Whom We Include and How They Succeed
Presentation: “Whom we include and how they succeed”: A role for inclusion and equity in data-informed learning engineering
Speaker: Dr. Tom Fikes, Senior Researcher and Director of Research for the Action Lab at Arizona State University
Time: 2–3 p.m. MST, October 14, 2020
Abstract: In this talk, I will begin with some definitions of “data science” and “learning engineering” – less for the purpose of arguing for the adoption of particular definitions, and more to begin a conversation about what the Action Lab is and does, with a goal of beginning a mutually beneficial research collaboration with B2C2 members around these topics in order to create even better learning environments for our ASU students (and particularly of our SSBS and New College students). I will argue that data science, learning engineering and other similar useful professional identifications are structurally defined, but are always (if implicitly) embedded within functional contexts; and that social transformation requires a deep awareness on the part of data scientists, learning engineers and allied agents and actors as to the nature of those functional contexts. Indeed, given the inevitable competition between functional contexts, we must go beyond merely being aware of them to cultivating and sustaining them. The second (and hopefully longer) portion of the talk will be around several data visualizations that highlight student learning, persistence and retention at ASU. These visualizations will allow me to argue for a functional context that extends beyond “success for the average learner” (or for the institution) to one of equity, inclusion and social justice. Not surprisingly, given the title, I will situate this within the context of the ASU charter and its language of inclusion and success.
Speaker Bio: Tom Fikes is senior researcher and director of research for the Action Lab at Arizona State University. He completed his PhD at U.C. Santa Barbara where he studied cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Following postdoctoral work in mathematical modeling and cognitive science at Indiana University, he served teaching, research and faculty administrative roles as professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. His current work centers on plying data science, modeling, visualization and design thinking toward increased inclusivity, equity and excellence in student learning.
Kuai Xu
Kuai.Xu@asu.edu