Harriet G. Taylor

Computational thinking (CT): on weaving it in

1. Summary Computing offers essential problem-solving tools needed for contemporary challenges. The role of computing in education, and appropriate pathways for modern students, are of concern [10]. Educators recognize the importance of improving information technology (IT) skills and fluency, and studies have developed guidelines [7][8], but the analytical concepts and tools of computing have benefits beyond IT fluency.

Exploring NSF funding opportunities

This session will highlight programs in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Education and Human Resources (EHR) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) directorates. The focus will be on providing descriptions of several programs of interest to college faculty, and discussing the requirements and guidelines for programs in these areas. It will include a description of the proposal and review processes. Participants will be encouraged to discuss procedural issues with the presenters. This session is meant to be similar to a previously held, successful special session in 2004 [1].

Funding opportunities in computer science education at the national science foundation

We are actively seeking to increase both the number and competitiveness of proposals to NSFs Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) program. Funding for computer science education programs at NSF responds directly to the total proposal pressure, so increasing both the number of proposals and the competitiveness of those proposals increases the amount of funding NSF targets for computer science education.

Exploring NSF funding opportunities in EHR and CISE

This session will highlight programs in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Education and Human Resources (EHR) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) directorates. The focus will be on providing descriptions of several programs of interest to college faculty, and discussing the requirements and guidelines for programs in these areas. It will include a description of the proposal and review processes and of strategies for participation in existing programs to build alliances that illustrate capabilities that are appealing to reviewers. Participants will be encouraged to discuss procedural issues with the presenters. This session is meant to be similar to a previously held, successful special session in 2008 [1].

Panel on revitalized undergraduate computing education

There is an imbalance in the supply and demand for computing professionals that has generated shortages in meeting personnel needs within industry. A major program was developed by the U.S. National Science Foundation to encourage innovations in undergraduate computing education. There are a variety of new projects that are revitalizing undergraduate computing education. One approach to such revitalization is the introduction of interdisciplinary courses to expand the scope of computing education. The basic idea is to have students from various disciplines work together on computing projects to expand their educational horizons and make computing courses more appealing. This panel brings together research managers with educators who have developed and taught interdisciplinary courses with these goals in mind. The panelists will share their experiences and solicit new ideas from the audience.

Understanding NSF funding

This session will provide information about the current status of Federal budget as it impacts NSF and the computing community. Representatives from both Education and Human Resources (EHR) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) directorates will provide the most up-to-date information about available funding opportunities. It is anticipated that the session will include information about the below listed programs plus others. In addition, proposal and review processes as well as strategies for writing competitive proposals will be discussed.

Understanding NSF funding opportunities

This session highlights programs in the National Science Foundations (NSF) Education and Human Resources (EHR) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) directorates. The focus is on providing descriptions of several programs of interest to college faculty, and discussing the requirements and guidelines for programs in these areas. It includes a description of the proposal and review processes as well as strategies for writing competitive proposals. Participants are encouraged to discuss procedural issues with the presenters.

The US national science foundation and the ITiCSE effort

We describe several National Science Foundation programs that support educational efforts in computer science.