Computing education research seminars at Vi3

The Vi3 computing education research seminar series is hosted by UpCERG, Uppsala Computing Education Research Group and mostly open to everybody interested. Join us online at https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/287192407 or IRL (room 104170).

Each Thursday at 13:15-14:45, seminars on computing education research related topics are given by internal and external speakers or open discussions among those attending. See schedule below.

The seminars are announced at the weekly internal Vi3 information meeting, and also on the Dept. of IT's newsletter läsit https://www.it.uu.se/lesit/.

Note that extra seminars may occasionally be held at other times than mentioned above.

Past seminars can be found 2022 and Spring 2023

Welcome!

Next Seminar

Date	Time	Title	Speaker
2023-09-28	13:15-14:45	New Perspectives on Education and Examination in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Abstract: In this paper it is proposed that the methods for teaching and examination will have to be reconsidered, not least with the current development within Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mind. Whether the use of these new AI tools is to be considered cheating on the courses is discussed widely, and there is no real consensus in this issue. The paper is based on the idea that cheating is mainly a product of the way we teach and, not least examine courses. The knowledge that lends itself most to cheating, i.e., factual and methodical knowledge can in fact also be considered less important than more general knowledge, including more holistic understanding of the topic. Through the focus on understanding rather than on factual remembering, it should also be more difficult for the students to cheat. The assessment of students becomes based on reaching a certain level of knowledge, rather than on how many different facts you have learned during the course, facts that are within the reach of a simple Google search. With understanding as a central learning goal, it may even be possible to use an AI agent as a constructive pedagogic tool in the teaching, rather than see it primarily as a way of cheating. The proposed setup can provide a better study environment and provide the students with better and more retainable knowledge after the courses.	Lars Oestreicher, HMI, Uppsala University

Upcoming Seminars

Date	Time	Title	Speaker
2023-10-05	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	Tobias Kohn
2023-10-12	13:15-14:45	ITiCSE WG report Abstract:	Maria Kallia and Quintin Cutts
2023-10-19	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract: ASEE/IEEE FIE in Texas	???
2023-10-26	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	Mats Daniels
2023-11-02	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	???
2023-11-09	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	Thom Kunkeler
2023-11-16	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	???
2023-11-23	13:15-14:45	Understanding how Large Language Models work can inform their use in Physics Education Abstract: We aim to fulfill three functions: (1) to provide an introduction for the physics education community to the mechanics of large language models (LLMs), (2) to present a series of qualitative investigations exemplifying how prompt-engineering techniques can impact LLMs performance on conceptual physics tasks and (3) to discuss potential implications of these newly acquired understandings for physics teaching and learning. We first give a basic account of how LLMs work and illustrate important features of their functioning with examples from physics. Equipped with this knowledge, we then point out some challenges with generating useful output with a state-of-the-art LLM-based chatbot (ChatGPT-4) in the context of introductory physics, giving special attention to conceptual questions and problems. Second, we examine existing literature on prompt engineering and demonstrate through a set of illustrative examples how some prompt-engineering approaches can be employed to improve ChatGPT's output when dealing with conceptual physics problems. In the final part of the paper, we consider how insights into LLMs functioning can inform possible uses in teaching and learning physics.	Giulia Polverini, PER, Uppsala University
2023-11-30	13:15-14:45	Urban Eriksson and PER Abstract: Urban will present himself and his group. The idea is to discuss potentials for collaboration.	Urban Eriksson, PER
2023-12-07	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	Mats Daniels
2023-12-14	15:15-17:00	TBD Abstract:	Mats Daniels
2023-12-21	13:15-14:45	TBD Abstract:	Mats Daniels

Past seminars in the Fall 2023

Date	Time	Title	Speaker
2023-08-24	13:15-14:45	Planning the fall and Updates	Mats Daniels
2023-08-31	13:15-14:45	Reflections from a summer school Abstract:	Johan Snider
2023-09-07	13:15-14:45	Computing Students' Understanding of Dispositions: A Qualitative Study Abstract: Dispositions, along with skills and knowledge, form the three components of competency-based education. Moreover, studies have shown dispositions to be necessary for a successful career. However, unlike evidence-based teaching and learning approaches for knowledge acquisition and skill development, few studies focus on translating dispositions into observable behavioral patterns. An operationalization of dispositions, however, is crucial for students to understand and achieve respective learning outcomes in computing courses. This paper describes a multi-institutional study investigating students' understanding of dispositions in terms of their behaviors while completing coursework. Students in six computing courses at four different institutions filled out a survey describing an instance of applying each of the five surveyed dispositions (adaptable, collaborative, persistent, responsible, and self-directed) in the courses' assignments. The authors evaluated data by using Mayring's qualitative content analysis. The result was a coding scheme with categories summarizing students' concepts of dispositions and how they see themselves applying dispositions in the context of computing. These results are a first step in understanding dispositions in computing education and how they manifest in student behavior. This research has implications for educators developing new pedagogical approaches to promote and facilitate dispositions. Moreover, the operationalized behaviors constitute a starting point for new assessment strategies of dispositions.	Natalie Kiesler, Leibniz-Institut for Bildungsforschung und Bildungsinformation on Zoom
2023-09-14	13:15-14:45	Discussing JSRA Abstract:	Anna Eckerdal
2023-09-21	13:15-14:45	Pedagogical framework for cultivating children's agency and creative abilities in the age of AI Abstract: The integration of Machine Learning (ML) topics into school curricula is a relatively new but crucial challenge faced by education systems worldwide. Yet, there is a clear lack of curriculum materials, tools, and practices that support teachers in incorporating ML topics into school education. This talk introduces the theoretical foundations, pedagogical perspectives, and empirical insights for implementing ML learning projects in 12 classrooms in Finland. We provide a comprehensive description of the project, where 4th and 7th graders (N=213) were exploring the basics of ML by designing and creating their own ML-based applications. Finally, this talk presents a framework for distributed scaffolding, aimed to cultivate children's agency, understanding, creative abilities and ethical considerations in the age of ML.	Juho Kahila and Henriikka Vartiainen, University of Eastern Finland