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	Putting the Computation into Computational Thinking via CS Unplugged

Host: Prof. Matthias Hauswirth

Friday

14.06

USI East Campus, Room D1.14

14:00 - 15:00


	Tim Bell University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract: “Computational Thinking” has become visible in curricula in many countries, but what is it, and how do we engage students with it? We will look at the role of Computer Science Unplugged in this, and explore how an Unplugged approach can relate to computer programming (plugging it in), particularly through the lens of the “Notional Machine”. We will also consider the broader issues around computation, beyond the technical details of programming.

Biography: Tim Bell is a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Aotearoa (New Zealand). His main research interest is computer science education, and his “Computer Science Unplugged” project, which introduces students and teachers to computer science without using computers, is used internationally. His work in CS education has been widely recognised, including receiving the 2018 ACM SIGCSE Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education award. He is also a qualified musician, and performs regularly on instruments that have black-and-white keyboards.