From Pattern to Pedagogy: Integrating Traditional Chinese Design into Anti-Racist Computer Science Education

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Abstract

This paper presents the design of an ethnocomputing-based activity that integrates traditional Chinese visual patterns into computer science (CS) education through the Culturally Situated Design Tools (CSDT) platform. Motivated by the need to challenge anti-Asian racism and cultural invisibility in U.S. classrooms, the project engages students in visual programming tasks that reflect the mathematical and algorithmic logic embedded in Chinese cultural forms. The design process emphasizes the mutual reinforcement of computational thinking skills and cultural expression. Findings demonstrate how ethnocomputing can serve as an anti-racist pedagogical approach, with future directions exploring transitions from digital designs to physical artifacts as a way to deepen engagement and support cultural expression in CS classrooms.

Authors

• Xinyue Zhou, Michigan State University

• Michael L. Lachney, Michigan State University