UC Connect public lecture: Computer Science in the school curriculum? What's the big idea?!

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Digital Technologies has just been added to the New Zealand curriculum. Also bewilderingly referred to as computing, computational thinking, computer science or coding, the subject is being taught from primary school level.

But what's the real purpose of introducing it, especially to such young students? How does it relate to the rest of the curriculum?

In an upcoming UC Connect public lecture – Computer Science in the school curriculum? What's the big idea?! – world-renowned University of Canterbury (UC) computer science education expert Professor Tim Bell will look at the experience from introducing the subject to both primary and high schools. He will explain how it can relate to topics as diverse as physical education and music, and the challenges and successes involved in adopting digital technologies in schools.

An award-winning educator, Tim Bell is a professor in UC’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. His “Computer Science Unplugged” project is widely used internationally with the supporting materials (books and videos) translated into more than 20 languages.

Professor Bell has received many awards for his work in education including the 2018 SIGCSE Award for Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education. Since 2008 he has been actively involved in the design and deployment of the approach to the teaching of digital technologies in New Zealand schools.

UC Connect public lecture: Computer Science in the school curriculum? What's the big idea?!, Professor Tim Bell, Computer Science and Software Engineering, UC Engineering, 7pm on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 at the C Block lecture theatre, Ilam campus, University of Canterbury.