Stephen He

My research interests lie at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive technologies (XR), and virtual reality (VR) in education, cognitive psychology, and, more broadly, cognitive science. My research and lab experiments explore how conversational AI, grounded in the learning sciences and human-centred design, can enhance learning experiences by increasing cognitive engagement, fostering meaningful interaction, and supporting authentic human connection.

 

Currently, I am actively conducting research for my MA thesis under the close supervision of Dr. Jim Slotta, whose scholarship has greatly inspired my focus on the thesis topic AI-Supported Knowledge Communities in KCI-Designed Curricula: Exploring How Generative AI Scaffolds Collective Knowledge Building. The rapid emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has created new opportunities for collaborative learning. Yet, most classroom research still treats AI as an individualised tutoring or assessment tool. This project instead examines how AI can support collective inquiry—helping students build shared knowledge within the Knowledge Community and Inquiry (KCI) framework.