David Thornburg

David Thornburg is the Founder and Director of Global Operations for the Thornburg Center and co-founder of the Thornburg Center for Space Exploration. An award-winning futurist, author, and consultant, his expertise spans educational trends and STEM, with a particular emphasis on educational technology and its impact on academic achievement.

His engagement in the fast-paced world of modern computing, communication media, project-based learning, 21st-century skills, and open-source software has established him as a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop leader. His presentations, such as "Playing With the Future: Exploring Education for the 22nd Century" and "The Role and Opportunity of Open Source Software in Education," address various critical topics in technology and education.

Thornburg's educational philosophy advocates for inquiry-driven project-based learning, where students actively participate as constructors of their own knowledge. He emphasizes the transformation of learning environments through digital tools in his presentation "Campfires in Cyberspace." A strong proponent of preparing students for their future rather than our past, Thornburg also highlights the importance of integrating technology effectively in classrooms to enhance learning and academic achievement. His keynote programs include "Forget About The Future, It's The Present That Concerns Me" and "If The World is Flat, Why is My Head Spinning?"

Previously a Principal Scientist at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, he invented technologies that are still in use today. Thornburg has also written numerous books, including "Shift Control: Reflections on Education, Technology and the Lives of Today's Students," "Education in the Communication Age," and "From the Campfire to the Holodeck: Creating Engaging and Powerful 21st Century Learning Environments."

An active educator, Thornburg teaches and advises PhD candidates in the field of educational technology at Walden University. He splits his time between the United States and Brazil, engaging extensively with educational institutions and firms in Brazil, promoting STEM education and the effective use of technology in learning environments.