Invited Talk at EPFL: Using AI to Scale Learning By Making

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be giving an invited talk at EPFL as part of the IC Colloquium series on March 27, 2025.

Talk Details

Title: Using AI to Scale Learning By Making: Addressing the Challenges of Broader Integration

When: March 27, 2025, 10:15-11:15
Where: BC 420, EPFL (also available online)

Abstract

Recent advances in computational technologies such as digital fabrication, electronics, and XR have contributed to a resurgence in constructionist learning, where students learn by creating personally meaningful artifacts using specially designed technologies known as microworlds. However, the challenges that arise when integrating these technologies into broader educational contexts have gone largely unaddressed.

In this talk, I’ll present my work which addresses these challenges using machine learning and generative AI, discussing research projects on:

• The design of novel hands-on assessments
• Generative AI tools that guide student creativity
• Multimodal AI-based teaching assistants explicitly aligned with established learning theories

I’ll conclude by demonstrating how my focus on addressing implementation challenges not only supports the scaling of constructionist pedagogy but also opens up new horizons of research opportunities as part of my long-term vision for transforming learning environments.

The talk is open to the general public and free to attend.

For more information, visit the EPFL event page.