Projects | Publications | Software

Recent Preprints & Reports

• Riel, J., Chen, Y., & Dotson, D. (2026). Facilitating the future of computing education: The role of the 2026-2030 NSF Strategic Plan toward equipping educators and students for the post-AI world. https://ssrn.com/abstract=6151946
• Riel J., & Chen, Y. (2025). Accelerating advancements in American AI infrastructure through high-impact educational programs in AI and computing. Policy response to the 2025 U.S. AI Research & Development Strategic Plan. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5285644

Recent Conference Presentations

• Riel, J. & Chen, Y. (2026, March). SkillTree: An AI-based knowledge graph system for evaluating students’ skills in computer science to enable high-quality formative feedback. Paper presented at the 2026 Society for Technology and Teacher Education Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
• Dotson, D., & Riel, J. (2026, March). Accelerating pre-service teacher readiness: Embedding educational technology & AI through summer immersive learning. Paper presented at the 2026 Society for Technology and Teacher Education Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
• Riel, J., & Mehta, H. (2026, March). Qualitative AI labeling support (QUAILS): An LLM-supported qualitative thematic analysis procedure for replicability in educational sciences research. Poster presented at the 2026 National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C. 
• Sherrill, M., Riel, J., Paquette, L., & Miner, M. (2026, February). An overview of current AI research. Panel presentation conducted at IDEACon 2026, Schaumburg, IL. 
• Dotson, D., Riel, J., & Avadhanam, R. (2025, November). Developing Teachers’ Technology Skills for Future-Ready Classrooms: The PTTL Summer Computational Teacher Training Intensives. Paper presented at the 2025 Mid-Western Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI. 
• Riel, J., Olson, J., Dotson, D., Beck, K., Sheridan, K., & Chen, Y., (2025, November). Designing microcredentials for PreK-12 teachers’ computer science and technology professional development: Implications for licensure (symposium chair). Symposium presented at the 2025 Mid-Western Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI.
• Chen, Y., & Riel, J. (2025, November). The Illinois PreK-12 microcredential landscape for supporting computing professional development: Value, impact, and policy. Paper presented at the 2025 Mid-Western Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI.
• Riel, J. (2025, March). Revisiting academic integrity in the age of generative AI to inform principled learning design. Paper presented at the 2025 Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, March. 

Recent Invited Talks & Workshops

• Riel, J. (2026, March). What is really going on with AI? Implications for teaching and learning. Harold Washington College, Chicago, IL. (invited talk)
• Riel, J. (2026, March). Charting the AI landscape: The opportunities and challenges of AI explored via AI laws across the U.S. IGPA Faculty Coffee Chat. Online/Virtual. (invited talk)
• Riel, J., & Dotson, D. (2025, November & December). Unlocking the power of artificial intelligence. Chicago Public Schools. Online/Virtual. (workshop series)
• Riel, J. (2025, November). Education and AI. Fall 2025 Education Symposium: EdTech as a Catalyst for Student-Centered Pedagogy. University of Illinois Chicago. Chicago, IL. (invited talk)
• Riel, J. (2025, November). Everyone’s a tech person: Developing educator AI and computing skills across the disciplines. UIC SparkTalks. Chicago, IL. (invited talk)
• Riel, J. (2025, November). Designing high-impact AI app ideas: A little planning goes a long way! U.S. Presidential AI Challenge Webinar Series. Online/Virtual. (invited talk)
• Dotson, D., Riel, J., & Olson, J. (2025, August). InnovatED educational technology summer intensive for preservice teachers (co-lead facilitator). 2-week workshop at Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL. (workshop)
• Riel, J., & Dotson, D. (2025, July). Computational thinking across the disciplines: Summer intensive for teachers (lead facilitator). 2-week workshop at Discovery Partners Institute, Chicago, IL. (workshop)