Shallcross presents digital literacy project at CIRN

Stephanie Shallcross

CAS student Stephanie Shallcross (MS '18) presented her work on teaching digital literacy to youth at the Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) annual conference, held October 24-28 in Prato, Italy. This year's conference addressed research, practice, and creative endeavors focused on shaping and influencing policy and programs.

Shallcross presented the paper, "A Grace Hopper Scratch Maze in the Classroom: A Case Study of a Social-Forward Approach to Teaching Digital Literacy," which she coauthored with MS/LIS student Betty Bayer. The paper is the result of a project for Teaching Assistant Professor Martin Wolske's class, Introduction to Network Information Systems (IS 451). For their project, Shallcross and Bayer developed a game using scratch programming that told the story of Grace Hopper, a pioneer of computer programming.

"Our goal was to develop a game that would inspire and encourage young women into STEM fields by educating them about an influential woman in technology that they probably had not heard of," Shallcross said. "Betty and I then went on to collaborate on Martin's guidebook: A Person-Centered Guide to Demystifying Technology. We wrote a case study paper about our experience in Martin’s class and were invited to present at Prato."

Shallcross is currently student teaching at an elementary school in Downers Grove, Illinois, while completing her Professional Teaching License. As the mother of two and the child of a school librarian, she always understood how to teach children empathy using books. However, it wasn't until taking Wolske's class that she discovered how she could use technology in the library to help youth develop social emotional skills and think about their communities.

Research Areas:
Updated on
Backto the news archive

Related News

Spectrum Scholar Spotlight: Guadalupe Castillo

Twelve iSchool master's students were named 2024–2025 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services. This "Spectrum Scholar Spotlight" series highlights the School's scholars. MSLIS student Guadalupe Castillo earned her BA in international studies and Spanish and Latin American literature from the University of California, San Diego.

Guadalupe Castillo

iSchool researchers to present at CHI 2025

iSchool faculty and students will present their research at the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2025), which will be held from April 26 to May 1 in Yokohama, Japan. 

Kemboi receives the Research and Advocacy Social Justice Award

PhD student Gladys Kemboi has received the 2025 Research and Advocacy Social Justice Award from the Office of Diversity & Social Justice Education in the Office of Student Affairs. She was presented with the award at the Social Justice Awards Ceremony, which was held on April 8 in the Illini Union. The annual event honors and celebrates the work and dedication of University of Illinois community members seeking to create a more inclusive and equitable campus.

Gladys Kemboi

Undergraduate Research Symposium features iSchool students and mentors

Several iSchool undergraduate students will participate in the 18th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. During the event, visitors will learn about undergraduate research projects through oral and poster presentations, creative performances, and art exhibits. All are welcome to attend the symposium, which will be held on April 24 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the Illini Rooms and South Lounge of the Illini Union. Oral presentations will be held on the second floor of the Illini Union.