[Apologies for multiple postings]

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CS Interdisciplinary Seminar 
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Wednesday, April 09, 2014
1:00pm
ENGR 4201 

Title: Computational Learning Sciences

Speaker: Aditya Johri
Associate Professor, Applied Information Technology, George Mason University


Abstract

The field of Learning Sciences conducts research on how people learn across a range of domains with and through the use of artifacts. This understanding is then used to design more productive learning environments. How people learn, our understanding of how people learn, as well as our ability to design learning environments is undergoing a tremendous transformation with increasing digitization of artifacts and our practices. Increased digitization, in addition to other affordances, implies computational capabilities embedded in artifacts. How does this impact learning? This question gives rise to a new area of research I call Computational Learning Sciences (CLS). In this talk I start an exploration of this area and work towards a problem definition for it by presenting findings from a study of newcomer participation in a Java programming community. I emphasize the inherently socio-technical nature of learning and outline three relevant and useful avenues for CLS research: 1. Content Curation – through aggregation, recommendation, and crowdsourcing; 2. Collaboration Configuration – through analytics and modeling of learner and teacher activity; and, 3. Competency Certification – through formative, dynamic and summative assessment.

Speaker's Bio

Aditya Johri studies the use of information technologies for learning and knowledge sharing, with a focus on cognition in informal environments. His research is funded through several NSF grants including an Early Career Award. He is a co-editor of the Cambridge Handbook of Engineering Education Research (CHEER), Cambridge University Press (2014). He received his Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Technology Design from Stanford University. He can be reached at [log in to unmask] More information at:http://mason.gmu.edu/~ajohri3