I situate computer programming as a cultural practice. I develop this perspective in two ways: exploring how programming practices can support intercultural learning, and examining how programming tools themselves embed cultural assumptions and values. For the former, I study how relationships across difference are formed over computing activities…

With the growing popularity of computational thinking (CT) classes in K-12 schools, it is important to investigate public perceptions of these initiatives. Analyzing public discussions and opinions provides valuable insights that can inform future educational policies and reforms. In this paper, we collected questions and answers related to CT…

Critical thinking is a fundamental skill for 21st-century citizens, and it should be promoted from elementary school and developed in computing education. However, assessing the development of critical thinking in educational contexts presents unique challenges. In this study, a systematic mapping was carried out to investigate how to assess the…

The unexamined power and prejudice embedded within technologies and societies has led to direct harm to individuals of color, minoritized groups, and the US ideal of a multi-racial democracy. Rather than an accident of AI or a "glitch" of the system, these inequities highlight the invisible and oppressive architecture -- a "New Jim…

Those working toward equitable K-12 computing education in the United States have always had their work cut out for them: understanding how best to teach, developing robust curricula, designing novel tools, building teacher capacity, and supporting systemic change in schools to bring equitable computing education to young people. Collectively,…

Background & Context: Continuously developing teachers' knowledge, practice, and professional identity is one of the key standards for effective computer science (CS) teachers. Objective: This study aims to understand the landscape of CS teachers in the United States, the professional identity they hold, and how their background and teaching…

Computational Thinking (CT) is crucial for the advancement of the STEM field, where there continues to be a lack of female representation. Teaching and learning (T/L) of CT should incorporate didactic strategies that aim to eliminate gender biases and integrate girls/women into this context. In response to the question, "What didactic…

To address racial and gender inequality in K-12 computer science (CS) education, there needs to be a multi-pronged approach. In addition to curricula that are culturally responsive and sustaining inclusive, K-12 CS teachers need to be equipped to implement the curriculum, pedagogy, and instruction to mitigate the racial and gender gaps in…

The STEM acronym (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has evolved into STEAM, to reflect the increasingly held view that art and creativity are essential components of math/science teaching and learning. Sadly, too few students are choosing to take computer science classes. When presented as a technical science, many students,…

Background and Context: As computer science (CS) education expands and the need for well-prepared CS teachers grows, understanding what motivates teachers to teach CS can help address challenges to recruiting, preparing, and retaining teachers. Objective: The goal of this work was to develop and validate a scale that measures teachers' motivation…

Purpose: In today's digital world, data-driven digital artefacts pose challenges for education, as many students lack an understanding of data and feel powerless when interacting with them. This paper aims to address these challenges and introduces the data awareness framework. It focuses on understanding data-driven technologies and reflecting on…

K-12 computer science (CS) education has emerged as a vital component of modern education, nurturing computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. This study examines the K-12 CS education dynamics, emphasizing its impact and implications, particularly in the context of equity. Twitter data from 2017 to 2021 were collected,…

Introduction: Computer science (CS) lacks representation from people who identify as one or more of the following identities: woman, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Latina/Latino/Latinx, or disabled. We refer to these groups as historically underrepresented groups (HUGs). Informal learning, like CS summer camps and hackathons, can increase interest…

Over the past 20 years, there has been a concentrated effort on expanding K-12 pathways, experiences, and access in computer science education (CSEd). Computer science (CS) is a multifaceted discipline within education, and the current emphasis in education policy has focused on how to expand access for K-12 students in CSEd that will lead to…

Computer programming provides a framework for interdisciplinary learning in sciences, arts and languages. However, increasing integration of programming in K--12 shows that the block-based and text-based dichotomy of programming environments does not reflect the spectrum of their affordance. Hence, educators are confronted with a fundamental…