adult learners on blogging techniques, content formation and acceptable etiquette; and provided online safety recommendations to families to prevent cyber-bullying susceptibility.

Robin obtained a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Technology from Columbia University Teachers College and holds NYS Certification as an Educational Technology Specialist. She also earned an MBA in Management Information Systems and a BS in Business Administration and Marketing. Prior to refocusing her expertise in the world of academia, Robin worked for 15 years in Information Technology finding solutions to customer business challenges and training peers and clients on various software products. She served as the Web 2.0 Ambassador for Sun Microsystems – New York and provided innovative relationship management at Netscape Communications. Some accolades include presenting at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing and representing past companies at events such as PodCamp NYC and the Learning Innovation Network conference.

Robin has a passion for making a difference in the world and has participated in her community through numerous volunteer opportunities. She has made & delivered food for the homeless, tutored at an elementary school and served as big sister in the New York Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter. She is currently the Technology Committee chairperson at her synagogue, focusing efforts on improving the organization’s Website, increasing the technology integration in the school and leveraging Web 2.0 technologies to grow membership. As a new mom, Robin enjoys time at home with her husband and daughter, making the most of every day. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, tennis, Mah-Jong and genealogy. Robin’s passion for ensuring a safe digital future for her daughter and for everyone in her generation carries over to all she does. This generation will require 21st century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem solving and creativity to meet the demands of 21st century careers. Robin believes in the power of Web 2.0 – its focus on interactive information sharing, collaborative outputs, communication enhancements and community building lends itself naturally to a seamless instructional tool for development of 21st century skills – but it must be embraced in a safe, authentic, and effective environment.