Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune
Associate Professor
Computer & Information Science & Engineering Department, University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, USA / Black/African American
👩 she/her/hers
🎓 B.S. in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University
🎓 Masters and Doctorate in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology with specializations in Software Engineering and Learning Sciences and Technology.
😁 Christina enjoys creating art through sewing, crocheting, and DIY projects.
Dr. Gardner-McCune uses research focused on the integration of computing within middle and high school to engage and excite students in exploring science and computing.
ABOUT HER WORK
Dr. Christina Gardner-McCune focuses on the integration of computing and Artificial Intelligence across middle and high school curricula. Through her research, she designs interest and disciplinary-based curriculum and after-school & summer camp programs to engage middle and high school students in science and computing. She uses these learning environments to broaden participation in computing and AI and for computing education research.
WATCH & DISCUSS
Watch Dr. Gardner-McCune's Keynote
Discuss:
What are some ways you can make an impact in computing in your classroom, school or community?
OTHER RESOURCES
ARTICLES
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
Projects/ Work:
AI4K12.org
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF
Christina first learned computer science High school (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
“I would tell younger me to
stay curious and continue to think about how you can make your ideas into reality. Where your desire to help people and love for puzzles meet , you will use programming as a tool to bring your ideas to life and solve problems that help others. Don't give up! You have to power to change the world and create spaces for people to find their passions in computing.”
HOW HAS DR. GARDNER-MCCUNE'S WORK CONTRIBUTED TO OR HARNESSED COMPUTER SCIENCE'S GOOD, NEUTRAL, AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS?
Ethical or Moral Impacts of Computing: “We live and work in a world heavily shaped by computing and AI innovations. Thus, students who are prepared will be able to evaluate the impacts of these technologies, use them to solve problems that are important to them, and shape the world we will live in the future. I worry that students who don’t have access to AI and CS education might not be prepared. So I feel a heavy moral and ethical responsibility to scale my work to reach more students because the danger of failing to do so can have long term civic, social, and financial consequences for them.”
Good: Better Appreciation of AI and Computing: Students who attend these programs gain a better appreciation of how AI and computing shape the world they live in. This is a positive impact as it enhances their understanding and awareness of these technologies, categorizing it as "good."
Neutral: Majority Participation: Many students who attend these programs do not major in computing or AI or enter computing careers. This can be considered a neutral impact since it does not inherently lead to positive or negative outcomes but depends on individual career choices and interests.
Negative: Inequity in Access to CS and AI Education: Not enough students have access to CS and AI education, creating inequities. This is a negative impact as it reflects disparities in opportunities to learn about AI and computing, which can perpetuate inequalities.