Northwestern hosts first computer science and learning sciences symposium

By Julie Deardorff

Distinguished leaders and rising stars in computer science and learning sciences will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the field of education during the first annual symposium on computing and learning April 28- 30 at Northwestern University. 

The event is part of the new Center for Computer Science and Learning Sciences, which builds on Northwestern's pioneering leadership at the intersection of computer science, education, cognitive science, and engineering.

Northwestern launched the world’s first learning sciences doctoral program in 1991. In 2016, the first-of-its-kind undergraduate program in learning sciences admitted its first students. That same year, at the graduate level, Northwestern began the first joint computer science and learning sciences doctoral program.

Research areas are relevant to the fields of both computer science and learning sciences and can include educational data mining; computational modeling as a way to understand complex scientific phenomena; adaptive technology for learning; equity issues in computing; intelligent tutoring systems; and interaction design to support learning.

The three-day symposium, sponsored by Northwestern Engineering and the School of Education and Social Policy, will be held at James Allen Center, 2169 Campus Drive, on Evanston’s Northwestern campus.

Registration is required.

Invited speakers include:

  • Hal Abelson, professor, computer science and artificial intelligence lab, MIT
  • Tim Bell, professor, computer science and software engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
  • Andrea diSessa, Corey Professor of Education, University of California, Berkeley
  • Joanna Goode, associate professor, education, University of Oregon
  • Mark Guzdial, professor, computer science and engineering, University of Michigan
  • Janet Kolodner, visiting professor, education, Boston College
  • Shriram Krishnamurthi, professor, computer science, Brown University

Northwestern faculty members presenting include:

  • Michael Horn, associate professor learning sciences and computer science
  • Ken Forbus, professor, computer science
  • Nell O'Rourke, assistant professor of computer science and education and social policy
  • Nichole Pinkard, associate professor, of learning sciences
  • Bruce Sherin, professor, learning sciences
  • Marcelo Worsley, assistant professor learning sciences and computer science
  • Uri Wilensky, professor, learning sciences and computer science