MIT Morningside Academy for Design (MAD) Fellow Caitlin Morris, an architect, artist, researcher, and educator, is at the forefront of designing digital learning platforms that prioritize human connection and community engagement. Growing up in a family of makers in rural upstate New York, Morris developed a hands-on approach to learning, turning to project-based communities for knowledge acquisition.
Her journey into coding and technology was fueled by her participation in community-oriented platforms that fostered collaboration and support. This non-traditional learning environment sparked a passion in Morris for creating digital spaces that replicate the social dynamics crucial for motivation and curiosity.
Engaging in various community-based learning initiatives, Morris has organized events, led coding meetups, and contributed to open-source software development. Her commitment to enhancing social interaction in learning environments led her to explore the intersection of technology and education.
As a MAD Fellow affiliated with the MIT Media Lab, Morris focuses on bridging the emotional gaps in online learning through her research on social learning dynamics. By combining AI-driven behavioral analysis with human expert assessment, she aims to identify the unique elements of social interaction that are integral to the learning process.
Her doctoral work involves developing a framework to study how social interaction patterns influence curiosity and motivation in learning. By creating tools that track observable behaviors and subjective experiences of learners, Morris seeks to design digital platforms that support social curiosity in online education.
Through her involvement in large art installations that blend technology and nature, Morris has honed her skills in creating immersive experiences that captivate and calm the mind. Her diverse background in psychology, architecture, design, and technology equips her with a holistic approach to education and learning.
With a keen interest in community-based learning and teaching, Morris aims to revolutionize education by leveraging technology to enhance social interaction and engagement. Her vision aligns with the mission of the MIT MAD Fellowship, which seeks to prepare students for real-world challenges through creativity, critical thinking, making, and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Morris envisions helping community organizations navigate the evolving landscape of education in the era of AI. Her research and practical contributions to digital learning environments are poised to bridge the gap between efficient online platforms and the rich social interactions that characterize effective in-person learning.
As she continues her doctoral journey, Morris remains dedicated to unlocking the magic of learning through human connection and community engagement. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of technology, education, and human interaction in shaping the future of online learning.
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