Barbara Ericson

Barbara Ericson is a Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her research focuses on computer science education, programming pedagogy, and broadening participation in computing. She has developed innovative educational tools including interactive ebooks and Parsons problems for teaching programming concepts.

Dr. Ericson's research interests span multiple areas of computer science education including adaptive learning systems, CS teacher professional development, and broadening participation in computing, particularly for underrepresented groups. She has pioneered work on Parsons problems as learning tools and has extensively researched how to make computer science education more accessible and effective. Her recent work has focused on AI literacy and the integration of large language models in programming education.

Her publication record shows a clear trend toward integrating AI technologies into computer science education while maintaining a strong focus on equity and accessibility. The majority of her recent articles address how to effectively use AI tools like large language models in programming education, develop AI literacy among students, and create more inclusive computing classrooms. Her work bridges educational theory with practical classroom applications.

Dr. Ericson has received recognition for her work in broadening participation in computing, particularly through initiatives like Sisters Rise Up and Project Rise Up 4 CS which support underrepresented students in Advanced Placement Computer Science courses.

She has been instrumental in developing the Runestone Interactive platform for free, open-source computer science ebooks and has conducted extensive research on how teachers and students use these resources. Her work on adaptive Parsons problems has influenced programming pedagogy across multiple institutions.