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Youth Experience, Learning, and Digital Practices

Creating new avenues for youth learning, communication, play, and self-expression.

Research Projects

Postdoctoral Fellowship: STEMEdIPRF: SAGE4ICE: Student Analogy Generation Empowerment for Computing Education
Principal Investigator(s):
Funder: National Science Foundation
Research Areas: Accessibility and Inclusive Design > Data Science, Analytics, and Visualization > Future of Work > Human-Computer Interaction > Youth Experience, Learning, and Digital Practices
This project develops classroom activities, digital scaffolding tools, and an online library to guide students in creating effective analogies for learning computing concepts. By improving comprehension and persistence in introductory courses, the project aims to broaden participation and strengthen the pipeline of future computing professionals.
CAREER: Self-Directed Human-LLM Coordination for Language Learning and Information Seeking
Principal Investigator(s): Ge Gao
Funder: National Science Foundation
Research Areas: Accessibility and Inclusive Design > Health Informatics > Human-Computer Interaction > Information Justice, Human Rights, and Technology Ethics > Machine Learning, AI, Computational Linguistics, and Information Retrieval > Youth Experience, Learning, and Digital Practices
This project uses AI-powered digital tutors to help individuals with limited majority-language proficiency improve their language skills for real-world information seeking. By enabling users to design personalized tutoring systems, the study advances language learning, AI literacy, and human-computer interaction.
An AI-Enhanced Colleague for Teachers: Developing and Studying an Innovative Platform for Efficient, Inclusive Middle-Grade Mathematics Lesson Planning
Principal Investigator(s):
Funder: National Science Foundation
Research Areas: Machine Learning, AI, Computational Linguistics, and Information Retrieval > Youth Experience, Learning, and Digital Practices
This project supports middle school math teachers by developing an AI-powered lesson planning tool that enhances efficiency, quality, and inclusivity. Integrating generative AI with research-based practices, it offers personalized guidance for creating effective lessons. The project also examines impacts on teacher stress, instructional effectiveness, and student learning outcomes.

Recent News

A group of students and faculty stand together on a stage at Korea University Seoul Campus during the 2025 Climate Corps Summer School. Several students wear matching green shirts and hold red Korea University folders and small teddy bear mascots. At center, they display a sign reading “Third Prize – Climate Corps Summer School 2025” for a business plan team. Information science student Nicholas Schiavone stands among the group holding a red folder.

Photo courtesy of Maryland Global

Maryland Global: Code, Collaboration and Climate Solutions

Maryland Today Staff | UMD - February 13, 2026
Information Science alum Nicholas Schiavone applied tech and data skills to support climate refugees in global competition
A high-tech library with digital book retrieval systems and interactive learning tools.

Photo licensed by Adobe Stock via Ashi

Emerging Voices: INFO’s Doctoral Scholars Shape the Future of LIS Education

Laurie Robinson Maryland Today Staff | UMD - February 13, 2026
Information Science alum Nicholas Schiavone applied tech and data skills to support climate refugees in global competition
Digital screen with multiple media icons and a "blocked" sign in red, symbolizing internet censorship, restricted content, or access denial

Photo licensed by Adobe Stock via Alisluch

TechNewsWorld News: Australia Bans Social Media Accounts for Minors (ft. Jen Golbeck)

INFO Staff - December 11, 2025
INFO Professor Jen Golbeck provides insight as Australia’s proposed social media ban for minors sparks debate over safety, access, an …