Educational Technology

During my graduate program, I had the opportunity to explore various uses of educational technology and utilize design processes during the development of learning experiences. I am currently working to integrate mobile devices, digital badging, and social networking into new curriculum for youth and adults. 

Digital Badging
Adler Planetarium

As part of a collaborative effort across museums and youth organizations, we developed standards for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) digital badges. I am leading the equity working group in exploring best practices for digital badging.

Hack Days 
Adler Planetarium

During Hack Days, youth get to exercise their tech skills as they develop solutions for attacking civic and science problems. Professionals are available as mentors, but solutions are largely youth-driven. I coordinated the Random Hacks of Kindness, Jr. event, focused on middle school students.

Digital Museum Experiences
Adler Planetarium

At the Adler Planetarium, I have worked to integrate digital and social media tools for museum experiences. These experiences have proven useful during orientations, for team building, and as stand-alone programs. We currently have an Instagram-based scavenger hunt that utilizes Storify and a program for developing digital "exhibits" from museum content. 

After School Programs & Badging
Adler Planetarium

The newest version of the Near Space Explorers after school curriculum incorporates digital badging and online support networks for teachers and students via Minigroup and Edmodo. This accompanying website allows students to access the lesson objectives. 

KaiPals: An In-Home Scavenger Hunt
Master Degree Project, Stanford University

KaiPals is an interactive, at-home scavenger hunt designed for preschool through elementary-aged children. While playing the game, children learn about marine mammals through self-contained videos. View the project page for more information.

Pirate Physics App
Stanford University, Child Development Project

Pirate Physics teaches upper elementary students basic knowledge about simple machines in a fun and engaging way. Designed with user-centered principles, the development of the app structure consisted of working directly with children. View the project page for more information.