Computational Empowerment Through Trading Zones in Computer Science Education

• In Event: Artificial Intelligence and Computational Thinking

Abstract

We build on a framework of computational empowerment that seeks to provide alternative endpoints for computer science education beyond computing degree attainment and job seeking. But, as opposed to a teleological framing for computational empowerment that prioritizes ends, we propose the use of the concept of trading zones. This denotes an emergent and open-ended framework for computational empowerment based on the multi-directional sharing of resources and knowledge between people with different expertise and techno-social frames of reference. We use a descriptive case study methodology and qualitative data to detail two co-design projects where trading zones were constructed to put computer science education in service of local community contexts: a youth boxing gym and a high school barbering course.

Authors

• Michael L. Lachney, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author

• Aman Yadav, Michigan State University
  Non-Presenting Author