Junnan Yu

University of Colorado Boulder, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Junnan Yu is a rising scholar at the intersection of human-computer interaction, child-computer interaction, and AI in education. Their research focuses on designing and evaluating novel technologies—including social robots, tangible coding kits, and AI-powered tools—to support young children’s learning, creativity, and computational thinking development. Yu’s major contributions include the development of "CodeAttach," a tangible programming kit that reimagines early coding education by enabling generative, creative learning experiences beyond the constraints of traditional robot-movement tasks. This work, with 14 citations, highlights Yu’s commitment to expanding the possibilities of computational thinking tools for young learners. More recently, Yu has pioneered the integration of AI-empowered social robots into early childhood classrooms, as demonstrated in their 2025 study examining a robot’s role in a Chinese language learning context over eight weeks. This work, though newly published, signals a forward-looking exploration of the opportunities and challenges of AI in real-world educational settings. Yu’s research is notable for its emphasis on empirical, classroom-based studies and its dedication to making technology more inclusive, creative, and developmentally appropriate for children.