iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

📢 Attention US-Based International Students and Advisors 📢 ILSSA Event: From F-1 to Future Opportunities: Updates and Career Pathways Session 1 (Yrs 1–3): Tue 9/29, 7–8pm ET Session 2 (Yrs 3+): Thu 10/8, 7–8pm ET See the full details and sign up here: forms.gle/UejN6tyfecGo...

forms.gle

From F-1 to Future Opportunities: Updates and Career Pathways

Recent changes and increased scrutiny around F-1 student employment make it especially important for international students to understand their options and responsibilities. We are pleased to offer tw...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

It’s time to vote! ILSSA student members: voting is now open for the 2026–2027 ILSSA Board elections. Please review the candidate info and submit your ballot by Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. AOE. Candidate info: docs.google.com/presentation... Ballot: forms.gle/r2McwAx6Q1sK...

docs.google.com

2026 Election Nominees

2026-2027 ILSSA Candidates click or scroll to view candidate info. 2025 Board Role: Secretary 2025 Board Role: Asia-Pacific Rep 2025 Board Role: Asia-Pacific Rep 2025 Board Role: Secretary 2025 Board ...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

📢 Dream of having a real impact in the Learning Sciences? Join the ILSSA Board! We are officially inviting nominations to run for a position on the ILSSA Board! Nominations due July 26th. See election details & role descriptions at: bit.ly/ilssa_electi...

bit.ly

ILSSA - ELECTIONS

Candidate Biographies & Info (opens July 27th)

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Evening ILSSA Social! Unwind with fellow students and scholars—free food and good vibes included. Grab a drink, hang out, and make some new connections. Thurs 18:00-20:00 · Hangar 24 17877 Von Karman Ave Unit 110

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Hybrid Symposium Fostering Educational Intimacy: ILSSA Intergenerational Partnerships for Purposeful Community Building. Join us exploring how ILSSA builds meaningful, intergenerational community. Thurs 14:30-16:00 · ALP 1600

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Open ILSSA Business Meeting is TODAY! Join a candid, collaborative conversation about issues facing students and recent grads in ISLS, the field at large, and beyond. Share your experiences, raise questions, and help shape the future of our community together. Thurs 11:30 - 12:45 · ALP1300

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

We are selling stickers to raise money for need based scholarships! We are near the registration table! They cost whatever you can afford, and whatever you think is fair for whatever you take! Not in person? Want to support the cause? You can donate here: donate.stripe.com/8x24gA9Nsd8i...

donate.stripe.com

Stripe Checkout

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

If you are taking pictures in Irvine this week, upload them here! Lets hype eachother up (and get some badass professional pics to promote ourselves) photos.app.goo.gl/iFpALZ3rQf2c...

photos.app.goo.gl

ISLS 2026 - Irvine! 🏝️ · Shared album 📸

Tap to view!

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

ISLS Bingo is BACK! @here If you get bingo, take a screenshot, bring it to the ILSSA sticker near registration, and get a free sticker + a social media shout out! bingobaker.com#6a3178a829c1...

bingobaker.com

#1 Free Bingo Card Generator - Play Online or Print Cards

Create your own bingo cards with words and images, or choose from hundreds of existing cards. Print them or play online. It's easy.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Welcome to ISLS 2026, Irvine! So happy to see everyone arriving and settling in. A few things to know for tomorrow: 📣 New Member Session — June 16, 8:30–10:30am. 🎨 Sticker sale — stop by the registration table and grab yours! See you all tomorrow!

Five ISLS 2026 conference stickers displayed on a light gray background. Top left: a circular sticker with a purple-to-green gradient background featuring a geometric constellation pattern and the text 'TEAM QUANT' in bold pixel-style font. Top right: a circular sticker with a tropical beach scene — palm trees, blue sky, and sand dunes — with the text 'I went to ISLS & all I got was this STICKER.' Center: a hexagonal sticker with an orange-to-blue gradient featuring two hands shaking and the word 'HIRING' in bold orange text. Bottom left: a circular sticker in dark red and white resembling a no-entry sign with the text '[ CITATION NEEDED ]' in white. Bottom right: a circular sticker with a purple-to-orange gradient featuring film strip imagery, handwritten text in the background, a microphone icon, and the text 'TEAM QUAL' in bold black font.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Bus and shuttle update: We officially have a schedule, and the buses will begin running tomorrow! Please check the bus map and schedule to plan your trip. We look forward to seeing everyone!

A map of the Irvine, California area showing conference-related locations for ISLS 2026. Hotel options marked with blue bed icons include: Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine, Hilton Garden Inn Irvine, Hampton Inn and Suites Irvine, Irvine Courtyard by Marriott John Wayne Airport, and Hyatt Regency Irvine. A cocktail glass icon marks Hangar 24. Conference venue locations marked with orange pins in the lower portion of the map include: Anteater Learning Pavilion (ALP), Barclay Theatre, and UCI Division of Continuing Education, all situated near University Drive in the University Town area. John Wayne Airport is visible on the left side of the map. The map also shows major roads including the 405 freeway and Jamboree Road. Bus service phone number 714.835.8676 and bus schedule link https://2026.isls.org/transportation-schedule/ are displayed at the bottom.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Are you attending ISLS virtually? Attend our virtual keynote watch parties & events! Not registered at all? Single-event tickets are a more affordable way to ensure you dont miss out -- registration closes on June 9th solar.swoogo.com/isls2026/beg...

Promotional flyer titled "I'M VIRTUAL! …now what do I do?" with a dark background and colorful event listings. A banner reads "ALL CONCURRENT SESSIONS WILL BE VIRTUALLY VIEWABLE VIA ZOOM!" Below, a schedule lists virtual events by date: Tuesday June 9 — ISLS Virtual Social at 7am PDT; Wednesday June 17 — Poster Session (16:15–17:45pm PDT, Full Hybrid) and KnWP: Marisa Morán Jahn (18:00–19:00 PDT, hosted by Enrique Suarez virtually); Thursday June 18 — Keynote Watch Party: Alyssa Friend Wise (18:00–19:00 PDT, hosted by Jun Oshima); Friday June 19 — Keynote Watch Party: Ananda Marin (6:00–7:00 PDT, hosted by Henry Suárez). A teal banner at the bottom reads "SINGLE-EVENT TICKETS AVAILABLE! $20/person per session | Closes June 9th" with a registration link.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

🚨 ISLS has 4 Hyatt rooms available that were originally reserved for staff. Rate: $169/night + taxes/fees. Likely Queen rooms, potentially shareable between 2 people. Interested? Email Nicole Hoover at nicolehoover87@gmail.com and CC JOHNLL2@BERKELEY.EDU ASAP.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Sticker sneak peek #2 is here! ✨ Stop by during the annual meeting to get yours and help support ILSSA’s Annual Meeting need-based scholarship. Which design will be your favorite? 👀

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

📣 Join us for Mentoring Chats at #ISLS2026! Previously known as Coffee with Professors, Mentoring Chats bring together junior and senior LS/CSCL scholars. 🗓 June 17 & 18, 4:15–5:45 PM 📍 In person & online during poster sessions Sign up as a mentor or mentee by May 29: forms.gle/qnzdj24eg5P4...

forms.gle

Sign-up for Mentoring Chats @ ISLS 2026

Hello Senior and Junior Scholars! We hope you will join us for Mentoring Chats (previously known as Coffee with Professors) at the ISLS Annual Meeting in Irvine, CA. This opportunity will be offere...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Don’t miss the ISLS early-bird deadline. Today’s the last day to register at the lower rate. Prices go up tomorrow!

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

On behalf of the Hybrid Engagement Committee: Help us make ISLS 2026 the most accessible conference yet! We’re looking for more volunteers to host virtual keynote watch parties across time zones, especially for those outside the U.S. Volunteer here: forms.gle/WLyXgZUYry25...

forms.gle

2026 ISLS Irvine Virtual/Hybrid Volunteer Interest

This form is a place for members of the ISLS community to volunteer to support virtual and hybrid events. Please indicate your interest in the various programs below! Each description below was writt...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Our membership registration system and free membership code generation was down Apr 28–today. If you're an eligible LMIC student/practitioner who paid during this time, you can get a refund. Email john@isls.org with your name, email, institution, country & supervisor details.

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Reposted by ILSSA Committee

islsnews.bsky.social @islsnews.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

🧵 JOIN the Community & Hybrid Engagement Forum on May 7 to learn about the many opportunities to connect with your international colleagues through hybrid and virtual engagement at this year’s annual meeting.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

🚌Transportation update for ISLS 2026 attendees! Buses and shuttles are now running from ALL conference hotels — Hyatt, Embassy Suites, Courtyard, Hampton Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn. You can ask the bus driver to let you off at other stops within the loop! Map coming soon. #LearningSciences

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

💸 Attending #ISLS2026 on a budget? Check out our Affordable Travel Crowdsourcing doc for tips, resources, and our Roommate Matching Spreadsheet — 2 people are still looking for roommates! Let's take care of each other 🤝 docs.google.com/document/d/1...

docs.google.com

Affordable Travel Crowdsourcing

Affordable Travel Strategizing (Irvine 2026) People familiar with Irvine! Please help us vet these options! If you notice one that might be inaccessible, unsafe, or otherwise problematic, comment on...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Attending #ISLS2026 in June and have questions or concerns? 📧 Email annual-meeting@isls.org AND help@isls.org. For urgent matters like visa questions or funding, add [URGENT] to your subject line. We've got you! #LearningSciences

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Presenting at #ISLS2026 but can't make it in person? Hybrid and remote presentation options are available! Nobody should miss out on sharing their work because of travel restrictions. Spread the word 🌍 Details here: 2026.isls.org/hybrid-virtu...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

We are so excited to give you your very first look at one of our ISLS 2026 sticker designs. Stay tuned as we reveal a new design with every newsletter and social post leading up to the conference. Which one will be your favorite? 👀

Two square sticker designs side by side. Left: a pink and magenta pixelated sticker with the text 'AI Skeptic' in white bold letters and a pixel-art style 'AI' icon. Right: a dark green pixelated sticker with the text 'AI Enthusiast' in white script and a pixel-art style 'AI' icon. Both stickers have a retro video game aesthetic.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

📅 ISLS 2026 conference date reminders! 📌Apr 15 → at least one author per accepted paper must be registered 📌May 12 → early bird registration ends 📌May 15 → accessibility needs deadline 📌June 1 → in-person registration closes See you all there! 🎉 2026.isls.org/registration/

2026.isls.org

Registration Details | ISLS 2026

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Want to see YOUR art come to life for a good cause? 💜 ILSSA is selling stickers at ISLS in June! Proceeds will go to supporting need-based scholarships for students attending the conference 💚 Add your LS/academia-core sticker designs here: www.canva.com/design/DAHE_...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Join us for our first intergenerational dialogue webinar, “Finding Flight in the Whirlwind: Centering Global Futures and Intergenerational Possibilities in Research.” Thursday, 16 April 2026, 7 – 8:30am PST Register here: bit.ly/finding-flig...

"Flyer for 'Finding Flight in the Whirlwind' online panel on April 16, featuring photos of panelists Drs. Mikateko Mathebula, Sugat Dabholkar, Rochelle Gutiérrez, Carol Lee, and Areej Mawasi, with event details and registration link on a teal gradient background."

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

ICLS 2026 is looking for volunteers! Please read our Volunteer Q+A Document (docs.google.com/document/d/1...) for more details, and if you are interested, apply here (docs.google.com/forms/u/2/d/...)

docs.google.com

Volunteering at ICLS Q+A

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at ICLS this year! Please review the following Q+A document carefully, as there have been some changes to volunteering this year from prior years. What we ...

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Reposted by ILSSA Committee

islsnews.bsky.social @islsnews.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Registration for ISLS 2026 annual meeting is now open! Workshops, events, and virtual attendance are all options in the registration process. Take advantage of early bird rates by May 12! www.isls.org/news/2026-is...

isls.org

2026 ISLS Annual Meeting Registration Now Open!

Join us in Irvine, California, USA from June 15–June 19, 2026 to celebrate our theme, “Partnering with Purpose.” Expanded workshop offerings featuring two off-site community partner workshops…

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

The Hidden Curricula of PostDocs Panel is ✨THIS FRIDAY✨ featuring Drs Sebastian Simon, Mez Perez, Nitasha Mathayas, Hyeji Jang, & Dr. Stephanie "DJ" Jones Register NOW ➡ iu.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

This virtual panel brings together postdocs from around the world to speak candidly about the structural and personal complexities of postdoctoral life.

From navigating the “in-between” space of being neither student nor faculty to managing precarity, shifting expectations, institutional politics, mental health, and the job market, there is a hidden curriculum that incoming postdocs are expected to learn on the fly.

If you’re considering a postdoc — or are currently in one — this conversation is for you.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

What does it ACTUALLY mean to do a postdoc? Join us for "The Hidden Curricula of PostDocs" featuring Drs Nitasha Mathayas, Sebastian Simon, Mez Perez, Hyeji Jang, & Stephanie "DJ" Jones! March 20th, 2026 10am EST / 3pm GMT / 8:30pm IST / 11pm KST Register now at bit.ly/postdoc-pane...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

🚨 ILSSA Scholarship Alert: ISLS 2026 🚨 ILSSA is offering a limited pool of funding to students, candidates, and recent graduates attending ISLS 2026 (Irvine). 🗓️ Deadline: March 20, 2026 📝 Apply now: forms.gle/kzDtit1TNUcG... ℹ️ More info: docs.google.com/document/d/1...

forms.gle

ILSSA Annual Meeting Assistance Scholarship Application

Recognizing the challenges faced by students and recent graduates, ILSSA is once again dedicating a pool of funding to help students, candidates, and recent graduates attend this year's ISLS annual me...

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Looking for financial support to travel to Irvine? Apply here!

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

📢 Deadline extended to Feb 28, 2026! Apply to the ISLS Affiliates Programme to support and grow Learning Sciences in underrepresented regions. 🔗 mailchi.mp/40b5450272c0...

mailchi.mp

[EXTENDED DEADLINE] Call for Proposals: ISLS Affiliates Programme 2026-2028

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

HOUSING UPDATE Good news for ILSSA folks! 🎉 We now have an early-access room block at Embassy Suites for ISLS 2026 (can expand if demand is high). Booking: www.hilton.com/en/attend-my... Roommate matching sheet: docs.google.com/spreadsheets... Shoutout to Santiago Ojeda Ramirez & Seth Van Doren!

lnkd.in

ISLS 2026 Roommate Matching Spreadsheet

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Important update re: lodging for #ISLS2026 at Irvine! 🚨TLDR🚨 If you are even "most likely / maybe" attending ISLS in Irvine, you should reserve a hotel room ASAP! Nothing will be charged & reservations can be cancelled until June 🙌 See details at bit.ly/ILSSA

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Happy Friday! We’re LIVE writing our #ISLS26 submissions together in the ILSSA Discord (bit.ly/join-ILSSA) for the next 4 hours! Not in the mood to talk? Thats okay! We have a pomodoro timer going, so feel free to jump in as you're able or just send good vibes in the chat from afar 🕊️

media.tenor.com

a black cat is playing with an apple laptop computer .

ALT: a black cat is playing with an apple laptop computer .

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Getting reasonable accommodations for ISLS has never been easier! Don't let this deter you from submitting and presenting your work at #ISLS26 in Irvine! Learn more here:

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

🔥 The ISLS deadline is almost upon us! 🔥 🚒 Don't panic ~ ILSSA is here to help get you to the finish line 🫶 Scholarly Scribbles is a supportive virtual co-writing space as we count down to the ISLS submission deadline Write with us over the next 3 Fridays in Discord! Join via bit.ly/join-ILSSA

welcome back to scholarly scribbles. a virtual, co-writing space open to all of ILSSA in the weeks leading up to the ISLS submission deadline. Fridays september 19th, september 26th, and october 3rd at 7-9 UTC, 14-16 UTC, and 16-18 UTC until the October 5th ISLS paper deadline! Join via the ILSSA Discord in the scholarly-scribbles-meet voice channel.

TIME ZONE CONVERSIONS
Scholarly Scribbles

SESSION A
SESSION B
SESSION C
UTC
7:00 - 9:00
14:00 - 16:00
16:00 - 18:00

PST/PDT
00:00 - 2:00
07:00 - 09:00
09:00 - 11:00
EST/EDT
03:00 - 05:00
10:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 14:00
BST
08:00 - 10:00
15:00 - 17:00
17:00 - 19:00
CET/CEST
09:00 - 11:00
16:00 - 18:00
18:00 - 20:00
GST
11:00 - 13:00
18:00 - 20:00
20:00 - 22:00
IST
12:30 - 14:30
19:30 - 21:30
21:30 - 23:30
SGT
15:00 - 17:00
22:00 - 00:00
00:00 - 02:00
JST
16:00 - 18:00
23:00 - 01:00
01:00 - 03:00
AEST/AEDT
17:00 - 19:00
00:00 - 02:00
02:00 - 04:00

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

To close out our board intros, meet our ✨ Co-Chairs! ✨ 🔁 @morganavickery.bsky.social (standing) & 🆕 John Louis-Strakes Lopez (incoming) Ready to lead ILSSA in 2025–2026—stay tuned for what’s next!🎉👀

Morgan Vickery (she/her) is a recent Learning Sciences PhD graduate and visiting research scientist at Indiana University. Her research expands on sociocritical theories of the body to design ‘body-inclusive’ embodied learning environments that are responsive to young adolescents’ experiences of disability, trauma, queerness, and body-image. She is passionate about advocating for ethical, consensual, and youth-centered approaches to multimodal learning and is dedicated to designing spaces that enable multi-marginalized youth at the interactional, technological, and activity level.

This is Morgan’s second year as co-chair and hopes to expand ILSSAs capacity to meet its members ‘where they are’ and advocate for societal action on behalf of soon-to-be and recent graduates.

John Louis-Strakes Lopez is a postdoctoral scholar in Data Science Education at University of California, Berkeley. John employs design-based research to study learning within data-rich learning environments, including data science codebooks, digital assessments, and learning analytics dashboards.

John loves teaching and mentoring others! He hopes to make ILSSA a more interconnected space where early academics can learn and grow together across disciplines, cultures, and ways of researching!

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Next up, give a warm welcome to our 🌎 Central/South America Regional Representatives! 🌎 🌟 Breneil Malcolm & 🌟 Santiago Ojeda-Ramirez @santiagojedar.bsky.social We’re thrilled to have them representing ILSSA across the Americas!

Breneil Malcolm (pronouns: they/them) is a gender fluid critical intersectional scholar and PhD candidate in Learning, Design, and Technology with Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Penn State University. They focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) among underrepresented groups in learning and higher education. More specifically, they research identity, human sexuality, intersectionality, and agency using critical, feminist, queer and trans*, and intersectional methodologies, with an emphasis on transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming (TNBGNC) people. Breneil has taught courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and across the humanities, behavioral sciences, and social sciences, including learning strategy, professional communication, positive psychology, and psychopathology for five years. Breneil’s range of experiences positions them as a scholar with a unique perspective, integrating their intersectional lived experiences of power, privilege, and oppression to fuel their work in social justice.

Santiago Ojeda-Ramírez is a Ph.D. candidate in Education at the University of California, Irvine, where he explores critical AI literacy, speculative design, and computing education among Latinx youth. His research aims to theorize and implement design as an interdisciplinary practice that draws from both the arts and STEM—pushing the boundaries of what can be known, expressed, and imagined in educational settings. Santiago's work centers on how Latinx students use cultural practices to critique and reimagine artificial intelligence, positioning themselves as designers of socially just technologies. He holds a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and an M.A. in Digital Humanities from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. After completing his studies, he volunteered at the National Museum of Colombia, where he became interested in informal learning spaces and the possibilities they hold for knowledge exchange. He then worked as a science and computer science teacher, where he witnessed how students were often positioned as consumers of technology rather than creative agents. In California, Santiago has co-developed interdisciplinary STEAM curricula in partnership with Latinx students and educators, creating opportunities for youth to build AI-powered artifacts that reflect their identities, values, and aspirations. His work demonstrates how collaborative design processes rooted in community knowledge can support deep engagement with technological tools and their broader social implications. He aspires to become a professor who mentors the next generation of Latinx researchers and cultivates learning environments where technology serves as a medium for cultural expression and collective transformation.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

🌟 Meet our new Regional Representatives! 🌟 🇪🇺 FAUSTINE WAWAK – EU/UK 🌏 RANI PRASAD – Asia-Pacific 🌊 YOOJIN BAE – Asia-Pacific We’re thrilled to have them representing ILSSA across the globe and helping strengthen our international community! ✨

Faustine is a 3rd year PhD student at CIREL, a Learning Sciences Lab in France. Her work is centered on Collaborative Problem Solving simulation, focusing on the optimal experience (Group Flow), by observation of group dynamics (audio, video, physiology).
Her research is based on a design approach, creating optimal learning environments for collaborative skills, including collaborative chatbots and scripts, learning analytics, in simulation environments.

Hi! I am Rani Prasad, and I am delighted to serve as the Asia/Pacific Regional Representative for ILSSA’s 2025–2026 term. I am based at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR) in Mumbai, India, where my work focuses on elementary education and environmental sciences, and I am exploring the concept of embodied cognition.

Yoojin Bae is a Graduate Research Associate and a Ph.D. student at the Department of Learning Sciences in the College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Education and Computer Science. She focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to create adaptive learning environments. Currently, she is working with multimodal large language models to analyze multimodal data in educational contexts.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

🎉 Introducing our newly elected ILSSA Board for 2025–2026! 🎉 Meet our Membership & Outreach team 👇 🌱 ASHITA BAWANKULE – Membership/Outreach Chair 🤝 SETH VAN DOREN – Membership/Outreach We’re so excited to have them on board connecting and growing our ILSSA community!✨

Ashita Bawankule is a PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Purdue University and received her master’s in education from UIUC. She is an international student from India and loves to read and bake. Her research interests include maker education, informal STEAM education, computational identity and empowerment, and family engagement. She works as a research assistant for the NSF funded Connected Spaces project, where she works on developing empowerment and identity driven computing curriculum for maker camps with middle and high school students. She has worked as the graduate research assistant for the UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering’s Outreach and Engagement department, where she conducted community engaged outreach and research.

Seth is a PhD student at UC Irvine where he designs learning experiences and tools using participatory design research methods that center the values, desires, and aspirations of the groups that will engage with them. For his dissertation, he is working to co-design analytics that illuminate how people participate in and learn during collaborative design activities. Seth received a B.A. in Chemistry and a minor in Science and Mathematics Education from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to UC Irvine he worked as a research assistant at the Concord Consortium and BSCS , conducting design-based implementation research and engaging in co-design with youth, informal science educators, science content experts, and researchers. Outside of research, Seth loves to ride and race bikes, go camping (usually somewhere where it's nice to ride bikes), and find new places to drink really good coffee (via bike).

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Next up, let's give a warm welcome to our 🌍 Africa + Middle East Regional Representatives! 🌍 🏵️ YETUNDE MABADEJE-OLADAPO & 🌀 BLESSED MHUNGU

I am Blessed Mhungu, a Ph.D. student in Curriculum, Instruction, and Science of Learning at the University at Buffalo, with a Master of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Cape Town. As an incoming ILSSA board member for 2025-2026, I bring expertise in educational technology integration, instructional design innovation, and cross-cultural learning sciences research.
My research centers on leveraging technology to transform teaching methodologies and create inclusive learning environments. I explore the design of digital platforms that enhance student engagement while promoting collaborative, student-centered pedagogies. My work bridges theoretical learning sciences with practical applications, particularly exploring how AI tools can be ethically integrated into educational contexts to empower learners rather than replace human-centered instruction. Having studied across African and North American educational systems, I possess unique insights into diverse learning contexts and challenges. I am committed to advancing equitable learning systems throughout Africa and the Middle East, where I aim to develop culturally responsive educational technologies that address regional needs while maintaining global standards. I am passionate about fostering ethical reasoning among educators and students, ensuring they develop critical thinking skills to navigate our increasingly digital landscape responsibly. Through ILSSA, I seek to amplify underrepresented voices in learning sciences, facilitate knowledge exchange between developed and developing educational contexts, and promote research that drives meaningful change in underserved communities.
My goal is creating sustainable, technology-enhanced learning ecosystems that honor local cultures while preparing learners for global citizenship and professional success.

Yetunde Mabadeje-Oladapo is a third year PhD student in the Learning sciences and Educational Psychology program at the University of Iowa, USA. Her research focuses on science education in informal contexts, such as nature based learning programs and after school clubs as she explores how playful embodied learning opportunities promotes systems thinking and science reasoning in these spaces. She also conducts qualitative research on students’ experiences in learning spaces and offers recommendations for integrating these insights into effective learning designs. Beyond her primary research, Yetunde is a graduate research assistant at the center for teaching, University of Iowa where she plays a key role in supporting all of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) programming and actively contributes to SoTL research initiatives at the Center.When she’s not immersed in research or academic projects, she prioritizes rest, enjoys seasonal thriller movies, and quality time with her husband and/or friends.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

🥁 annnnddddd we're back! 🥁 It's that time of year to introduce your newly-elected ILSSA board members! First up - 📑 JINHO KIM as secretary 🪙 AMAN DESAI as treasurer & ☎️ YISHA ZHAO as communications chair Welcome to the ILSSA team!!

Jinho Kim is a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in the Learning Sciences program at Georgia State University (GSU). She holds a B.A. in Education, a B.S.E. in Computer Science, and an M.A. in Education, which informs her current research interests. Her work focuses on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, particularly in supporting adult learners and providing formative feedback.
As part of the NSF-funded AI Institute, AI-ALOE, she has contributed to projects aimed at enhancing concept learning in online environments. She is also collaborating with the GSU College of Nursing to investigate how AI-powered simulations can improve nursing education. These interdisciplinary experiences have strengthened her appreciation for research that bridges education, computer science, and healthcare. An active member of the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS), she has participated in multiple conferences and contributed to the community by serving as a virtual host for the pre-conference social and as a Hybrid Ambassador during the annual meeting. In addition to her involvement with ISLS, she currently serves as Secretary of the Learning Sciences - Graduate Student Association at GSU.

I am an artist, researcher, and educator whose work centers on the transformative potential of arts-based learning. As someone with dyslexia, I bring a deeply personal perspective to the ways we think about expression, sensing-making, and learning beyond traditional conventions. My academic and creative interests converge around the idea of process-driven art—art that values the process of creation as an experience of inquiry, reflection, and transformation, rather than solely focusing on the final product.

Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Washington's Learning Sciences & Human Development, College of Education, where I explore how the arts can be resources for learning. My research investigates the affordances of the arts, particularly in relation to learning, identity and social justice. My work seeks to expand how we think about knowledge, ability, and the possibilities of education through the arts.

Aman is an PhD student in the Digital Environments for Learning, Teaching, and Agency (DELTA) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is interested in how students think about the ways in which scientific knowledge is created and how science can be taught collaboratively. He is originally from Mumbai, India.

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

📢 Shoutout to Mary DiCioccio for winning ISLS-Helsinki bingo! Mary is a PhD Candidate at UBuffalo working on her dissertation on math + music integration at a summer jazz camp ~ Check out instagram.com/math.musician for her music and MaryDiCioccio.com to follow her academic work!

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

TODAY is the deadline to vote in ILSSA elections! All students affiliated with @islsnews.bsky.social / @islsilssa.bsky.social are eligible to vote...so vote! 🗳️ Ballots can be accessed via your email (for ISLS members), the ILSSA Discord, or by emailing ilssacommittee@gmail.com 🗳️

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a poster that says friends do n't let friends not vote

Alt: a poster that says friends don't let friends not vote

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

🗳️ ITS TIME TO VOTE for your 2025-26 ILSSA Board! 🗳️ All students affiliated with @islsnews.bsky.social / @islsilssa.bsky.social are eligible to vote...so vote! 😎 Ballots can be accessed via your email, the Discord, or by emailing 📨 ilssacommittee@gmail.com

media.tenor.com

a kermit the frog is holding a sign that says vote .

ALT: a kermit the frog is holding a sign that says vote .

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

⏰ FINAL CALL for nominations to join the 2025-2026 ILSSA Board! ⏰ Our members advocate for student interests, organize initiatives, and broaden participation of/for students. Plus, collaborate with @islsnews.bsky.social members & list your service on your CV! Visit bit.ly/ILSSA for details!

bit.ly

ILSSA

Want to join the ILSSA Board?

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ILSSA Committee @islsilssa.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

If you're in Helsinki, come by the Thirsty Scholar TONIGHT at 19:00! Free 🍕 + 🍺 available for purchase! ⚠️ Every drink sold means more money that can be given to waitlisted applicants of the ILSSA Annual Meeting Assistance Scholarship ⚠️

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