Computer science education and the history of computer science

Computer Science Education Research focuses on the learning and teaching of computer science. It is based on an understanding of the discipline, drawing on theories and methods from educational and historical research.

The fundamental areas of study are the learning and teaching of core concepts and skills, and the design, development and implementation of teaching methodologies, curricula, training programmes, and related pedagogical tools. These topics are addressed across a wide range of educational contexts, ranging from primary and secondary education to higher education and lifelong and informal learning.

Among the research topics of particular interest to DISI are the epistemological, historical, and cultural foundations of computer science and its teaching; the teaching and learning of programming, algorithms, systems, and networks; initial and in-service teacher training; the design of courses focusing on key conceptual areas of the discipline, from an interdisciplinary perspective with other STEM subjects. This framework also encompasses the use of methodologies such as unplugged and physical computing, as well as studies and experiments on exemplary topics, such as the teaching of cryptography and, more generally, the ‘big ideas’ of computer science, taken as a reference for the development of curricula, activities, and teaching tools.