Michael Benjamin Tissenbaum

Michael Benjamin Tissenbaum is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds appointments in the Departments of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Psychology, and is an National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) Affiliate and a member of the Siebel Center for Design.

Dr. Tissenbaum's research focuses on collaborative learning, knowledge communities, and the development of computational and STEM literacies in technology-enhanced environments. He designs transformational learning frameworks that integrate physical and digital spaces, emphasizing participatory design and human-centered approaches. His work at MIT’s App Inventor lab introduced the concept of computational action, linking computing education to community impact.

Recent publications highlight trends in AI integration (Co-designing AI with youth partners), human-centered design methodologies (Integrating Human-Centered Design into STEM capstone courses), and collaborative biology tools (A Plant Simulation Tool for Middle-school Classrooms). These works span educational technology, student-AI teaming, and digital learning ecosystems.

Dr. Tissenbaum collaborates with teams at the Siebel Center for Design and contributes to the Institute for Student-AI Teaming (iSAT), focusing on equity-centered AI education frameworks. His cross-disciplinary role bridges computing, education, and design thinking.