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Temple University | teaching, research, and software practice

Ian Tyler Applebaum

I teach project-based computing courses at Temple University and study how students learn, collaborate, and build software in increasingly AI-mediated project environments.

My work connects HCI, AI in education, software engineering education, AAC research, and the practical realities of helping students move from coursework into authentic software practice.

  • Coordinator of CIS 4398 Projects in Computer Science at Temple University since 2022
  • Project-based capstone and software design teaching focused on authentic software practice, teamwork, and communication
  • PhD student of Dr. Stephen MacNeil in the Temple HCI Lab researching AI in education, collaborative software practice, and AAC technology social dynamics

What I Do

Teaching project courses, researching HCI, and mentoring student teams

Teaching

I teach project-based computing courses at Temple University and coordinate CIS 4398 Projects in Computer Science with a focus on authentic capstone work built around teamwork, software design, documentation, Agile planning, stakeholder communication, and real project delivery.

Read more about teaching

Research

My research sits at the intersection of HCI, AI in education, AAC technology, and software engineering education, especially where classroom collaboration, project coordination, and tool design shape how students learn to practice software engineering.

Read more about research

Professional Journey

I received my B.S. in Computer Science at Temple University in 2020. I worked as Director of Software at Electric Bluefish Productions Inc. where I worked with clients in Epoxy Technology, Agriculture, and Pharmacuetical domains building applications and tools. I began teaching at Temple University in 2022 and started my PhD in the Temple HCI Lab in 2023.

Read more about my journey

In Practice

Teaching and research in the room

My teaching and research are grounded in active classrooms, live collaboration, and the day-to-day work of helping students make progress on real projects. These moments reflect the mix of project-based learning, HCI thinking, and communication practice that shapes how I work.

Ian Tyler Applebaum speaking during an HCI presentation

Presenting research and ideas

My research life is closely tied to presenting ideas clearly, whether the topic is HCI, AI in education, accessible design, or the way students learn software engineering through collaborative project work.

Temple students event storming around a large table with sticky notes

Event storming with students

In project courses, I use collaborative exercises like event storming to help students make systems visible, reason about requirements, and move from vague ideas to shared structure.

Students discussing project work in a classroom setting

Coaching project conversations

A lot of my teaching is spent helping teams plan, estimate, revise scope, and communicate decisions well enough to keep authentic projects moving.

Recent Updates

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MAY '262026
papersAIEducationCode Completion Tools
To Tab or Not To Tab Accepted at ITiCSE 2026

I am excited to share that our paper, To Tab or Not to Tab: Measuring Critical Engagement in AI Code Completion Tools Using Behavioral Signals and Attention Checks,...

To Tab or Not To Tab Accepted at ITiCSE 2026