Matthew Berland

Matthew Berland is a Professor of Design, Informal, and Creative Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He holds affiliate faculty positions in Information Studies, Educational Psychology, and Science/Technology Studies. His work focuses on design-based research to create tools and learning environments that foster creative agency and computational literacies, with an emphasis on mixed-methods approaches combining learning analytics, data mining, and constructionist design principles. Berland directs the Complex Play Lab and the UW Game Design Program, which explore innovative educational technologies and informal learning spaces.

Education: PhD in Learning Sciences (Computer Science focus) from Northwestern University (2008) and AB in Computer Science & Modern Culture & Media from Brown University (1999).

Research interests center on collaborative learning dynamics, museum-based education, and the intersection of game design with computational thinking. Notable projects include developing the SCAMP framework for analyzing museum interactions, the Rainbow Agents computational literacy game, and studies on the rollout of computer science education in urban contexts. His work emphasizes equity in educational technology, leveraging data to enhance both formal and informal learning experiences.

Berland’s contributions span over 50 publications, including a co-authored book on constructionist futures (MIT Press, 2020). His research has been funded through NSF grants and collaborative initiatives with institutions like the New York City Department of Education. Current efforts focus on ethical data practices in education and integrating social-emotional learning into maker education programs.