Research

In the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab, I focused on refining my qualitative research skills. Research opportunities at Common Sense Media and Education Elements gave me important industry experience in evaluating learning apps and web-based digital content.

My work outside of class has convinced me that the integration of technologies into learning environments requires a user-centered approach.

Transformative Learning Technologies Lab

Cognition and Construction Team, FabLab@School Project

I worked in the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab with Professor Paulo Blikstein during the spring and summer quarters. I came on as a qualitative researcher on the Cognition and Construction team for the FabLab@School Project. I conducted and analyzed observations and interviews at the Bourn Lab, a digital fabrication lab at the Castilleja School in Palo Alto, and wrote literature reviews on the history of micro-controller design and tangible toolkits for learning.

I joined the TLTL in order to examine more closely what a learning environment would look like when kids saw themselves as designers, built important twenty-first century skills, and engaged in rich (and authentic) experiences in STEM.

My work at the lab allows me to bring theory and practice together. What began as an interest in constructivism has developed into a deeper understanding of best practices in constructionist learning environments.

Common Sense Media

Education and Research Team

I worked as a research consultant with the Apps channel team and served as CSM’s “In-House History Expert.” The apps channel research included searching the iTunes store and Amazon Marketplace for new educational releases, conducting preliminary reviews, and sending recommended titles for further review to the Apps Channel editor. As the History Expert, I consulted with editors reviewing history-related apps, webs, and games about the accuracy and approach of their reviews.

I learned a great deal about the metrics children's media analysts use to evaluate apps for learning potential.

Education Elements

School Partnerships Team

Education Elements is a Palo Alto-based education startup that specializes in designing blended learning solutions for schools. They are building a great team as they expand their services to schools nationwide.

While at Education Elements, I wanted to examine blended learning models from a design and implementation perspective. I worked on content curation, evaluating the curricular offerings of digital content providers like Gooru, Better Lessons, and Virtual Nerd for scope and sequence, standards alignment, adaptivity, and assessment.

My work at Education Elements gave me a solid foundation in digital content evaluation for 21st century learning. Additionally, I gained insight into how to use disruptive platforms to individualize learning.