Informatics Seminar Series
Winter Quarter 2023

Abstract:
Inclusion is becoming one of those words that people feel like they are supposed to use but they seldom realize the depth of what it can mean for their work. Over the past several years I have been exploring various layers of inclusivity through my research. In this talk I will highlight ways that my students and I operationalize inclusivity across my lab’s different research projects. This primarily includes ways that we design inclusive computer science learning experiences and subsequently create new technologies to facilitate participation and assess learning. The talk will mention projects related to collaboration analytics, accessibility, and game-based learning, but ultimately narrows in on SportSense. SportSense is an NSF sponsored initiative that integrates sports and computer science across a variety of learning contexts. Some of these contexts include elementary coding classes, 6th-8th grade after school programs, high school sports team practices, summer camps, and university courses. To date, SportSense has reached more than 3000 youth, and has significantly expanded their interest and awareness of computer science. The different implementations have translated into new sports technology ideas and a collection of new interfaces for youth to program sports wearables. The talk will highlight some of these developments and present plans for leveraging multimodal data to more closely assess participant learning of computing concepts.

Bio:
Marcelo Worsley is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Learning Sciences at Northwestern University. His research integrates artificial intelligence and data mining with multimodal interfaces to study and support human learning. He directs the technological innovations for inclusive learning and teaching (tiilt) lab which collaborates with community and industry partners around the world to empower people and organizations through the design and use of equity focused learning tools. These tools include both pedagogical and technological solutions for in school and out of school learning. More information about Marcelo and his lab is at tiilt.northwestern.edu