Hello World!
Astoria Agora is a blog that serves as the chronicle of the journey of an innovative educational project that draws inspiration from Aristotle’s Lyceum, the Scientific Revolution, the technological advancements of the late 20th and 21st centuries, and modern educational thinking.
Introducing myself, my education includes a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, five years of studying Theatre Acting and Directing, and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education. I have worked as a professional in various roles, including teaching mathematics, computer science, and theatre at the high school level, theatre actor and director, film assistant director, comics artist, and children’s book illustrator.
Throughout my involvement in creating art, it has always been my conviction that art’s primary purpose was educational and addressed to the community, which is exactly how ancient Greeks perceived art. Teaching and learning have always been at the heart of everything I do, and my enthusiasm for learning new things motivates me to share what I have learned with others. As a result, I feel now ready to embark on an ambitious undertaking: opening a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) school that will follow the principles first set by Aristotle in his Lyceum.
The Modern Lyceum
The dream for a Modern Lyceum is a school that will merge the principles of Aristotle’s Lyceum with the spirit of the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the Age of Revolutions, and the limitless possibilities opened by the Internet, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
The Astoria Agora will serve as a virtual agora, echoing the community spirit of the ancient Greeks, where citizens gathered to exchange not only products but also ideas. Here, we invite educators, students, parents, and lifelong learners to engage in this dialogue about integrating STEAM with the philosophical foundations and ethical considerations vital for nurturing well-rounded, technologically literate, democratic citizens of the world.
We will discuss education philosophically, but we will also discuss practical applications, challenges, and the joys of creating an inclusive and expansive learning environment. We want the Modern Lyceum to be more than a school. We want it to be a community where the pursuit of knowledge goes hand in hand with the development of ethical virtue, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and global awareness.
The Modern Lyceum will be in the heart of Astoria, Queens, one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet. This diversity is not just a background but a central feature of our educational philosophy, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and worldviews that enhance learning and understanding.
Share your opinion as we investigate what it means to educate and be educated in the 21st century, inspired by the legacy of the ancient Greeks, the Scientific Revolution, and STEAM education, but also rooted in the realities and possibilities of the modern technological world.