Ishrat Ahmed

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Ishrat Ahmed is a researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction and computing education, with a focus on leveraging physical computing to enhance programming pedagogy. Her most cited work, "ROBIN: Using a Programmable Robot to Provide Feedback and Encouragement on Programming Tasks" (2018, 6 citations), introduces a novel approach to supporting novice programmers through a tangible, interactive robot that delivers real-time feedback and motivational cues. This contribution addresses a critical gap in computing education: the lack of engaging, low-stakes feedback mechanisms for students learning to code. By embedding encouragement directly into the programming environment via a physical robot, Ahmed’s research demonstrates how embodiment and social presence can reduce learner anxiety and improve persistence. Though early in her career, her work has already influenced discussions on how to make introductory programming more accessible and supportive. Ahmed’s research is particularly valuable for educators and designers seeking to blend hardware and software in ways that foster inclusive, confidence-building learning experiences. Her focus on feedback and motivation in programming education positions her as an emerging voice in the push toward more human-centered computing curricula.