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{{AFC submission|d|bio|u=Dockaun|ns=118|decliner=Qcne|declinets=20250628145246|ts=20250628143843}} <!-- Do not remove this line! -->
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{{Short description|American education technologist}}
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{{Draft topics|biography|north-america|education|stem}}

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{{AFC comment|1=Your sources simply do not give coverage to the person. <span style="background-color: RoyalBlue; border-radius: 1em; padding: 3px 3px 3px 3px;">'''[[User:Qcne|<span style="color: GhostWhite">qcne</span>]]''' <small>[[User talk:Qcne|<span style="color: GhostWhite">(talk)</span>]]</small></span> 14:52, 28 June 2025 (UTC)}}
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{{AFC comment|1=In accordance with Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest policy]], I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. <!--Comment automatically added by the Article Wizard--> [[User:Dockaun|Dockaun]] ([[User talk:Dockaun|talk]]) 19:43, 24 June 2025 (UTC)}}
{{AFC comment|1=In accordance with Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:Conflict of interest|Conflict of interest policy]], I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. <!--Comment automatically added by the Article Wizard--> [[User:Dockaun|Dockaun]] ([[User talk:Dockaun|talk]]) 19:43, 24 June 2025 (UTC)}}
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{{Short description|American education technologist}}

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{{Draft topics|biography|north-america|education|stem}}
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{{UserboxCOI|1=Karen Pauline Kaun}}
{{UserboxCOI|1=Karen Pauline Kaun}}
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In 2001, Kaun co-founded Knowledge iTrust (KIT), a nonprofit focused on integrating instructional technologies into K–12 classrooms. Following the September 11 attacks, KIT launched Peace Diaries, an international e-learning initiative that supported students in 13 countries in processing current events through collaborative, technology-enabled environments. The program received funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report |year=2002 |publisher=W.K. Kellogg Foundation |page=54 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8z5IAQAAIAAJ&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=peace+diaries |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref> the William T. Grant Foundation,<ref>{{cite web |title=Knowledge iTrust Inc. |website=William T. Grant Foundation |url=https://wtgrantfoundation.org/institution/knowledge-itrust-inc |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref> and the Andrew Goodman Foundation. A foreword by Arun Gandhi appeared in the print edition.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaun |first=Karen |title=Peace Diaries |website=KarenKaun.com |url=https://karenkaun.com/peace-diaries |access-date=2025-06-23}}</ref>
In 2001, Kaun co-founded Knowledge iTrust (KIT), a nonprofit focused on integrating instructional technologies into K–12 classrooms. Following the September 11 attacks, KIT launched Peace Diaries, an international e-learning initiative that supported students in 13 countries in processing current events through collaborative, technology-enabled environments. The program received funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report |year=2002 |publisher=W.K. Kellogg Foundation |page=54 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8z5IAQAAIAAJ&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=peace+diaries |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref> the William T. Grant Foundation,<ref>{{cite web |title=Knowledge iTrust Inc. |website=William T. Grant Foundation |url=https://wtgrantfoundation.org/institution/knowledge-itrust-inc |access-date=2025-06-15}}</ref> and the Andrew Goodman Foundation. A foreword by Arun Gandhi appeared in the print edition.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaun |first=Karen |title=Peace Diaries |website=KarenKaun.com |url=https://karenkaun.com/peace-diaries |access-date=2025-06-23}}</ref>


Peace Diaries has been cited as an early example of how digital tools can foster global dialogue and learning. It was profiled in The New York Times as a way children shared personal responses to uncertainty through online forums.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zernike |first=Kate |title=BLACKBOARD; Childhood Amid Uncertainty |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2003-04-13 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/13/education/blackboard-childhood-amid-uncertainty.html |access-date=2025-06-28}}</ref> Mark Gura, in Recapturing Technology for Education, described the project as “one sterling example of this shadow revolution” in education (p. 74).<ref>{{cite book |last=Gura |first=Mark |author2=Percy, Bernard |title=Recapturing Technology for Education: Keeping Tomorrow in Today's Classrooms |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |year=2005 |page=74}}</ref>
Peace Diaries has been cited as an early example of how digital tools can foster global dialogue and learning. It was profiled in The New York Times as a way children shared personal responses to uncertainty through online forums.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zernike |first=Kate |title=BLACKBOARD; Childhood Amid Uncertainty |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2003-04-13 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/13/education/blackboard-childhood-amid-uncertainty.html |access-date=2025-06-28}}</ref> Mark Gura, in Recapturing Technology for Education, described the project as “one sterling example of this shadow revolution” in education (p. 74).<ref>{{cite book |last=Gura |first=Mark |author2=Percy, Bernard |title=Recapturing Technology for Education: Keeping Tomorrow in Today's Classrooms |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |year=2005 |page=74}}</ref>


After "Peace Diaries," Kaun focused on supporting New York City teachers in integrating technology into their instructional practices by partnering with educational organizations and securing grants. This work led to her interest in project-based learning for STEM education and the development of the Maker Kids program, which she created to introduce children to STEM through hands-on activities, followed by the founding of Makeosity, Inc.
After "Peace Diaries," Kaun focused on supporting New York City teachers in integrating technology into their instructional practices by partnering with educational organizations and securing grants. This work led to her interest in project-based learning for STEM education and the development of the Maker Kids program, which she created to introduce children to STEM through hands-on activities, followed by the founding of Makeosity, Inc.
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In 2014, Kaun founded Makeosity, Inc., a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) in New York, as a continuation of her work in the Maker Movement. The company initially developed STEM and invention-based curricula aimed at youth innovation and entrepreneurship grounded in research emphasizing personal interest as a key motivator for engagement and learning. Harackiewicz, J. M., & Hulleman, C. S. (2010). The importance of interest: The role of achievement goals and task values in promoting the development of interest. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00207.x
In 2014, Kaun founded Makeosity, Inc., a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) in New York, as a continuation of her work in the Maker Movement. The company initially developed STEM and invention-based curricula aimed at youth innovation and entrepreneurship grounded in research emphasizing personal interest as a key motivator for engagement and learning. Harackiewicz, J. M., & Hulleman, C. S. (2010). The importance of interest: The role of achievement goals and task values in promoting the development of interest. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00207.x


That year, Kaun mentored two Bronx students who designed the Energy Scooter, a kinetic-charging scooter built with Autodesk Fusion 360. The project, sponsored by Autodesk,<ref>Autodesk News. (2014, December 18). Youth Maker Community Creates Energy Scooter with Autodesk Fusion 360. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://adsknews.autodesk.com/en/stories/youth-maker-community-creates-energy-scooter-with-autodesk-fusion-360/</ref> was featured by News 12,<ref>News 12 Staff. (2014, December 12). Bronx students invent scooter of the future. News 12. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://bronx.news12.com/bronx-students-invent-scooter-of-the-future-34813423</ref> EdSurge,<ref>Kaun, K. (2017, July 31). Build Empathy and Find Joy—How to Combine Making and Entrepreneurism in Your Classroom. EdSurge. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-07-31-build-empathy-and-find-joy-how-to-combine-making-and-entrepreneurism-in-your-classroom</ref> and The Rachael Ray Show, where the students pitched their invention to Shark Tank investors.<ref>endurbendur. (2017, February 9). Kids Pitch Brilliant Products to the “Shark Tank” Tycoons! [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaQHN_tUyFk</ref>
That year, Kaun mentored two Bronx students who designed the Energy Scooter, a kinetic-charging scooter built with Autodesk Fusion 360. The project, sponsored by Autodesk,<ref>Autodesk News. (2014, December 18). Youth Maker Community Creates Energy Scooter with Autodesk Fusion 360. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://adsknews.autodesk.com/en/stories/youth-maker-community-creates-energy-scooter-with-autodesk-fusion-360/</ref> was featured by News 12,<ref>News 12 Staff. (2014, December 12). Bronx students invent scooter of the future. News 12. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://bronx.news12.com/bronx-students-invent-scooter-of-the-future-34813423</ref> EdSurge,<ref>Kaun, K. (2017, July 31). Build Empathy and Find Joy—How to Combine Making and Entrepreneurism in Your Classroom. EdSurge. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-07-31-build-empathy-and-find-joy-how-to-combine-making-and-entrepreneurism-in-your-classroom</ref> and The Rachael Ray Show, where the students pitched their invention to Shark Tank investors.<ref>endurbendur. (2017, February 9). Kids Pitch Brilliant Products to the “Shark Tank” Tycoons! [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaQHN_tUyFk</ref>


The scooter project was highlighted at the National Maker Faire<ref>National Maker Faire. Building the Bronx Scooter. YouTube video, 4:27, posted June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93TSU3vF7Qg</ref> and featured in Digital Engineering 24/7 as a model for STEM and entrepreneurship education.<ref>Stackpole, Beth. “Scooter Project Gets Students Charged Up About STEM.” Digital Engineering 24/7, January 13, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/scooter-project-gets-students-charged-up-about-stem</ref> The Bronx Times reported on its inclusion in the NYCEDC’s Next Top Makers Pop-Up Tour, where students showcased an early prototype of the scooter.<ref>Williams, Jaime. “NYCEDC Hosts Next Top Makers Pop-Up Tour.” Bronx Times, 22 November 2014. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bxtimes.com/nycedc-hosts-next-top-makers-pop-up-tour/</ref> The product was later awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2.<ref name="Patent">Kaun, K., et al. (2017). Mobile charging device. U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9755481B2/</ref>
The scooter project was highlighted at the National Maker Faire<ref>National Maker Faire. Building the Bronx Scooter. YouTube video, 4:27, posted June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93TSU3vF7Qg</ref> and featured in Digital Engineering 24/7 as a model for STEM and entrepreneurship education.<ref>Stackpole, Beth. “Scooter Project Gets Students Charged Up About STEM.” Digital Engineering 24/7, January 13, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/scooter-project-gets-students-charged-up-about-stem</ref> The Bronx Times reported on its inclusion in the NYCEDC’s Next Top Makers Pop-Up Tour, where students showcased an early prototype of the scooter.<ref>Williams, Jaime. “NYCEDC Hosts Next Top Makers Pop-Up Tour.” Bronx Times, 22 November 2014. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bxtimes.com/nycedc-hosts-next-top-makers-pop-up-tour/</ref> The product was later awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2.<ref name="Patent">Kaun, K., et al. (2017). Mobile charging device. U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9755481B2/</ref>

Latest revision as of 14:52, 28 June 2025

  • Comment: Your sources simply do not give coverage to the person. qcne (talk) 14:52, 28 June 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Dockaun (talk) 19:43, 24 June 2025 (UTC)
This user has publicly declared that they have a conflict of interest regarding the Wikipedia article Karen Pauline Kaun.

Karen Pauline Kaun

[edit]

Karen Pauline Kaun is an American educator and instructional designer. She co-founded Knowledge iTrust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to instructional technology and global collaboration, and later founded Makeosity, Inc., a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) that develops STEM curricula and programs in areas such as robotics, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence for teachers, students, and families. Following the events of September 11, Kaun launched an international e-learning initiative through Knowledge iTrust that enabled students to process global events through collaborative, technology-enabled environments. Her current work emphasizes project-based learning, cross-generational STEM engagement, and expanding access in underserved communities. She has also mentored youth inventors with whom she patented a device that harnesses the kinetic energy of a kick scooter to charge mobile devices.

Early life and education

[edit]

Kaun was born in Upstate New York and later moved to the New York metropolitan area. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Adelphi University, followed by a master’s and doctoral degree from Columbia University. Her dissertation research, funded in part by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, examined the use of speech recognition technology to support English language learners’ academic writing.[1][2]

Career

[edit]

Knowledge iTrust

[edit]

In 2001, Kaun co-founded Knowledge iTrust (KIT), a nonprofit focused on integrating instructional technologies into K–12 classrooms. Following the September 11 attacks, KIT launched Peace Diaries, an international e-learning initiative that supported students in 13 countries in processing current events through collaborative, technology-enabled environments. The program received funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation,[3] the William T. Grant Foundation,[4] and the Andrew Goodman Foundation. A foreword by Arun Gandhi appeared in the print edition.[5]

Peace Diaries has been cited as an early example of how digital tools can foster global dialogue and learning. It was profiled in The New York Times as a way children shared personal responses to uncertainty through online forums.[6] Mark Gura, in Recapturing Technology for Education, described the project as “one sterling example of this shadow revolution” in education (p. 74).[7]

After "Peace Diaries," Kaun focused on supporting New York City teachers in integrating technology into their instructional practices by partnering with educational organizations and securing grants. This work led to her interest in project-based learning for STEM education and the development of the Maker Kids program, which she created to introduce children to STEM through hands-on activities, followed by the founding of Makeosity, Inc.

Kaun’s early efforts to incorporate making into STEM education through her nonprofit Knowledge iTrust were mentioned in AnnMarie Thomas’s chapter “Squishy Circuits” in Design, Make, Play: Growing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators, which highlighted her work with Squishy Circuits and hands-on learning activities for teachers and elementary school students.[8]

In 2013, Kaun participated in the Making Meaning symposium hosted by the New York Hall of Science, representing Knowledge iTrust. The event, supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the National Science Foundation, focused on documenting learning through making. A case study of the Maker Kids program was included in the resulting report.[9]

Makeosity, Inc.

[edit]

In 2014, Kaun founded Makeosity, Inc., a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) in New York, as a continuation of her work in the Maker Movement. The company initially developed STEM and invention-based curricula aimed at youth innovation and entrepreneurship grounded in research emphasizing personal interest as a key motivator for engagement and learning. Harackiewicz, J. M., & Hulleman, C. S. (2010). The importance of interest: The role of achievement goals and task values in promoting the development of interest. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00207.x

That year, Kaun mentored two Bronx students who designed the Energy Scooter, a kinetic-charging scooter built with Autodesk Fusion 360. The project, sponsored by Autodesk,[10] was featured by News 12,[11] EdSurge,[12] and The Rachael Ray Show, where the students pitched their invention to Shark Tank investors.[13]

The scooter project was highlighted at the National Maker Faire[14] and featured in Digital Engineering 24/7 as a model for STEM and entrepreneurship education.[15] The Bronx Times reported on its inclusion in the NYCEDC’s Next Top Makers Pop-Up Tour, where students showcased an early prototype of the scooter.[16] The product was later awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2.[17]

Building on the scooter momentum, through a multi-year internship program at Bronx High School of Science, Kaun recruited students to form a team tasked with developing an educational video game designed to teach engineering skills to peers. The project served as a proof of concept for creating learning experiences that elevate students’ knowledge and skills through interest-driven, experiential learning. The students built the game using tools such as Unity, Maya, and Tinkercad, and tested a prototype with middle school students in the final phase. The team maintained a blog documenting their design process and progress throughout the project.

Kaun also partnered with the New York City Department of Education and Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Academy[18] to launch FaceLab, a program training parents and educators to incorporate robotics and electrical engineering into instruction. The initiative was recognized by the New York State Education Department as part of its My Brother’s Keeper Exemplary School Models and Practices program.[19]

Makeosity later served as the implementation lead for Learning Technology Grant (LTG) initiatives in Community School Districts 5 and 13, supporting professional development in STEM and digital instruction across multiple years.[20][21]

In 2019, Makeosity received a Milestone Award in the Adult Literacy XPRIZE Communities Competition for its work in digital literacy outreach.[22]

Publications

[edit]
  • Kaun, K. (2010). "Say it down! Scaffolding English language learners’ academic writing with speech recognition technology." In Adaptation, Resistance and Access to Instructional Technologies.
  • Kaun, K., & Arora, P. (2010). "Global education greenhouse: Constructing and organizing online global knowledge." In Cases on Technological Adaptability and Transnational Learning.
  • Kaun, K. (2007). "ICT and development in Tanzania: A matter of priorities." In World Congress on Communication for Development.

Patent

[edit]
   Kaun, K., et al. (2017). Mobile charging device. U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2.[17]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kaun, K. P. (2009). Scaffolding English language learners' academic writing with the "STEPS+G" planning and curricular approaches and speech recognition technology (Thesis).
  2. ^ Kaun, K. (2010). Say it down! Scaffolding English language learners' academic writing with speech recognition technology.
  3. ^ Annual Report. W.K. Kellogg Foundation. 2002. p. 54. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  4. ^ "Knowledge iTrust Inc". William T. Grant Foundation. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  5. ^ Kaun, Karen. "Peace Diaries". KarenKaun.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  6. ^ Zernike, Kate (2003-04-13). "BLACKBOARD; Childhood Amid Uncertainty". The New York Times. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
  7. ^ Gura, Mark; Percy, Bernard (2005). Recapturing Technology for Education: Keeping Tomorrow in Today's Classrooms. Bloomsbury Academic. p. 74.
  8. ^ Thomas, AnnMarie. "Squishy Circuits." In Design, Make, Play: Growing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators, edited by Margaret Honey and David E. Kanter, 119–137. New York: Routledge, 2013. ISBN 978-0-415-53920-3.
  9. ^ New York Hall of Science. (2013). Making Meaning [M2]. May 2013. https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/stemlibraryconference/events/Making-Meaning-Report.pdf
  10. ^ Autodesk News. (2014, December 18). Youth Maker Community Creates Energy Scooter with Autodesk Fusion 360. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://adsknews.autodesk.com/en/stories/youth-maker-community-creates-energy-scooter-with-autodesk-fusion-360/
  11. ^ News 12 Staff. (2014, December 12). Bronx students invent scooter of the future. News 12. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://bronx.news12.com/bronx-students-invent-scooter-of-the-future-34813423
  12. ^ Kaun, K. (2017, July 31). Build Empathy and Find Joy—How to Combine Making and Entrepreneurism in Your Classroom. EdSurge. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-07-31-build-empathy-and-find-joy-how-to-combine-making-and-entrepreneurism-in-your-classroom
  13. ^ endurbendur. (2017, February 9). Kids Pitch Brilliant Products to the “Shark Tank” Tycoons! [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaQHN_tUyFk
  14. ^ National Maker Faire. Building the Bronx Scooter. YouTube video, 4:27, posted June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93TSU3vF7Qg
  15. ^ Stackpole, Beth. “Scooter Project Gets Students Charged Up About STEM.” Digital Engineering 24/7, January 13, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/scooter-project-gets-students-charged-up-about-stem
  16. ^ Williams, Jaime. “NYCEDC Hosts Next Top Makers Pop-Up Tour.” Bronx Times, 22 November 2014. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bxtimes.com/nycedc-hosts-next-top-makers-pop-up-tour/
  17. ^ a b Kaun, K., et al. (2017). Mobile charging device. U.S. Patent No. 9,755,481 B2. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9755481B2/
  18. ^ Luong, T. (2019, August 16). LEGO EV3 Training in The Bronx. Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.cmu.edu/roboticsacademy/news/cmra-news-2019/nyc-doe-makeosity.html
  19. ^ My Brother's Keeper: Changing the Narrative. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/My-Brother-s-Keeper--Changing-the-Narrative---January-2019.html?soid=1110847617454&aid=qmsSpJfuyDs
  20. ^ NYSED. (2018–2021). Learning Technology Grant Program Overview: CSD 5. New York State Education Department. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.nysed.gov/edtech/learning-technology-grant-program-overview-csd-5
  21. ^ NYSED. (2021–2024). Learning Technology Grant Program Overview: NYC Community School District 13. New York State Education Department. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.nysed.gov/edtech/learning-technology-grant-program-overview-2021-2024-nyc-community-school-district-13
  22. ^ XPRIZE. (2019, April 1). Finalist Teams in Adult Literacy XPRIZE Communities Competition. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.xprize.org/prizes/adult-literacy
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