Andreas Zendler

Andreas Zendler serves as Director of the Institute of Computer Science at Ludwigsburg University of Education (2023-25), where he has held various leadership positions since 2004, including Head of the Department of Computer Science (2018-2022) and Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science (2011-2016). As a Professor (C4) for Computer Science and its Didactics since 2004, he has shaped computer science education programs including the BA/MA degree program in Computer Science.

Zendler earned dual doctorates - a Dr. rer. nat. in Practical Computer Science from the University of Potsdam (1997) and a Dr. phil. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Regensburg (1988), followed by his habilitation in Practical Computer Science at the University of Potsdam (2000). His academic journey spans computer science, psychology, and education, creating a unique interdisciplinary foundation for his research.

His research focuses on empirical computer science didactics, software engineering for cloud computing, data science, and the digitalization of teaching through SaaS models. He investigates content and process concepts for computer science teaching, compares learning effectiveness of instructional methods, and develops research methodologies specifically for educational contexts with small sample sizes. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications across STEM disciplines.

Zendler's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory from foundational software engineering research toward educational applications. His recent work (2018-2025) demonstrates increasing specialization in computer science education, particularly in competence measurement frameworks like cpm.4.CSE/IRT and their adaptations for small sample sizes. His upcoming publications indicate a strategic pivot toward AI applications, exploring how LLMs and GPTs can transform both data science practices and software engineering education.

Throughout his career, Zendler has served as a dissertation reviewer for Practical Computer Science since 2001 and contributed to numerous research projects funded by organizations including the European Union, the Bavarian Research Foundation, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). His project leadership spans bioinformatics, educational informatics, and software engineering domains.

His methodological expertise includes experimental design for teaching research (particularly 3-factorial designs with repeated measurements), statistical evaluation approaches for small samples, and handling missing data in educational contexts. This technical proficiency supports his broader mission to establish rigorous empirical foundations for computer science education.