Yuhan (Jimmy) Lin, PhD

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  VEX 123 (2021-Current)

  VEX 123 with multiple programming methods (button pressing; coder and coder card; block-based programming)

• 

  VEX VR Switch mode (2020-Current)

  VEX VR Switch mode is a design strategy to introduce a middle ground to support learners in transitioning from block-based to text-based programming

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  IMPACT Library (2021-2023)

  The IMPACT Libraries (IMProving Assessment of Computational Thinking in libraries) project investigates the impact of computational thinking (CT) programming for youth (ages 11-18) in public libraries.
  IMLS Grant #LG-14-19-0079-19

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  INFACT (2023)

  Neurodiversity in Foundational and Applied Computational Thinking.
  TERC #U411C190179

• Debugging by Design (2019-2020)

  Debugging by Design: Developing a Tool Set for Debugging with Electronic Textiles to Promote Computational and Engineering Thinking in High School
  NSF #1742140

• 

  Q-Perspectives® (2015-Current)

  Q-Perspectives® Online makes Q methodology more accessible as an instructional tool, and provide examples of use in face-to-face, flipped and online classrooms.
  

2025

• Lin, Y. & McKenna, J. (2025). Evaluating the Influence of a Global Online Professional Development Platform on Teachers' Robotics Skills and Confidence., Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference. Orlando, Florida, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
• Lin, Y. & McKenna, J. (2025). Hands-On Robotics Modules for Teaching AI to K-12 Students., Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference. Orlando, Florida, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
• Hutchins, N. M., Chandler, L., Lin, Y., McKenna, J., DeFoe, A., & Israel, M. (2025). AI Literacy for Young Learners: A Co-Designed Robotics Unit for Students to Discover the World Beyond Human Senses. In Proceedings of the 56th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V. 2 (pp. 1734-1734). doi: 10.1145/3641555.3705015

• Lin, Y. & McKenna, J. (2025). Online Professional Development on Computational Thinking with Elementary School Teacher in SouthEast Asia. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2025. Philadelphia, PA, USA.
• Lin, Y. (2025). Best Practices to Reach all Learners In Our STEM Classrooms. Presented at 2025 FETC Annual Conference. Orlando, FL.
• Lin, Y., & McKenna, J. (2025). Design an Accessibility Computer Science Environment for K-12. Round table to be presented at 2025 FETC Annual Conference. Orlando, FL.
• Lin, Y. (2025). Inclusion in Robotics: Ensuring Accessibility for All Students. Round table to be presented at 2025 FETC Annual Conference. Orlando, FL.

2024

• Lin, Y., McKenna, J. & McKnight, P. (2024). VEX CTE: Design an Educational Industrial Robotic Arm. Demo presented at 2024 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC), Liverpool, UK. doi: 10.1109/VL/HCC60511.2024.00049
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., & McKenna, J. (2024). Is Block-Based Programming “Real Programming”?. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS) 2024. Buffalo, NY, USA. doi: 10.22318/icls2024.781947
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., & McKenna, J. (2024). Switch mode: How Prior Experiences Shapes How Learners Program in a Hybrid Programming Environments. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS) 2024. Buffalo, NY, USA. doi: 10.22318/icls2024.435649
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J. (2024). Designing a Progression of Programming Environments to Support K-12 Learners as they Advance. In J. Cohen & G. Solano (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 116-123). Las Vegas, Nevada, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
• McKenna, J. & Lin, Y. (2024). Switch Mode: A Tool for Transitioning Students from Block-based to Text-based Programming. In J. Cohen & G. Solano (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 1181-1184). Las Vegas, Nevada, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

• Lin, Y. (2024). 將AI融入機器人教育 (Integrating AI into Robotics Education). Keynote presented at 2024 ICEET數位學習與教育科技國際研討會 (International Conference on E-learning and Educational Technology). National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan.

• Lin, Y. (2024). It’s as Easy as 123: Designing Multiple Programming Approaches on a Single Device to Support Novices. Invited Guest Lecture at the Critical Issues in Early Childhood Education course, Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Online

• McKenna, J. & Lin, Y. (2024). Science and Data Logging with Python. Workshop presented at 2024 Southern Educational Robotics Conference, Auburn, AL.
• Lin, Y., & McKenna, J. (2024). AI and Computational Thinking: Vision Sensor Decision-Making with Robotics. Workshop presented at 2024 Southern Educational Robotics Conference, Auburn, AL.
• Lin, Y. (2024). VEX V5: Powering Innovation in PLTW STEM Classes. Workshop presented at 2024 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Summit, San Diego, CA, USA.
• Lin, Y. (2024). Use VEX IQ in Higher Education. Playground presented at the Annual Conference of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) 2024. Denver, CO, USA.
• Lin, Y. (2024). VEX: Switch Mode: Combining Block-based Programming and Text-based Programming. Workshop presented at the 2024 WeTeach_CS Summit. Fort Worth, TX, USA.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., McKenna, J., Lee, A. & Luo, M (2024). Switch Mode: 探討過往程式設計經驗對於混合程式語言環境的影響 (Switch Mode: Understanding the Effects of Prior Programming Experiences in a Hybrid Programming Environment). Poster presented at 2024 ICEET數位學習與教育科技國際研討會 (International Conference on E-learning and Educational Technology). National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., Selkowitz, A., McKenna, J., & Lee, A. (2024). Engaging Young Learners to Program with Emotion-based Commands in Storytelling. Paper presented at 1st EdUHK International Conference for Research in Early Childhood Education and Development. The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong SAR.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., & McKenna, J. (2024). Switch Mode: Embedding Text-based Programming in Block-based Environments. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2024. Philadelphia, PA, USA.

2023

• Li, T., McCalla, L. E., Zheng, H., & Lin, Y. (2023). Exploring the influence of magic performance on design creativity. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 47, 101223. doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101223

• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., & McKenna, J. (2023). Coder and Coder Cards: A Novel Tangible Programming Approach to Support Young Programmers. Paper presented at 2023 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC), Washington, DC, USA, pp. 25-30, doi: 10.1109/VL-HCC57772.2023.00011 ( Awarded Best Short Paper)
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D., Selkowitz, A. & McKenna, J. (2023). It’s as Easy as 123: Multiple Programming Approaches on a Single Device to Support Novices. Demo presented at 2023 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC), Washington, DC, USA, pp. 263-265, doi: 10.1109/VL-HCC57772.2023.00048
• Lin, Y. (2023). Switch Mode: Exploring Authoring Python inside a Block-Based Programming Environment. Paper presented at 2023 IEEE Symposium on Visual Languages and Human-Centric Computing (VL/HCC), Washington, DC, USA, 2023, pp. 312-313, doi: 10.1109/VL-HCC57772.2023.00064
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J. (2023). Switch Mode: Building a middle ground between Block-based and Text-based programming. Paper presented at 2023 Symposium on Learning, Design and Technology (LDT '23). Chicago, IL, USA. doi: 10.1145/3594781.3594803
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J. (2023). Switch Mode: A Visual Programming Approach for Transitioning from Block-based to Text-based Programming. In Proceedings of the 54th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V. 2 (pp. 1262-1262). doi: 10.1145/3545947.3573235

• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J. (2023). Lowering the Floor with VEX123: Bridging Physical and Virtual Programming for Young Learners. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2023. Chicago, IL.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J. (2023). Switch Mode: Scaffolding Learners From Block-Based to Text-Based Programming. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2023. Chicago, IL.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J. (2023). Switch-Mode: Authoring Text-based Programming in Block-based Programming Environment. Paper presented at 2023 FETC Annual Conference. New Orleans, LA.

2022

• Lin, Y.. (2022). Exploring the Child-Robot Interaction with the Programming in Mind: Bridging Physical and Virtual Programming for Young Children. Paper presented at the 21st ACM Interaction Design and Children (IDC) Conference. Braga, Portugal. doi: 10.1145/3501712.3538834

• Lin, Y. (2022). Switch Mode - Scaffolding the Block-to-Text Transition in a Introductory Programming Environment. Workshop presented at the 2022 Learning Sciences Graduate Student Conference (LSGSC), Indiana University - Bloomington, Bloomington, IN.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J.(2022). Mixed Mode: A New Approach to Bridging Block-based and Text-based Programming.Paper presented at 2022 CSTA Annual Conference. Chicago, IL.
• Sirinterlikci, A., Harter, L., McKenna, J., Lin, Y., & Oravec, R.(Accepted, 2022). Learning Robot Programming Anywhere: VEXcode VR. Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. Minneapolis, MN.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J.(2022). Supporting Multiple Programming Approaches in Early Elementary School Computer Science Education. Poster presented at the 2022 The Conference on Research in Equity and Sustained Participation in Engineering, Computing, and Technology (RESPECT), Philadelphia, PA.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. & McKenna, J.(2022). Designing a Physical Robotic for Youth Supporting Multiple Programming Approaches.Paper presented at the University of Maryland 39th Annual HCIL Symposium. College Park, MD.
• McKenna, J. , Weintrop, D. & Lin, Y. (2022). Intro to VEXcode VR Enhanced & Advanced + Panel Discussion. Presented at the VEX Educator Conference @ VEX Robotics World Championship. Dallas, TX.

2021

• Lin, Y., & Weintrop, D. (2021). The landscape of Block-based programming: Characteristics of block-based environments and how they support the transition to text-based programming. Journal of Computer Languages, 101075. doi: 10.1016/j.cola.2021.101075

• Lin, Y.(2021). Understanding Middle Students’ Transition Between Block-Based Programming and Text-Based Programming in a Summer Course.Paper presented at the 2021 Learning Sciences Graduate Student Conference (LSGSC), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. (2021). Bridging the Gap from Blocks-to-Text: Designs for Supporting Learners moving from Block-based to Text-based Programming.Paper presented at the University of Maryland 38th Annual HCIL Symposium. Virtual.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. (2021). The Current Landscape of Block-based Programming Environments.Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2021. Virtual.
• Lin, Y., Weintrop, D. (2021). Bridging the Gap from Blocks-to-Text: Designs for Supporting Learners moving from Block-based to Text-based Programming.Paper presented at the University of Maryland COE Graduate Student Organization Student Research Symposium. Virtual.

2020

• Lin, Y., Fields, D. A. (2020). Understanding High School Students’ Debugging Strategies through Think-Aloud Protocols. Paper presented at the 2020 Learning Sciences Graduate Student Conference (LSGSC), University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. doi: 10.1145/3386201.3386207

• Lin, Y., Fields, D. A. (2020). Understanding High School Students’ Debugging Strategies through Think-Aloud Protocols. Paper presented at the 2020 Learning Sciences Graduate Student Conference (LSGSC), University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2020). Q-Methodology workshop Invited Talk at the Learning, Design and Technology Department, Prudue University, Online

2019

• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2019). Custom Your Q: Real Time Results for Classrooms and Participatory Q Conversations. Paper presented at the 35rd Annual Conference for International Society for the Scientific Study of Subjectivity, University of Naples Federico II & Associazione Scientifica Centro di Portici, Naples, Italy.

2018

• Walker, B. B., Lin, Y., & McCline, R. M. (2018). Q Methodology and Q-Perspectives® Online: Innovative Research Methodology and Instructional Technology. TechTrends, 62(5), 450-461.

• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2018). Q-Methodology primer: A mixed methods approach to research. Paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications & Technology Conference, Kansas City, MO
• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2018). Deepening Reflection and Discussion in the Classroom: Hearing all Student Voices with Q-Perspectives®. Paper presented at the Innovation in Teaching Conference, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2018). Customized Online, Flipped, and F2F Classroom Use of Q-Perspectives® with Real-Time Results. Paper presented at the 34rd Annual Conference for International Society for the Scientific Study of Subjectivity, Charlotte, NC
• Lin, Y. (2018). Understanding Students’ Subjective Understanding with Q-Perspectives®. Poster session presented at the 2018 University of Georgia Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities Symposium, Athens, GA

2017

• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2017). Q-Methodology primer: A mixed methods approach to research. Paper presented at the Association for Educational Communications & Technology Conference, Jacksonville, FL
• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2017). Reflection, learning, and scholarship with Q-Perspectives. Paper presented at the Innovation in Teaching Conference, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Walker, B., Lin, Y., & Li, T. (2017). Q-Perspectives®: Inviting new audiences to Q with real-time classroom results. Paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference for International Society for the Scientific Study of Subjectivity, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
• Walker, B., & Lin, Y. (2017). Designing for real-time results. Paper presented at the Instructional Design and Development at the University of Georgia Conference, Athens, GA, USA.