Academic Staff
Dr Mariana Rocha
Lecturer
Email: mariana.rocha@tudublin.ie
Dr Mariana Rocha is a lecturer in the School of Computer Science at Technological University Dublin. She received her PhD in Computer Science from TU Dublin, where she developed and evaluated digital games to support mathematics learning at the primary school level. Alongside her research, she is a class mentor and teaches a range of modules, including databases and data exploration. Her research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, inclusion, and game-based approaches to STEM education, exploring serious and educational games, learning analytics, human–computer interaction, and adaptive intelligent systems, with particular attention to mathematics education and the reduction of maths anxiety. She is deeply involved in widening participation and inclusive teaching, aiming to make computer science education more accessible to diverse learners. Dr Rocha is also co-Principal Investigator of the Intelligent Games Lab, collaborating on interdisciplinary research into intelligent and game-based learning systems.
Teaching Areas
- Databases
- Data exploration
- Programming
Research Interests:
- Game-Based Learning
- Learning Analytics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- STEM Communication
- Accessible Learning
Publications:
- Rocha, M., Tangney, B. and Dondio, P., 2018. Play and learn: Teachers’ perceptions about classroom video games. Proceedings of the 12th European Conference on Games Based Learning, 12, pp.808–816.
- Rocha, M. and Dondio, P., 2021. Effects of a videogame in math performance and anxiety in primary school. International Journal of Serious Games, 8(3), pp.45–70.
- Dondio, P., Gusev, V. and Rocha, M., 2023. Do games reduce maths anxiety? A meta-analysis. Computers & Education, 194, p.104650.
LinkedIn: