Events

In computer science (CS) education, we often talk about CS Unplugged, “hands-on” or other activities involving physical objects without discussing their varied and complex pedagogical purposes. The goal of this session is to articulate varied purposes for the use of physical objects that are used in teaching CS. For example, physical objects can be used to make an abstract concept concrete, constrain students' interpretation of code, facilitate collaboration, help students see an overall pattern, activate prior knowledge, draw attention to something, help students manage complexity, or hide details. The idea that some students are “visual learners” should not motivate such practices because empirical research does not support the underlying theory of learning-styles. The use of physical objects requires additional resources (e.g., time and materials) and pedagogy should be intentionally designed to justify these additional resources and create learning environments that are more effective.

Colleen Lewis is an Associate Professor of computer science (CS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Lewis was previously the McGregor-Girand Associate Professor of CS at Harvey Mudd College. At the University of California, Berkeley, Lewis completed a PhD in science and mathematics education, an MS in computer science, and a BS in electrical engineering and computer science. Her research seeks to identify and remove barriers to CS learning and understand and optimize CS learning. Lewis curates CSTeachingTips.org, a NSF-sponsored project for disseminating effective CS teaching practices. Lewis has received the NSF CAREER Award, the NCWIT.org Undergraduate Mentoring Award and the AnitaB.org Emerging Leader Award for her efforts to broaden participation in computing.