InterLACE: Interactive Learning and Collaboration Environment

January 23, 2014
2:50 pm - 4:00 pm
Halligan 102
Speaker: Ethan Danahy

Abstract

With the introduction of new technologies into classrooms, there exists an opportunity to change the classroom culture and the methodologies in which teachers and students are interacting. In the field of CSCL (Computer Supported Collaborative Learning), researchers are developing new digital tools to supplement the learning experience and exploring the impact of these changes. In my own research, I'm interested in understanding how new digital environments are used within classrooms, and what scaffolds and supports can be added to these systems in order to better support productive learning. InterLACE (Interactive Learning and Collaboration Environment) is a new tool developed at Tufts University that enables students to easily express their ideas, engage in classroom content, and work collaboratively through assignments. Leveraging a range of different disciplines, this talk will highlight the work being done to design, develop, and evaluate the effectiveness of InterLACE in classrooms.

Bio:

Ethan Danahy is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department Computer Science at Tufts University outside of Boston MA, having received the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science in 2000 and 2002, respectively, and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2007, all from Tufts. Additionally, he acts as the Engineering Research Program Director at the Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO), where he manages educational technology development projects while researching innovative and interactive techniques for assisting teachers with performing engineering education and communicating robotics concepts to students spanning the K-12 through university age range.