Abstract: Computing education experiences that center learner identities as assets to their learning have been successful at engaging marginalized learners, and increasing their achievement. However, this approach is rarely taken when designing computing education programs and accompanying technologies. In this talk, I will discuss our culturally-responsive approach to designing an informal robotics camp for girls of color. Additionally, we conducted an analysis of multimodal patterns of behavioral engagement from learners in this camp, with implications for creating more effective educational technologies. Finally, I will describe findings from a codesign study on learner attitudes on creating a robot companion, and how this can be leveraged in culturally-responsive paradigms on computing education. 

Bio: Angela is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. She received a Bachelor of Software Engineering from Auburn University in 2015 and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2020. Angela's work sits at the intersection of education, artificial intelligence, and HCI. She investigates creation of educational technologies that support the agency of learners and teachers, towards the goal of creating more equitable, inclusive educational spaces. https://www.angelaebstewart.com/ 

 Note: This is a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual options. Information on both is listed below.