Dr. Tanner Vea

Tanner Vea is a socioculturally oriented learning scientist who studies the intersections between learning, politics, and design. He uses ethnographic and other qualitative methods and design-based research methods. There are two current strands of this work. 

(1) How does politics shape learning processes as the contest over the definition and distribution of social goods? Tanner's work in this area examines how learning theory can be used to understand the social and political change in areas of activity such as activism and how sociopolitical concerns shape learning in more traditional settings.

(2) How might we consider politics and ethics as essential dimensions of the design of learning technologies? Tanner uses adaptations of design thinking practices to guide ethically and politically engaged design within and in communities. 

Additional areas of interest include affect and emotion, animals, critical theory, human-ecological relations, identity, ideology, materialism, and social practice theory.

Tanner is accepting applications for new doctoral students interested in issues of power and equity in learning environments. Prospective applicants are encouraged to email him for additional information.