Graduate Design Alum and Faculty to Copresent "Math Propulsion" Paper at TEI 2011 Conference in Portugal
Posted on Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Jim Norrena
Watch the "Math Propulsion" video
A paper submitted by assistant professor and coauthor Wendy Ju and alum Jason Mickelson (MFA Design 2009) has been accepted by TEI: Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction 2011, which is the fifth international conference dedicated to presenting the latest results in tangible, embedded, and embodied interaction.
The paper, entitled "Math Propulsion: Engaging Math Learners Through Embodied Performance and Visualization," builds on Mickelson's graduate thesis project: "As an educator, I am always exploring ways that design can influence the methodologies, tools, and experiences for students and teachers in traditional learning environments. At the same time, my work hopes to provoke conversations about the role of creativity, storytelling, and personal expression for learning."
From the Authors and the Chair
"'Math Propulsion,'" states Mickelson, "is my exploration into teaching and learning symmetries and isometrics through shape transformations using performance, physical activity, technology, and visual artifacts to explain and explore how math looks and works. My research and design work emphasize tangible and embodied interaction for learning environments and communication technologies."
Ju, a PhD graduate of the Center for Design Research at Stanford University and founder of Ambidextrous magazine, was Mickelson's thesis advisor: "This work is an excellent exploration of how incorporating the body, motion, and social interaction can turn kids on to the wonders of topics such as math and science."
Graduate Program in Design chair Brenda Laurel was thrilled: "Congratulations to Jason and Wendy! It's wonderful to see Graduate Program in Design work showing up at this prestigious conference!"
Ju and Mickelson will be delivering a talk and demonstration at the TEI'11 conference, which will take place January 23–26, 2011, in Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal. Jason's and Wendy's proposal was one of 65 accepted from 203 submissions. All submitted material was required to be original work, and each was reviewed rigorously by at least three reviewers in a double-blind process.
About TEI
The work presented at TEI addresses HCI issues, design, interactive art, user experience, tools and technologies, with a strong focus on how computing can finally bridge atoms and bits into cohesive interactive systems. The intimate size of this single-track conference provides a unique forum for exchanging ideas and presenting innovative work through talks, interactive exhibits, demos, hands-on studios, posters, art installations, and performances.