SESP Faculty

Dr. Uri Wilensky

Faculty Profile

Uri Wilensky is the Lorraine H. Morton professor of Learning Sciences and Computer Science at Northwestern University. He is the founding director of the Center for Connected Learning, founding co-director of the Computer Science/ Learning Sciences PhD program and co-founder of the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems. Wilensky’s award-winning NetLogo is the most widely used agent-based modeling environment. His theory of restructurations describes how knowledge and learning change in the context of computation, and its implications for making sense of complexity. He was an early advocate of integrating computation into all school subjects and has authored numerous computational science curricula.

Mathematics and science education in the context of computation, connected learning, constructionism, computer-based modeling, agent-based modeling and complex systems and education.

CCL-Uri
Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems

• 2018 – Rosaria Conte Outstanding Contribution to Social Simulation
• 2014 – Best paper, IDC 2014
• 2014 – NSF Distinguished Lecture
• 2013 – Complex Systems Gift Honoree
• 2010 – NRC Computational Thinking Panel
• 2009 – AAAS Computational Thinking Commission

Maroulis, Spiro; Bakshy, Eytan; Gomez, Louis; Wilensky, Uri (2014). Modeling the transition to public school choice.JASSS; 17(2).

Horn, Michael; Brady, Corey; Hjorth, Arthur; Wagh, Aditi; Wilensky, Uri (2014). Frog Pond: A code-first learning environment on evolution and natural selection. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series: 357-360.

Holbert, Nathan; Wilensky, Uri (2014). Constructible authentic representations: Designing video games that enable players to utilize knowledge developed in-game to reason about science. Technology, Knowledge and Learning (1-2): 53-79.

Stroup, Walter; Wilensky, Uri (2014). On the embedded complementarity of agent-based and aggregate reasoning in students’ developing understanding of dynamic systems. Technology, Knowledge and Learning; 19(1-2): 19-52.

Wilensky, Uri; Brady, Corey; Horn, Michael (2014). Education: Fostering computational literacy in science classrooms: An agent-based approach to integrating computing in secondary-school science courses. Communications of the ACM; 57(8): 24-28.

Wilensky, U., Stonedahl, F., Rand, B. (July, 2008). �CrossNet: A Framework for Crossover with Network-based Chromosomal Representations.�. Atlanta, GA.

Wilensky, U., Wilkerson-Jerde. M. (July, 2008). �How Do Mathematicians Learn Mathematics?� . Morelia, Mexico.

Wilensky, U., Blikstein, P. (June, 2008). �Implementing Multi-Agent Modeling in the Classroom: Lessons from Empirical Studies in Undergraduate Engineering Education�. . Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Sengupta, P. (June, 2008). �Learning Activities As Tools For Formative Assessment – Case Study Of A Computational Multi-Agent Based Electricity Curriculum (NIELS: NetLogo Investigations In Electromagnetism)�. . Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Sengupta, P. (June, 2008). �On Learning Electricity in 7th Grade with Multi-agent Based Computational Models (NIELS)�. . Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Sengupta, P. (June, 2008). �On The Learnability of Electricity As A Complex System�. . Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Sengupta, P., Wilkerson-Jerde, M. (June, 2008). �Perceptual Supports for Sensemaking: A Case Study Using Multi Agent Based Computational Learning Environments�. . Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Blikstein, P., & Abrahamson, D. (June, 2008). �The classroom as a complex adaptive system: An agent-based framework to investigate students’ emergent collective behaviors�. . Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Russell, E. (May, 2008). �Consuming Spatial Data in NetLogo using the GIS Extension�.. Chicago, IL.

Wilensky, U., Stonedahl, F., Rand, B. (May, 2008). �Multi-Agent Learning with a Distributed Genetic Algorithm: Exploring Innovation Diffusion on Networks�. . Estoril, Portugal.

Wilensky, U., Stonedahl, F., Kornhauser, D., Russell, E., Brozefsky, C., Verreau, E., & Tisue, S. (May, 2008). �Tinkering with Turtles: An Overview of NetLogo’s Extensions API�. . Chicago, IL.

Wilensky, U., Blikstein, P., Rand, W. (May, 2008). �GoGoBot: Group Collaboration, Multi-Agent Modeling and Robots�. (with B. Rand & P. Blikstein). . Estoril, Portugal.

Wilensky, U., Wilkerson-Jerde. M. (March, 2008). �Embedding Environments as a Mechanism for Mathematical Reasoning: An Expert Study�. . NY.

Wilensky, U., Blikstein, P., & Abrahamson, D. (March, 2008). �Groupwork as a complex adaptive system: A methodology to model, understand, and design classroom strategies for collaborative learning�. . NY.

Wilensky, U., Sengupta, P. (March, 2008). �On the representational and epistemological affordances of NetLogo-based science curricula�. . NY.

Sengupta, P., & Wilensky, U. (March, 2008). Designing Across Ages: On The Low-Threshold-High-Ceiling Nature of NetLogo Based Learning Environments.. Utrecht, Netherlands.

Wilensky, U., Rand, W. and Blikstein, P. (July, 2007). Participatory, Embodied, Multi-Agent Simulation. AAMAS-06 Conference.

Wilensky, U (September, 2006). Promoting ABM literacy: implications for design, scientific content and education. Chicago, IL.

Blikstein, P., & Wilensky, U. (June, 2006). Learning About Learning: Using Multi-Agent Computer Simulation to Investigate Human Cognition. Paper presented at the International Conference on Complex Systems. Boston, MA.

Rand, W., & Wilensky, U. (June, 2006). Verification and Validation through Replication: A Case Study Using Axelrod and Hammond�s Ethnocentrism Model. Conference of the North American Association for Computational Social and Organizational Sciences. South Bend, IN.

Rand, W., Blikstein, P., & Wilensky, U. (June, 2006). Widgets, Planets, and Demons: The Case for the Integration of Human, Embedded, and Virtual Agents via Mediation. Paper presented at the Swarmfest 2006. South Bend, IN.

Wilensky, U. (June, 2006). Emergent Modeling. International Conference on Complexity Sciences. Boston, MA.

Wilensky, U. and Rand, W. (June, 2006). NetLogo 3.1: Low threshold, no ceiling. South Bend, IN.

Wilensky, U. (May, 2006). Agent-based models, distributed computing, and science education. Texas Instruments.

Levy, S. & Wilensky, U. (April, 2006). Gas laws and beyond: Strategies in exploring models of the dynamics of change in the gaseous state. Gas laws and beyond: Strategies in exploring models of the dynamics of change in the gaseous state. San Francisco.

Levy, S. T., & Wilensky, U. (April, 2006). Emerging knowledge through an emergent perspective: High-school students’ inquiry, exploration and learning in the Connected Chemistry curriculum. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Francisco, CA.

Wilensky, U. (April, 2006). Complex systems and restructuration of scientific disciplines: Implications for learning, analysis of social systems, and educational policy. . In J. Kolodner (Chair), C. Bereiter (Discussant), and J.D. Bransford (Discussant), “Complex Systems, Learning, and Education: Conceptual Principles, Methodoloy.

Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Francisco, CA.

Wilensky, U. (February, 2006). Complex Systems, computer-based modeling and education: implications for student learning and educational research. Vanderbilt University.

Blikstein, P., & Wilensky, U (2006). Hybrid Modeling�: Advanced Scientific Investigation Linking Computer Models and Real-World Sensing. Paper accepted for presentation at the Seventh International Conference of the Learning Sciences. Bloomington.

Wilensky, U. (2006). Complex Systems and Reformulating Scientific Disciplines Implications for Learning, Analysis of Social systems and Educational Policy. Complex Systems and Reformulating Scientific Disciplines Implications for Learning, Analysis of Social systems and Educational Policy. Bloomington, IL.

Levy, S.T. & Wilensky, U (2006). merging knowledge through an emergent perspective: High-school students� inquiry, exploration and learning in the Connected Chemistry curriculum. students� inquiry, exploration and learning in the Connected Chemistry curriculum. Paper accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Francisco.

Sengupta, P., & Wilensky, U (2006). NIELS: An Agent Based Modeling Environment for Learning Electromagnetism. San Francisco.

Unterman, J. W., & Wilensky, U (2006). PANDA BEAR: Perimeter and Area by Embodied Agent Reasoning. San Francisco.

Wilensky, U., & Abrahamson, D (2006). Is a disease like a lottery?: Classroom networked technology that enables student reasoning about complexity. San Francisco.

Blikstein, P. & Wilensky, U (2006). From inert to generative modeling: case studies of Multi-Agent-Based Simulation in Undergraduate Engineering education. San Francisco.

Wilensky, U (2006). Complex Systems: Implications for Learning, Analysis of Social systems and Educational Policy. San Francisco.

Blikstein, P. & Wilensky, U (2006). A Case Study Of Multi-Agent-Based Simulation In Undergraduate Materials Science Education.

Levy, S.T, Novak, M., & Wilensky, U (2006). Students’ foraging through the complexities of the particulate world: Scaffolding for independent inquiry in the connected chemistry (MAC) curriculum. San Francisco.

Berland, M., & Wilensky, U. (2006). Constructionist collaborative engineering: Results from an implementation of PVBOT. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Francisco, CA.

Felsen, M., Watson, B., & Wilensky, U. (2006). Procedural modeling of urban land use. Proceedings of ACM SIGGRAPH 2006 conference.

Abrahamson, D. & Wilensky, U (2005). Understanding chance: From student voice to learning supports in a design experiment in the domain of probability. Proceedings of the Twenty Seventh Annual Meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education.

Abrahamson, D., Blikstein, P., Lamberty, K. K., & Wilensky, U (2005). Mixed-media learning environments. Interaction Design and Children 2005.

Abrahamson, D. & Wilensky, U (2005). Piaget? Vygotsky? I�m Game: Agent-Based Modeling for Psychology Research.

Blikstein, P. & Wilensky, U (2005). Less Is more: Agent-Based Simulation as a Powerful Learning Tool in Materials Science. Proceedings of the IV International Joint Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems (AAMAS 2005).

Sklar, B., & Wilensky, U (2005). Agent-based systems for human learning. AMAS-05.. Netherlands.

Maroulis, S. & Wilensky, U (2005). Modeling school districts as complex adaptive systems: a simulation of market-based reform.

Abrahamson, D. & Wilensky, U (2005). Collaboration and equity in classroom activities using Statistics As Multi-Participant Learning-Environment Resource (S.A.M.P.L.E.R.). Canada.

Berland, M. & Wilensky, U (2005). Complex play systems — Results from a classroom implementation of VBot. Canada.

Levy, S. T. & Wilensky, U (2005). Connected Chemistry – A study of secondary students using agent-based models to learn Chemistry.

Levy, S.T. & Wilensky, U (2005). Students� patterns in exploring NetLogo�models, embedded in the Connected Chemistry Environment.

Maroulis, S. & Wilensky, U (2005). Leave no turtle behind: An agent-based simulation of school choice dynamics. Canada.

Blikstein, P., Abrahamson, D., & Wilensky, U. Minsky, mind, and models: Juxtaposing agent-based computer simulations and clinical-interview data as a methodology for investigating cognitive-developmental theory. Presented at the annual meeting on the Jean Piaget Society. Baltimore, MD.

Blikstein, P., Stair, K., & Wilensky, U. On-screen and off-screen: Do they make a marriage? A case study of the implementation of computer simulation in hands-on materials science laboratory experiments. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education. Chicago, IL.

1. Sondahl, F., Tisue, S., & Wilensky, U. Breeding faster turtles: Progress towards a NetLogo compiler. Paper presented at Agent 2006. Chicago, IL.

Wilensky, U., Sengupta, P. 3. �Designing Across Ages: On The Low-Threshold-High-Ceiling Nature of NetLogo Based Learning Environments�.. NY.

Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling (CCL)
Integrated Simulation and Modeling Environments

Presentations (under review)

Watson, B., Wilensky, U., Felsen, M., Lecher, T. & Tisue, S. Procedural Modeling of Urban land Use. (manuscript submitted to SIGGRAPH).

Blikstein, P., Wilensky, U. & Abrahamson, D. Minsky, mind, and models: Juxtaposing agent-based computer simulations and clinical-interview data as a methodology for investigating cognitive-developmental theory. (manuscript submitted to Jean Piaget Society)

Edited Columns

(2005). Reflections on Reflections. (Peter Liljedahl). IJCML.

(2005). In memoriam: Jim Kaput (Richard Lesh & Jeremy Roschelle). IJCML.

(2005). Archimedes with Cabri: Visualization and Experimental Verification of Mathematical Ideas. (Adnan Baki). IJCML.

Advising

Year		Students		Description
2008				I advised/supervised six undergraduates this year including: Abbie Jacobs, Zach Moy, Ted Stein, Nate Wong, Greg McGlynn and Justin Li.