Nathan R. Holbert

Nathan R. Holbert is an Associate Professor of Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the founder/director of the Snow Day Learning Lab. He holds a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University, an M.A.Ed. in Instructional Process from Washington University, and a B.S. in Secondary Chemistry Education from Greenville College.

His research focuses on designing playful tools and environments for children to engage with computational thinking and STEM topics. Key interests include culturally responsive education, game-based learning, and constructionist pedagogy. Holbert co-edited Designing Constructionist Futures (MIT Press, 2020) and co-authored Playful Testing (ETC Press, 2022). He also hosts the Pop & Play podcast on education and pop culture.

Recent publications explore topics such as Afrofuturism in design, educational video games as cognitive tools, and leveraging cultural values in maker activities. His work emphasizes equity and accessibility in educational technology. The Snow Day Learning Lab serves as a hub for his experimental projects in playful and culturally grounded learning.