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CLARE BAEK, Ph.D.I am a postdoctoral scholar in the Digital Learning Lab, University of California Irvine. I received my Ph.D. in Urban Education Policy with Educational Psychology concentration from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education, where I was advised by Dr. Stephen Aguilar.
My research examines the ways that innovative uses of technology can promote equitable learning outcomes for all students. I carry out this work in the following ways: (a) Designing New Digital Learning Environments for Inclusion: I design new digital learning environments to promote STEM knowledge, skills, and dispositions among diverse learners, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups (including students with disabilities, students of color, and multilingual students). My work leverages learners' cultural and linguistic assets in digital learning environments through an interdisciplinary approach. In my main current project, "Deepening Computational Thinking for English Learners by Integrating Community-Based Environmental Literacy" (NSF funded), I design elementary computational thinking curricula integrated with computer science, community-based environmental science, and data science through research practice partnerships with multiple school districts in Southern California, serving diverse student populations. (b) Investigating the Impact of Existing and Emerging Technologies: I examine the extent to which existing and emerging educational technologies are designed and implemented in an inclusive manner for diverse students. In my ongoing projects, I study how the design of coding environments influence students' learning of computational thinking and the role of generative AI in students' STEM learning. What I learn in this strand of my research informs my work on designing new digital learning environments. I use a variety of methods including design-based implementation research, causal experiments, and educational data science to understand both student and teacher learning and development in digital learning environments. |