# CAREER: Search as a Mechanism for Learning

> **NSF 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL) · $629,451

## Abstract

As our society and technology continue to evolve rapidly, there is a growing interests by adults in taking an active role to continue to learn on their own as hey age. One of the most common lifelong learning scenarios is gaining knowledege from an algorithm-mediated information environment, such as using the internet to explore unfamiliar topics or interact with conversational agents to adopt new health behaviors. Contemporary algorithm-mediated information retrieval (IR) systems, including search engines and conversational agents, have limitations when it comes to adequately supporting users with complex information needs, particularly those related to learning-oriented search tasks. Finding information does not necessarily lead to effective learning or deep comprehension. Moreover, IR algorithms often neglect users needs or intentions for the search - one search does not fit all. Measures of intent and algorithms need to be tuned to individual users or risk misaligning with the learning goals of users. Therefore, developing IR systems for learning requires understanding how individuals monitor, assess, and regulate their learning progress and what factors shape their judgments to persist in or disengage from learning. To facilitate the translation of research into instructional and outreach practices, the project will collaborate with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to co-design educational games and webinars that foster 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2442415
- **Awardee organization:** University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Y8CWNJRCNN91
- **PI:** Jessie Chin
- **Primary program:** 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Cyber-Human Systems
- **Estimated total:** $629,451
- **Funds obligated:** $356,091
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2442415

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2442415, CAREER: Search as a Mechanism for Learning. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2442415. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*