Image showing the Finite State Automata (States, Transitions, & Connections) of a Wearable Learning multiplayer educational mobile math game.

Research on Education Technology

My research focuses on creating innovative teaching and learning technologies that broaden STEM participation & prepare learners and educators for future challenges.

In the Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies (TECS) Department at UMass Amherst, where scientists develop equitable STEAM learning technologies for Higher Education and K12 domains, I focus my research at the intersection of technology, education, and cultural responsiveness design. Here are some of my key areas of research:

AI-Transformed Learning: Key areas including AI Literacy, Prompt Literacy, and Computational Literacy. I experiment with GenAI and multimodal large language models (LLMs) to develop innovative instructional strategies and intelligent tutoring systems. See AI in EDU page for latest.
Culturally-Responsive Technology Design: Culturally-attuned digital tools offer deep understandings of humankind, especially in K-12 STEM education. I create interactive and engaging educational platforms that connect learners with subjects in a meaningful and engaging way.
Computing and Math Literacy: STEM is fundamental to modern society. My work contributes to computing and math literacy through culturally-responsive, research-driven educational technologies for skill development in K12 and Higher Ed.
Game-based Learning: Humans are drawn to games. Play is hard coded into our DNA. However, designing games develops computational thinking. My work creates engaging, interactive, and embodied learning experiences with the "mind body connection". See Wearable Learning.

See all education technology I contributed to developing on the EdTech page.

Wearable Learning Game Play (above) and Game Design for Computational Thinking (below) Curricular Activities. Children (Grades 4 and up) take up roles as "game design consultants", play flagship embodied mobile math games, later designing their own for peers to play using the Finite State Automata concepts. Read about the Wearable Learning computational thinking and math education research on Google Scholar.

Two years of continous collaboration with colleagues from the HBGC, in Western Massachusetts.

Part of my doctoral dissertation work shows a concept Map eight domains of Multiplayer Game Design and Computational Thinking for Wearable Learning Computing Education Platform. Adapted from Ottmar et al., 2017. Work featured as a short paper at the International Society of Learning Sciences (ISLS) 2024 Conference in Buffalo, New York.