The UMass Computational Social Science Institute invites you to an exciting talk by one of our own affiliates:

Florence Sullivan
Associate Professor of Education, University of Massachusetts
Friday, October 6, 2017 • 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (lunch served at 12:15)
Computer Science Building, Room 150/151

Title: Microgenetic Learning Analytics: Exploring Computational Means to Support Research on Collaborative Learning

Abstract: Microgenetic analysis is an educational research method that aims to capture and describe the development of conceptual understanding in children over short periods of time (minutes, hours, days). The method requires high density observations that span the period of rapidly changing competence. The level of explanatory power made possible by microgenetic analysis concerning the development of higher ordered thinking processes is unparalleled by other analytic techniques. However, the time-intensive nature of data collection and analysis using microgenetic techniques has, thus far, limited the generalizability of findings. To address this issue, we have begun to explore computational methods for supporting microgenetic analysis. Using the natural language processing approach of parts-of-speech tagging, we developed and implemented a new educational research method termed “Microgenetic Learning Analytics (MLA).” Results of research on student collaborative learning with educational robotics using the MLA method will be discussed.

Bio: Florence R. Sullivan is an associate professor of learning technology in the College of Education at UMass, Amherst. Dr. Sullivan received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Studies in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her work focuses on student collaborative learning with computational media; with a special emphasis on girls’ learning and engagement with robotics. The aim of Dr. Sullivan’s research is to aid national efforts to improve the diversity of individual’s involved in computer science through educational interventions.