Ilene R. Berson

Papers

Total Citations

108

H-Index

About

Ilene R. Berson is a leading scholar in early childhood education, specializing in the ethical integration of emerging technologies for young learners. Her research focuses on AI in education, computational thinking, and tangible digital play, with a particular emphasis on responsible innovation and child development. Berson’s most cited work, "Innovating responsibly: ethical considerations for AI in early childhood education" (2025, 54 citations), provides a critical scoping review of ethical challenges in AI-driven early learning, establishing her as a key voice in this rapidly evolving field. She has also explored how robot programming can foster spatial reasoning and computational thinking in preschoolers’ guided play (2023, 37 citations), and her cross-national study of tangible digital play in Australian and U.S. preschools (2019, 17 citations) highlights strategies for using robotic manipulatives to enhance peer collaboration and socio-emotional development. Through her work, Berson has significantly shaped discourse on how to responsibly integrate technology into early childhood settings, offering practical guidance for educators and policymakers. Her contributions continue to influence both research and practice, making her a pivotal figure in the intersection of early childhood education and digital innovation.