Maggie Nguyen, M.S

My Expertise

My expertise centers at the intersection of web design, front-end development, and instructional design, with a focus on creating visually compelling and interactive learning experiences. My journey began with a solid foundation in graphic and web design, where I developed a versatile skill set that adapts to various industries. This perspective allows me to innovate and create impactful, user-centered solutions that integrate technology, art, and education.

Driven by a passion for education, I continuously explore new technologies to enhance my skills and stay at the forefront of emerging trends. My interdisciplinary approach blends technical expertise with creative problem-solving, enabling me to design adaptable solutions that meet high standards of quality and innovation.

Currently, I'm pursuing a second Master's in Information Science and Technology at Temple University, delving deeper into data structures, algorithms, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). I also self-study animation to create engaging visuals for teaching algorithms, combining education and technology to make complex concepts more accessible for learners.

My Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy: Simplicity and Clarity in Education

Education, like great design, thrives on simplicity. I believe the key to effective learning is focusing on core concepts while removing unnecessary complexity. Through storytelling, thematic narratives, and intuitive visuals, I make complex topics such as algorithms relatable and accessible.

Pedagogy: Fostering Engagement and Inclusion

My pedagogical approach emphasizes:

• Active Learning: Learners engage directly with tools and algorithms, experimenting with interactive visualizations.
• Scaffolded Learning:Breaking complex topics into manageable steps helps learners progress from foundational understanding to mastery.
• Inclusive Education: Materials are designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
• Feedback-Driven Learning: Iterative feedback loops encourage learners to refine their understanding.

This approach ensures that my teaching is engaging, inclusive, and adaptable to a wide range of learners.

AI in Education: Human-AI Collaboration

AI in education should augment human abilities, not replace them. Inspired by Jeffrey Heer's perspective, I integrate AI into my teaching to enhance learning through:

• Smart Suggestions: AI-driven tools provide personalized feedback and recommendations, helping learners refine their understanding.
• Interactive Visualizations: Complex algorithms are dynamically visualized, making abstract concepts tangible.
• Student Empowerment: Learners remain in control, using AI as a tool to support creativity and exploration.
This balance ensures that AI empowers students while preserving individuality and critical thinking.

Storytelling and Themes: Making Learning Relatable

Storytelling lies at the heart of my teaching philosophy. By framing complex concepts within relatable narratives, I create engaging and memorable learning experiences:

• Three-Act Structure: Concepts are introduced with challenges (setup), explored through problem-solving (confrontation), and concluded with resolutions.
• Themes of Exploration: Algorithms are presented as tools for solving real-world problems, motivating learners to discover their applications.
• Relatable Analogies: Everyday scenarios are woven into explanations, making abstract ideas accessible to all learners.

This narrative-driven approach fosters deeper emotional and intellectual connections with the material.

Explainability and Trust: Building Confidence in Learning

Just as explainability is vital in AI systems, it is equally crucial in teaching. I focus on making complex ideas transparent and relatable, ensuring that students understand the "why" behind every concept.
Through clear communication, interactive tools, and iterative feedback, I build trust in the learning process.
This not only boosts confidence but also equips students to apply their knowledge effectively.

Workshops and Experiential Learning

Workshops form an integral part of my teaching methodology, offering hands-on opportunities for learners to apply their knowledge.
My workshops are guided by:

• Collaboration: Using crowdswork methods, students engage in peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving.
• Interactivity: Learners actively explore algorithms through guided exercises and tools.
• Iterative Feedback: Real-time feedback loops allow learners to dynamically improve their understanding.
• Thematic Scenarios: Narrative-driven challenges make workshops both engaging and meaningful.

Workshops are not just learning experiences—they are opportunities for students to build community, creativity, and confidence.

Theoretical Foundations of My Work

My teaching is guided by foundational theories that ensure my materials are engaging and pedagogically sound:

• Constructivism: Learners actively construct knowledge through experience and interaction.
• Cognitive Load Theory: Simplified designs reduce cognitive strain, allowing students to focus on core concepts.
• Dual Coding Theory: Combining visuals with text enhances understanding and retention.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Materials are inclusive, accommodating diverse learning styles.
• Three-Act Structure: Narrative frameworks make learning relatable and memorable.

These theories provide the foundation for my innovative teaching tools and methods.

Vision for Educational Innovation

I envision a future where AI-driven tools, narrative-based teaching, and interactive platforms converge to transform education. By leveraging technology and human creativity, I aim to create innovative, impactful learning experiences that empower students to thrive in an increasingly complex world.