Michael Tscholl, Ph.D.
Instructor
Michael Tscholl's research focuses on emerging and innovative digital technologies for learning. Working with a collaborative research team of graduate students and ETRA faculty, he partners with elementary schools in DeKalb, Naperville and Chicago to study how new technologies can meaningfully support teaching and learning in K–12 contexts. His research has been published in Computers & Education, Education and Information Technologies and The Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning.
Research Areas
- Technology-supported learning
- Educational technology
- K-12 AI learning
- Human-AI interaction
- Learning sciences
- Digital learning design
Department: Educational Technology, Research and Assessment
College: Education
Email: mtscholl@niu.edu
Research Spotlight
His current AI research focuses on how young learners can use large language model (LLM) chatbots such as ChatGPT effectively and responsibly, framing human–AI dialogue as a cyclical process of problem formulation, solution expression and evaluation. The team is currently designing and testing AI training modules that support students’ computational thinking, critical evaluation and reflective use of generative AI. His work bridges educational theory, classroom practice and AI design to promote thoughtful and developmentally appropriate uses of technology in schools.