AI helpers with Personalities
Active2026 – Present
Understanding how 'personal' characteristics of AI assistants affect student learning.
AI-Supported LearningLLMsPersonalization
Team: Natalie Olsen, Zihan Wu
Research
Designing and evaluating educational tools for novice computing learners.
Research Overview
Central Research Questions
- •How can we design educational tools that engage novices while scaling to large classrooms?
- •What forms of feedback and scaffolding best support learning in computing?
- •How should AI be integrated into programming learning environments to benefit both learners and instructors?
Our Approach
We integrate learning theories from computing education research with human-centered design methods from HCI. We create and evaluate educational tools through qualitative lab studies and large-scale classroom or field studies.
Research Themes
AI-Supported LearningPersonalized FeedbackScaffolding & PracticeParticipatory Design with Learners and Educators
Current Projects
Projects under construction
We are actively updating this section. Check back soon for updates or talk to us for more details!
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