Research

I’m fascinated by how kids feel when they first expose to computer science in a formal setting, especially those who have no or very little personal connection to it. My research spans culturally responsive Computer Science Education (CSEd) at the K-8 level (ages 8-14).

Through design-based research, my current work focuses on developing scaffolds and tool supports for creating localized computer science instructional materials that faciliate student engagement and learning while optimizing teacher workload.

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Selected Publications

More publications on Google Scholar
^† indicates conference publications
^‡ indicates book chapters and journal publications

Generative AI in Computer Science Education: Challenges and Opportunities^‡
_{Diana Franklin, Paul Denny, David Gonzalez-Maldonado, and Minh Tran}
^{Cambridge University Press, Elements in Generative AI in Education, 2025}

Can GPT Help? Supporting Teachers to Brainstorm Customized
Instructional Scratch Projects^†
_{Minh Tran, David Gonzalez-Maldonado, Elaine Zhou and Diana Franklin}
^{ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE), 2025}

Harmonizing Scratch Encore: Scaffolding K-8 Teachers in
Customizing Culturally Responsive Computing Materials^†
_{Minh Tran, Heather Killen, Jen Palmer, David Weintrop, Diana Franklin}
^{ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE), 2024}

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Teaching

Design For Underserved and Marginalized Communities
_{Position: Teaching Assistant | Instructor: Marshini Chetty}
^{University of Chicago, Winter 2023}

Object-Oriented Programming and Design
_{Position: Teaching Assistant | Instructor: Jonathan Misurda}
^{University of Arizona, Fall 2020 - Fall 2021}

Algebra I/II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus
_{Position: Tutor}
^{Ironwood Ridge High School, Spring 2020}

Vietnamese Language (3rd and 4th grade)
_{Position: Co-Instructor}
^{Our Lady of La Vang Tucson, Fall 2019 - Spring 2022}

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Get to know more about me!!!