In this interview with Monica McGill, we discuss the nuances of identities in relation to conversations around equity, the importance of having many pathways in CS, designing games for purposes beyond pure entertainment, codeveloping CS courses with students, how researchers and K-12 practitioners can use CSEdResearch.org, our thoughts on bridging the gap between research and practice, opportunities for the field to continue to grow, the influence of outside forces on K-12 education, and so much more.

Click here for this episode’s show notes.

How to Get Started with Computer Science Education

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00:00 Intro

01:08 Monica introducing herself

01:22 Monica's journey through CS education

04:12 What the field of CS is struggling with right now

08:58 What an ideal CS education program looks like

12:36 What Monica wishes more CS educators understood about game design

15:51 Games and mental health

16:15 How games impacted Monica's understanding of experience design

20:31 If Monica could wave a magic wand...

21:36 What is CSEdResearch.org?

26:25 Monica's wish for research

29:30 How Monica iterates on her abilities

31:10 How Monica prevents burnout

34:09 Recommendations for improving equity and inclusion

36:42 Something Monica could use help with from a listener

37:20 Thoughts on the future of CS education

41:58 The bigger picture of CS education

46:07 How to connect with Monica

46:46 Outro