Finding Challenges and Solutions to STEM and Computer Science Education

Advances in computer science offer enormous opportunities for expanding and deepening learning and education. However, huge challenges remain in meeting the needs for learning computational thinking and skills.

The Inaugural Symposium on Computer Science and Learning Sciences will engage students and researchers through a range of dialogues with leading members of academia about the opportunities, challenges, and innovative solutions to STEM and computer science education.

Held on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus, admission to the April 28-30 event, sponsored by Northwestern Engineering and the School of Education and Social Policy, is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Featured speakers include:

• Hal Abelson, professor, computer science and artificial intelligence lab, MIT
• Tim Bell, professor, computer science and software engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
• Andrea diSessa, Corey Professor of Education, University of California, Berkeley
• Joanna Goode, associate professor, education, University of Oregon
• Mark Guzdial, professor, computer science and engineering, University of Michigan
• Janet Kolodner, visiting professor, education, Boston College
• Shriram Krishnamurthi, professor, computer science, Brown University

Northwestern faculty members presenting include:

• Ken Forbus, professor, computer science
• Bruce Sherin, professor, learning sciences
• Uri Wilensky, professor, learning sciences and computer science

The event is part of the new Northwestern Center for Computer Science and Learning Sciences, which recognizes and expands Northwestern's pioneering leadership at the intersection of computer science, education, cognitive science, and engineering. Through its academic, research, and event-based programming, the Center seeks to develop the next generation of leaders at the intersection of computer science and learning sciences and connect researchers and practitioners to create the broadest possible impact.

Register for the symposium.