Marcelo Worsley

Research Focus

Marcelo Worsley’s research integrates artificial intelligence and data mining with multimodal interfaces to study and support human learning. He directs the technological innovations for inclusive learning and teaching (tiilt) lab which works with community and industry partners around the world to empower people and organizations through the design and use of equity focused learning tools. These tools include both pedagogical and technological solutions for in school and out of school learning. 

My plans for the Fellowship

This fellowship will help me research how to design and support student learning of computer science through sports. Sports are a cross-cultural and international phenomenon that maintain significant appeal for youth of all ages. Sports also constitute a diverse set of activities that can be practiced individually at home, among classmates during recess or physical education class, and within after-school programs and youth sports clubs. From the technological perspective, sports wearables and analytics have become increasingly prominent within professional sports, and there is an exciting opportunity to engage young people in thinking about utilizing sports technologies to improve youth athletics. My research leverages the intriguing possibilities offered through sports technologies and youth interest in athletics to enable authentic conversations and learning about computer science. Through this work, I want to investigate how we might foster everyday conversations about computer science, artificial intelligence, and data science within the context of youth sports through the design of various tools for youth and adults. 

How will my work change children’s and youth’s lives? 

My work is ultimately about creating spaces where youth engage in deep and meaningful learning while participating in the activities that they already enjoy. It is about making sure that they can bring the various aspects of their identity to the learning space and have that identity be honored and valued. In so doing, I hope for young people to see new possibilities for how they can engage with and impact the world around them using the tools of computer science.