Wanda Gleason

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About

Wanda Gleason is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of educational technology, robotics, and narrative-based learning. Her work fundamentally explores how design and story-telling can transform primary education, particularly through the integration of programmable robotics. Her landmark 2002 paper, "Design, story-telling, and robots in Irish primary education," describes the groundbreaking "Empowering Minds" collaboration between the MIT Media Laboratory, St. Patrick's College in Dublin, and Irish primary school teachers. This project introduced LEGO Mindstorms technology into Irish classrooms alongside a comprehensive framework for teacher professional development. With 13 citations, this work established Gleason as a key figure in constructionist learning and computational thinking in early education. Her major contribution lies in demonstrating how narrative contexts can make robotics accessible and meaningful for young learners, bridging the gap between technical skills and creative expression. Gleason’s research continues to influence how educators integrate design-based learning and storytelling to foster problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy in primary school settings.