Professors Amy Ko, Ben Shapiro, and Kevin Lin from the University of Washington have spearheaded the launch of the UW Center for Learning, Computing, and Imagination (LCI). The unique initiative aims to envision creative learning with and about computing technologies, through research, community building, and the creation of pathways for computing educators in K-12 and higher education. This collaborative platform, pronounced 'lacy,' is a response to the alarming fact that nearly half of the public or state-tribal schools in the United States do not offer a single computer science class. The shortage of computer science teachers and training programs further exacerbates this issue, especially when many school districts are grappling with funding challenges.
LCI wants to foster collaboration among faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, K-12 teachers, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders. With the involvement of prominent programs like the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, the College of Education, Human Centered Design and Engineering, the eScience Institute, and the Department of Communication, LCI wants to become a catalyst for change.
The low number of teachers does not reflect a disinterest in offering a computer science curriculum but rather the lack of training opportunities for educators and other access issues. LCI is paving the way for a future where every student has the opportunity to engage with and excel in computer science and related fields.
Read the GeekWire article for more information on the center and interviews with LCI leaders.