Keynote by Gerhard Fischer

Title: Computational Thinking and Computational Fluency: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

A basic assumption underlying the interest in Computational Thinking (CT) is that people acquire important problem framing and solving skills (such as: identifying problems, breaking complex problems into simple parts, iteratively refining and improving designs over time). CT is regarded as a fundamental skill for everyone, not just for computer scientists by allowing all humans to reformulate knowledge, to express themselves creatively, and to evolve and transcend existing information.

The presentation (based on past and present developments) will explore new conceptual frameworks and innovative computational environments for the future that support people in becoming independent of “high-tech scribes” by acting as designers in personally meaningful tasks. The argumentation will be grounded in the basic assumption that CT and CF should not only be conceptualized as technological challenges and innovations but that their true impact will be in cultural transformations they may initiate.

Gerhard Fischer is a Professor Adjunct and Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, a Fellow of the Institute of Cognitive Science, and the Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning and Design (L3D) at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is a member of the Computer Human Interaction Academy (CHI; 2007), a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM; 2009), and a recipient of the RIGO Award of ACM-SIGDOC (2012). In 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

His research has focused on new conceptual frameworks and new media for learning, working, and collaborating, human-centered computing, and design. His recent work is centered on quality of life in the digital age, social creativity, meta-design, cultures of participation, design trade-offs, and rich landscapes for learning.

Published May 18, 2021 10:58 AM - Last modified Nov. 28, 2022 3:59 AM