Contact Information

[email protected]

I'm available 8 to 4 Monday through Friday, Central European Time (Czas środkowoeuropejski)

Please email me if you want a reply. I prefer to think and reflect on questions prior to answering them.

Biography

My name is Bill MacKenty. I grew up on Martha's Vineyard, a beautiful and oppressively expensive little island off the coast of Massachusetts. I live in Warsaw, Poland where I teach high school computer science and software engineering.

As a lifelong geek I enthusiastically share my passion, energy and expertise about programming and computers. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a kid "get it" (sadly, the obverse is also true). I've served as a senior leader in educational technology and worked for many years in educational technology. What really floats my boat is teaching and coding. I am insatiably curious, always learning and exploring....

The very best way to learn computing is to solve authentic problems at the right level of challenge. There is a joy in solving hard problems. My students have said my classes are "difficult and fun"; this is my pedagogical target-space. The best way we can spend time is class is to clarify a concept and then practice the concept. Much direct learning can be done outside of the classroom. Informal, video-based learning is how much learning happens now. The best assessment reflects authentic engagement with problems; this type of assessment doesn't end with a 1 to a 7, but rather a nuanced view to what extent a student understands computing. I like nuance. I'm not sure how much university admission departments appreciate nuance....

I am a committed advocate of open source. I deeply believe in its power to foster collaboration, innovation, and accessibility, making technology more equitable and beneficial for everyone. I don't do well when data is hoarded, protected, and kept away; especially in educational contexts.

Education & Credentials

2005 - Northeastern University (Educational Technology)
1998 - Keene State (Master in Education)
1992 - Franklin Pierce University

Teaching Philosophy

The very best way to learn computing is to solve authentic problems at the right level of challenge. There is a joy in solving hard problems. My students have said my classes are "difficult and fun"; this is my pedagogical target-space. The best way we can spend time is class is to clarify a concept and then practice the concept. Much direct learning can be done outside of the classroom. Informal, video-based learning is how much learning happens now. The best assessment reflects authentic engagement with problems; this type of assessment doesn't end with a 1 to a 7, but rather a nuanced view to what extent a student understands computing. I like nuance.

Vision for Students

My vision for students is to ignite a lifelong passion for computing by engaging them with authentic, challenging problems that are both difficult and enjoyable, fostering deep understanding through active practice and genuine exploration. I believe learning thrives when students encounter meaningful tasks that push them just beyond their comfort zones, promoting resilience, curiosity, and a nuanced understanding of computing far richer than mere numerical grades can reflect. By championing open-source principles and advocating for collaborative, equitable access to technology, I aim to equip students not only with technical skills but with a mindset of openness and innovation, empowering them to contribute thoughtfully and creatively in a rapidly evolving digital world.