Jessica Vandenberg

Jessica Vandenberg serves as a Research Scientist in the Center for Educational Informatics within the Department of Computer Science at North Carolina State University, focusing on K-8 computer science and AI education. Her work bridges educational theory with practical classroom applications through digital learning environments and assessment tools.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences (Educational Psychology concentration), North Carolina State University (2021)
• M.A.T. in Elementary Education, Montclair State University (2005)
• B.A. in History, Pennsylvania State University (2000)

Vandenberg's research centers on integrating computer science and computational thinking into upper elementary classrooms, with specialized expertise in AI education for young learners and survey instrument development. Her methodology emphasizes authentic learning experiences through game design, pair programming, and virtual learning companions, particularly addressing challenges in rural educational settings. She investigates how children develop AI literacy and measures attitudes toward computer science through validated instruments.

Her publication trends reveal consistent focus on elementary AI education (47% of recent work), rural community applications (33%), and collaborative learning analytics (20%), with growing emphasis on gender/race intersectionality in CS attitudes. Methodologically, she combines epistemic network analysis with mixed-methods assessment to study student collaboration and learning trajectories.

Key recognition includes:

• Computing Innovations Fellow (2021 cohort)

She leads NSF-funded research totaling $1.28M, including the 2023-2027 project Transforming Introductory Computer Science Instruction with an AI-Driven Classroom Assistant, which develops the INSIGHT platform for real-time student progress monitoring. Previously, she served as lead education graduate student on an NSF project creating virtual learning companions to enhance elementary programming skills. Her work consistently partners with the William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation.

Vandenberg directs research within NC State's Center for Educational Informatics, where her team develops digital learning environments using scaffolded CSCL frameworks. Current projects focus on AI-infused game design for rural middle schools and story-centric unplugged activities for AI concept introduction, emphasizing accessibility and cultural relevance in underserved communities.