PCAS got its start with the LSA Computing Education Task force which was charged with answering the questions:
- What do LSA students need to know about computing?
- What do LSA faculty want their students to know about computing?
- What are the existing courses and programs in LSA that address computing education?
The task force worked for a year reviewing hundreds of courses, interviewing dozens of faculty and students, and surveying over 100 faculty. The final report (available here) describes the unique needs of LSA students in computing education, organized around three themes:
PCAS prepares students to integrate computation into their problem-solving, creative practices, and analytical toolkit.
Computing for Discovery
Working with large amounts of data, student scientists learn to use computing to advance discoveries by creating models that make theories concrete or using simulations to test models.
Computing for Expression
Computational forms of expression are an object of study for humanities and social science scholars and provide an array of mediums within which to develop and invent.
Computing for Justice
Computers provide power, and influence decision making at all levels of society. Students learn the tools to create alternative models of computing technologies that will advance justice, ensure equity, and promote the common good.
Meet the Task Force
Meet the Task Force
The CETF is co-chaired by Gus Evrard, Arthur Thurnau Professor of Physics and Astronomy, and Mark Guzdial, Professor of Computer Science & Engineering and Engineering Education Research. Gus has been on the faculty since 1990, is an expert on computational cosmology and big data astrophysics, and created a broad-based course on “Cyberscience: Computational Science and the Rise of the Fourth Paradigm.” Mark joined us at Michigan in 2018, moving from Georgia Tech, where he helped to found the International Computing Education Research Conference. His most recent book is “Learner-Centered Design of Computing Education: Research on Computing for Everyone.”
The CETF is co-chaired by Gus Evrard, Arthur Thurnau Professor of Physics and Astronomy, and Mark Guzdial, Professor of Computer Science & Engineering and Engineering Education Research. Gus has been on the faculty since 1990, is an expert on computational cosmology and big data astrophysics, and created a broad-based course on “Cyberscience: Computational Science and the Rise of the Fourth Paradigm.” Mark joined us at Michigan in 2018, moving from Georgia Tech, where he helped to found the International Computing Education Research Conference. His most recent book is “Learner-Centered Design of Computing Education: Research on Computing for Everyone.”
Co-Chairs
Arthur F Thurnau Professor, Professor of Physics and Astronomy
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer, Science College of Engineering and Professor of Information, School of Information
Faculty Committee Members
Associate Professor in Sociology and Complex Systems
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Associate Chair; Associate Professor of Spanish Linguistics
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
John R. Anderson Collegiate Professor of Psychology, Linguistics and Cognitive Science
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Associate Professor in EEB
Associate Director, MICDE
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Associate Director, Digital Studies Institute and Associate Professor of the Digital Studies Institute
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
A Special Thank You to Our CETF Advisory Committee Members
A Special Thank You to Our CETF Advisory Committee Members
Tim McKay
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education LSA
Benjamin Anderson
Director of Employer Development, LSA Opportunity Hub
JoAnn Periano
Curriculum and Enrollment Manager, LSA
Michael Hartman
Assistant Director, Transfer Initiatives and Partnerships, LSA
Shylynn Lofton
Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) Faculty, LSA
Tyrone Stewart
Academic Advisor, Academic Standards Board, LSA
