I have always had a fascination with computing, learning, and thinking. As an eighth grader I taught self-designed computer classes to children and adults. Twenty+ years later, I find myself (with a little more experience) doing almost the same thing!

My area of expertise is at the intersection of the disciplines of computer science, information technology, and education: my research informs and develops research questions for each discipline. The primary intellectual thread throughout my research is how to best use technology as a mediator (e.g., conduit, or tool) for human learning, i.e., technology-mediated learning, or for motivation/persuasion. I serve on the editorial board of Educational Technology Research & Development and regularly review articles and grant proposals for a number of other journals and funding agencies.

I recently served as editor of a special issue for Educational Technology on pedagogical agents that was released in January 2007.