In this interview with Andreas Stefik, we discuss the importance of using evidence-based programming languages, problems with the lack of replication in CS education scholarship and academia in general, the importance of designing for accessibility and disabilities, lessons learned designing Quorum (an accessible programming language and platform), and much more.

Click here for this episode’s show notes.

How to Get Started with Computer Science Education

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00:00 Introduction

01:23 An introduction by Stefik

01:45 How Stefik got into CS education through music

05:29 Stefik's experience watching a blind student try to code

07:53 How Stefik's research informed his own practices

13:45 The importance of replication in research

17:55 External factors that impact research agendas

20:39 Something Stefik initially believed about CS that he no longer believes

23:21 What Stefik wishes more CS educators understood about accessibility

27:10 How to design educational experiences around accessibility

30:43 When a programming language fails against a placebo language

37:35 Difficulties with teaching syntax

40:37 Communicating 3D virtual spaces to blind users

44:50 Describing parallel animation for blind users

49:14 How to use Quorum in the classroom

58:47 How Stefik tries to prevent burnout

01:02:05 The need for a standardized, evidence-based programming language

01:07:55 What Stefik wishes more people read or understood about his work

01:14:05 How to connect with Stefik

01:15:11 Outro