Neil Heffernan

Computer Science
Professor
AFFILIATED DEPARTMENT OR OFFICE
Computer Science
Learning Sciences & Technology
EDUCATION
BA Amherst College 1993
MS Carnegie Mellon University 1998
PhD Carnegie Mellon University 2001
Expert Bio

Professor Heffernan researches how smarter technologies can help K-12 classrooms use technology more effectively and optimize student learning. His platform (ASSISTments) can run 100 different experiments comparing different interventions; I’m interested in going beyond what people call “intelligent tutoring systems.” He says "Ultimately, I hope to play a role in closing achievement gaps." He uses a middle school math platform with 100,000 students to study how to improve students learning of mathematics.

Research areas/Expertise
eye-tracking
user experience
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
deep learning
human-computer interaction
machine learning
crowdsourcing
mathematical modeling
predictive analytics
Educational technology (EdTech)
Intelligent tutoring systems
K-12 education
learning sciences
learning technologies
decision making
AI
Data Science
Education
Psychology
Large Language Models

Media Coverage

See More Media Coverage
Worcester Business Journal
WPI researchers to develop AI math tutor with $4M in funding

Neil Heffernan, the William Smith Dean's Professor of Computer Science and the director of the Learning Sciences and Technologies Program, has been awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) Institute of Education Sciences to lead efforts to develop an artificial intelligence tutor to help middle-school students learn math while doing homework.

Government Technology
Who should be regulating AI classroom tools?

Computer science professor Neil Heffernan spoke with Government Technology about the public discussion over regulations of artificial intelligence. He explained why regulations could stifle research and development and lead to monopolization.

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