Diversity in educational media, broadening participation in STEM, Learning Technologies
Kevin Clark is a professor of Learning Technologies and the founding Director of the Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity at George Mason University. His research focuses on the role of interactive and digital media in education, broadening participation in STEM, and issues of diversity in children’s media. Kevin’s most recent research is a national study examining the Digital Lives of African American Tweens, Teens, and Parents. Dr. Clark’s research activities have been funded by organizations like: the National Science Foundation, Defense Acquisition University, Dell, Microsoft, the Entertainment Association Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Clark is currently raising funds for his current project, ColorClips.gmu.edu, an online clipart gallery that will feature women and underrepresented groups engaged in STEM activities.
Prior to becoming a professor, Dr. Clark worked for an educational technology startup company, where he managed the design and development of educational video games targeting elementary children and schools. Kevin also has extensive experience as a children’s media advisor and consultant for organizations such as: Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), Cartoon Network, The Jim Henson Company, DHX Media, Disney Junior, Toca Boca, Hasbro, and Amazon Studios. Kevin served as a consultant on the movie adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats’ iconic children’s book, The Snowy Day. Currently, Kevin serves as CPB’s Strategic Advisor for Diversity in Children’s Content Production, where he focuses on issues of diversity and inclusion in children’s television.
Kevin has received numerous awards and honors some of which include: being selected as a Fellow for the 26th Annual Television Academy (Emmy) Foundation Faculty Seminar; being recognized by former President Barak Obama as a White House Champion of Change for his work in supporting and accelerating STEM opportunities for diverse students, schools, and communities; and serving as a member of National Park Service Advisory Board’s Education Committee. Kevin holds both a B.S. and M.S. in computer science from North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems from Pennsylvania State University.