HI, I’M XINYING!
I am currently a PhD candidate at School of Information - University of Michigan, working with Professor Barbara Ericson. My research focuses on AI in Education, Educational Technology, Computing Education, and Human-Computer Interaction.
Previously, I earned my Masters degree in HCI from CMU where my academic advisors were Professor Kenneth R. Koedinger and Professor Bruce M. McLaren. I received my B.A. in Sociology from Nanjing University.
I integrate learning theories into human-centered design techniques to promote programming learning in an engaging way.
I apply Mixed-Methods Approach and Large Language Model (LLM) to understand learner behaviors and build new tools in a variety of programming learning environments.
Recently, I am working on developing more scalable, personalized, low-cost, easy-to-implement, engaging, and high-quality scaffolding tools for novice programmers by incorporating large language models.
I also work on side projects related to educational games, educational data mining, and learning analytics.
Updates
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Sept, 2023 | Two papers got accepted by Koli Calling 2023!
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Sept, 2023 | Our paper "Evaluating ChatGPT’s Decimal Skills and Feedback Generation to Students’ Self-explanations in a Digital Learning Game" won the 🏆“Best Research Paper” Award in ECTEL 2023!
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May, 2023 | One paper "Evaluating ChatGPT’s Decimal Skills and Feedback Generation to Students’ Self-explanations in a Digital Learning Game" got accepted by ECTEL 2023!
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April, 2023 | One paper “Examining the Benefits of Prompted Self-explanation for problem-solving in a Decimal Learning Game” got accepted by AIED 2023!
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April, 2023 | One poster “Parsons Problems to Scaffold Code Writing: Impact on Performance and Problem-Solving Efficiency” got accepted by ITiCSE 2023!
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August, 2022 | One paper "The Impact of Gender in Learning with Games: A Consistent Effect in a Math Learning Game" got accepted by International Journal of Game-Based Learning (IJGBL)!
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June, 2022 | One first-author paper got accepted by SIGCSE ICER 2022!
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June, 2022 | One first-author poster got accepted by EC-TEL 2022!
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April, 2021 | My first 1st-author journal paper “Assessing the Effects of Open Models of Learning and Enjoyment in a Digital Learning Game” got published on IJAIED!
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April, 2021 | I will join UMSI this fall to pursue my PhD in HCI + EduTech!
LATEST PUBLICATION 👉
| Name | Type | Year | Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koli Calling | Conference | 2023 |
How Novices Use LLM-Based Code Generators to Solve CS1 Coding Tasks in a Self-Paced Learning Environment[Paper]Majeed Kazemitabaar, Xinying Hou, Austin Henley, Barbara J Ericson, David Weintrop, Tovi Grossman |
| Koli Calling | Conference | 2023 |
Understanding the Effects of Using Parsons Problems to Scaffold Code Writing for Students with Varying CS Self-Efficacy Levels[Paper]Xinying Hou, Barbara Ericson, Xu Wang |
| ECTEL | Conference | 2023 |
🏆 Evaluating chatgpt’s decimal skills and feedback generation in a digital learning game [Paper]Huy A Nguyen, Hayden Stec, Xinying Hou, Sarah Di, Bruce M McLaren |
| SIGCSE ICER | Conference | 2022 |
Using Adaptive Parsons Problems to Scaffold Write-Code Problems [Paper]Xinying Hou, Barbara Ericson, Xu Wang |
| IJAIED | Journal | 2022 |
Assessing the effects of open models of learning and enjoyment in a digital learning game [Paper]Xinying Hou, Huy Anh Nguyen, J Elizabeth Richey, Erik Harpstead, Jessica Hammer, Bruce M McLaren |
| Computers & Education | Journal | 2022 |
How instructional context can impact learning with educational technology: Lessons from a study with a digital learning game [Paper]Bruce M McLaren, J Elizabeth Richey, Huy Nguyen, Xinying Hou |
PROJECT
CS Education / Programming Learning
A LLM-augmented hint system that provides on-demand multi-level natural language hints to students while writing code
Using personalized Parsons problems to scaffold novice
programmers who are struggling while solving write-code problems
Understanding how middle school students learn to program in a self-paced environment with an AI code generator
An inclusive learning platform faciliating in-class programming education for middle school students
Educational Games / Learning Analytics / Educational Data Mining / Analytical Dashboard Design
A math game for middle schoolers
Educational data mining & statistical analysis on game log data & outcome data
A gamified math tutor for equation learning
Student-facing LAD with an open learner model to foster self-reflection and self-regulation
An interactive online course
Examines the effect of practice activities on learning with data-driven suggestions
A gamified math tutor for basic arithmetic in Tanzania
Learning curve analysis on log data to find redesign aspects
Backward Design / Learning Science Theories / Cognitive Task Analysis
An entry-level module for novice programmers to understand test-driven development and learn basic operations of unit testing
A 10-hour Excel course for 10th and 11th graders from a public high school in suburban Pittsburgh