Michael Horn

Michael Horn is a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Tufts University working on the tangible kindergarten project. His research interests include exploring innovative ways to integrate appropriate and useful technology into K-12 classrooms. In particular, he is interested in educational programming languages and the opportunities created by tangible user interface technology. Michael invented a tangible programming system that allows children to create computer programs using wooden blocks shaped like jigsaw puzzle pieces. This system is featured in a permanent exhibit at the Boston Museum of Science.

Michael received an undergraduate degree in computer science from Brown University, after which he worked for five years for Classroom Connect, an Internet company that provides curriculum and professional development services for K-12 educators. He spent two years as an NSF GK-12 fellow working at the Mission Hill School in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He also serves as a faculty associate in the Problem Solving with Discrete Mathematics workshops for grades 5-9 teachers.