Diego Zapata-Rivera, Ph.D.
Before coming to ETS in 2003, Dr. Zapata-Rivera worked as a computer
systems analyst, a computer science lecturer for several universities, and
a researcher for a software development company, for the CONEXIONES project
in Colombia, and the ARIES Laboratory for Advanced Research in Intelligent
Educational Systems in Saskatchewan. Dr. Zapata-Rivera has received several
honors and distinctions including a Best paper award from the International
Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education in 2001, a COLCIENCIAS
graduate scholarship (1998-2002), and an Andres Bello Distinction in 1988.
In 2006, Dr. Zapata-Rivera received an ETS presidential award for extraordinary
accomplishments.
His Ph.D. work led to the development of innovative computer-based
learning environments based on open student models (i.e. VisNet, ViSMod,
SModel server, ConceptLab, and The Learning Game) and to publications in
areas such as Artificial Intelligence in Education, Intelligent Tutoring
Systems, Virtual Communities, E-learning, Computer Supported Collaborative
Learning, Student Modelling, and Visualization.
His current research interests include the design, development,
and evaluation of innovative Assessment–Based Learning and Gaming Environments,
Evidence–Centered Design (ECD) and Evidence-Centered Evaluation (ECE), English
language learning, Bayesian student modeling and the use of open student
models as communication tools and as mechanisms to gather and share assessment
information with students, teachers, and parents.
Dr. Zapata-Rivera has produced over 50 publications including
journal articles, book chapters, and technical papers. He has
also served as a reviewer for several international conferences and journals
including
the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education
(IJAIED), and User Modeling and User-Adapted Interaction (UMUAI). He has
been a committee
member and organizer of international conferences and workshops
in his research area.