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

Research

My research focuses on creating innovative STEM learning technologies that broaden access & prepare learners 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:

Culturally-Responsive Technology Design: Integrating meaningful multimedia to enhance K12 programming skill development through educational game design for computing.
Computing and Math Literacy: Advancing Computing and Math Literacy through Culturally-Responsive, Research-Driven Educational Technologies for Skill Development in K12 and Higher Education.
Educational Game Design: Creating engaging, interactive, and embodied learning experiences with the "mind body connection". See Wearable Learning.
AI-Transformed Learning: Leveraging GenAI and multimodal large language models (LLMs) to develop innovative instructional strategies and intelligent tutoring systems.
Equitable Learning Technologies: Develop research-backed education programs and technologies that broaden participation in STEM to ensure accessible learning opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

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.

August, 2023University of Massachusetts Amherst National Student Data Corps (NSDC) Chapter launches with a vision to educate, promote, and encourage participation in data science, under a broader computational literacy initiative. Screenshot showing the NSDC UMass Amherst page, which is maintained and developed by Emily Rothenberg from Columbia University. Read more.

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 ISLS 2024 Conference.

January, 2024. Young Data Science Wizards Workshop and Competition (K12), from Hyderabad, India.

May, 2024. Computing and Programming Education Intervention w/ Dr. Arroyo's students and staff from the HBGC.

August, 2022. Wearable Learning participants (above and below) from Zilla Parishad High School Jammikunta, India.

Image credits: Wes DeShano