Viktoriya Olari is a researcher at the Didactics of Computer Science department, Freie Universität Berlin. Her work focuses on artificial intelligence literacy, data literacy, and digital education frameworks for K-12 and teacher training programs. She contributes to projects like ENKIS, DigiProMIN, and TrainDL, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to computer science education. Key Projects: ENKIS, AMI, Digi4All, siMINT, AI@IT2School Her recent publications address pedagogical methods for AI/data literacy integration, teacher professional development, and physical computing in education. She holds weekly consultation hours for students and maintains research partnerships across Germany. Research Themes: AI education in schools, data-driven pedagogy, digital transformation of teacher training
Alke Martens is Professor and Chair of Practical Computer Science at the Institute of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock. She serves as Dean of Studies for the Faculty, Director of the Institute, Digitalization Officer at the university, and Head of Junior Studies, with additional leadership roles including Chairwoman of the Digital Innovation Center Supervisory Board and Head of the Historical-Technical Collection of Computer Science. Research Interests: Her work centers on computer science didactics, digital transformation in educational and corporate environments, and societal implications of computing. She develops school-level curricula through initiatives like "Computer Science Unplugged" and "Rent-a-Professional," bridging cognitive systems, AI pedagogy, and teacher training to advance computational thinking in K-12 education. Academic Engagement: Martens actively shapes educational policy as Dean of Studies and GI Ambassador, while her cross-faculty memberships in the Interdisciplinary Faculty (Ageing Department), Center for Teacher Education (ZLB), and ICT Network demonstrate commitment to interdisciplinary digital innovation. Her IEEE and German Informatics Society affiliations further highlight expertise in intelligent learning systems and e-education.
Rupert Gehrlein is a Researcher at Goethe University Frankfurt's Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, working within the IDMI institute as part of the Computer Science Didactics Secondary Schools team. His role focuses on developing and researching innovative teaching methodologies for computer science education in secondary schools, particularly through the "Computer Science Unplugged" project which implements computational thinking concepts without digital devices. Education: General higher education entrance qualification, Leibnizschule, Offenbach am Main (2010) Completed training as biology laboratory technician, Sanofi Deutschland GmbH, Frankfurt am Main (2013) First state examination for teaching qualification in computer science and biology, Goethe University Frankfurt (2022) Research Focus: Gehrlein specializes in accessible computer science pedagogy, emphasizing unplugged methods to demystify complex concepts like blockchain and NFTs through physical tools and games. His work bridges theoretical computer science with classroom-ready implementations, targeting secondary education curricula while addressing ecological and economic dimensions of emerging technologies. Publication Trends: His 2022-2023 publications reveal a concentrated effort in adapting cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT for educational diagnostics, creating tangible learning aids for abstract concepts (e.g., NFT board games), and redesigning teacher training environments. These works collectively advance the field toward experiential, device-independent computer science instruction. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in available sources. Teaching & Advising: Gehrlein conducts seminars including "Computer Science Unplugged," "Didactics of the Digital World," and project-based coursework across multiple semesters (2022-2025). While actively shaping future educators' pedagogical approaches, no graduate student advisement or grant management is indicated in current records. Team Integration: As core member of the Computer Science Didactics Secondary Schools unit under Prof. Dr. Andreas Dengel, he collaborates with Linda Rustemeier, Daniel Unro, Jonas Maurer, and Sebastian Görlich to develop localized teaching resources and implement research findings in Frankfurt-area schools.
Tracy Camp is a Professor at the Colorado School of Mines Department of Computer Science, with significant contributions across computer science education , broadening participation in computing , and K-12 outreach . She holds affiliations with organizations including the Computing Research Association and Emory University . Co-founder of the N²Women initiative Principal Investigator for NSF S-STEM scholarship programs Advocate for gender diversity and underrepresented group inclusion Leader in CS Unplugged activities for computational thinking assessment Her research focuses on computational thinking instruction , departmental BPC plan development , and scholarship ecosystem design for low-income students. Publications from 2016-2023 demonstrate expertise in educational policy , NSF grant compliance , and teacher professional development programs like C-START and CSPd Week . Article analysis reveals consistent engagement with diversity initiatives , enrollment surge challenges , and reinforcement learning applications . While specific awards aren't detailed in this dataset, her work with PATHS and Data Buddies Survey demonstrates commitment to systemic change in computing education.
Prof. Dr. Nils Pancratz is a full Professor in the Department of Computer Science Education at the Institute for Mathematics, Mathematics Education and Computer Science Education, University of Hildesheim. He is actively involved in academic governance, serving in multiple roles including Chair of the Standing Examination Board for the Polyvalent Dual-Subject Bachelor’s Program with Teaching Option (B.Sc.) and the Standing Examination Committee for Master’s Degree Programs in Teaching (M.Ed. G/HR). He also represents the Professors’ Group in the Department Council and is a Deputy Senate Member for Faculty 4. His office is located in room SC.B.1.51, and he is available by appointment via email. Research Interests: His research focuses on core challenges in computer science education, particularly in teacher training and K–12 instruction. Key areas include: Ethics and moral concepts in artificial intelligence education Students’ and teachers’ conceptions of computing systems, the Internet, and AI Gender-sensitive teaching methods and the promotion of girls in computer science Stereotypes of computer scientists and self-concept development among trainee teachers Use of serious games (e.g., MoralBot, Moral Machine unplugged) and simulation tools in teaching Introductory programming education using Scratch and notional machines Curriculum integration of 'Computer Science and Society' competencies Textbook analysis and teaching materials in vocational and secondary computer science education Theses Supervision: Prof. Pancratz has supervised numerous master’s and bachelor’s theses at both the University of Hildesheim and the University of Oldenburg. His supervisees have explored topics such as AI ethics, Internet literacy, gender inclusivity, student misconceptions in programming, and the design of educational games. Many of these works reflect a strong empirical and didactic orientation. Academic Service: He is a key figure in examination boards and university committees, contributing significantly to teacher education programs and quality assurance in computer science curricula at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Labs and Projects: He is associated with the Lehr-Lern-Labor Informatik (Teaching-Learning Laboratory for Computer Science), where innovative teaching methods and learning environments are developed and evaluated. This includes projects like PIONIERIN and initiatives focused on extracurricular engagement with ethical aspects of AI.
Luzia Leifheit is a Junior Professor for Digitalization with a focus on Didactics of Algorithmics and Data Science at Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd since August 2021. She holds a doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Tübingen (2020) and has been associated with the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network since October 2020. Education: First State Examination in Computer Science and Philosophy/Ethics (University of Tübingen, 2017) Research Focus: Computational Thinking as a competency for the digital world, Algorithmic and Data Literacy in interdisciplinary teaching, Game-Based Learning for motivation and conceptual understanding, and evaluating computer science educational offers. Teaching: Specializes in didactic approaches for early computer science education and methods to enhance cognitive activation through embodied learning. Her publications focus on developing assessment tools for programming self-concept, analyzing cognitive correlates of computational thinking, and evaluating game-based methods in primary education. Her work integrates empirical research with practical educational technology implementation.
Andreas Dengel is a Professor in Computer Science Education at the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. His work bridges educational theory and practice with a focus on digital innovation. Education : Studied secondary school teaching (computer science/business) at the University of Passau, followed by a doctorate on virtual reality in computer science education. Research Focuses include: Integrating digital and analogue media into computer science didactics Immersive learning environments using virtual and augmented reality Computer Science Unplugged methods for non-digital teaching Supporting vocational rehabilitation for youth with intellectual/emotional disabilities via digital tools Didactics for the emerging school subject 'Digital World' Scientific Awards : Best Paper Awards at IEEE TALE 2018 and iLRN 2020 Computational Thinking Education Scholarship (University of Hong Kong) Seifriz Special Prize for interdisciplinary collaboration He founded the initiative Blue;Science to connect doctoral/postdoctoral researchers addressing mental health challenges.
Dr. Thiemo Leonhardt serves as a Professor leading the Department of Learning Technologies within the Faculty of Computer Science at Dresden University of Technology. His academic career spans over 15 years with continuous research contributions to computer science education, focusing on innovative pedagogical approaches for diverse learner populations. Leonhardt's research program centers on computer science education with particular emphasis on serious games , virtual reality applications , and gender-inclusive teaching strategies . His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom implementations, developing tools like the MTLG framework for educational game creation and investigating collaborative learning through multitouch tabletops. He has pioneered approaches for teaching complex concepts like regular expressions and finite automata through gamified environments. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on k-12 computer science education , with significant contributions to understanding gender dynamics in STEM, developing immersive learning technologies, and creating adaptable teaching frameworks. His research spans all educational levels from elementary (e.g., 'Zauberschule Informatik' for primary students) through secondary education. Leonhardt maintains active leadership in the German educational technology community through the DELFI conference series, where he has served as proceedings editor. His work with the InfoSphere student laboratory at RWTH Aachen University demonstrates long-standing commitment to practical outreach and talent development, particularly in initiatives targeting girls in STEM like the go4IT! project.
