Intercultural computer science education

Abstract

The issues of Intercultural education (IcE) and Computer Science (CSE) education are of paramount importance in the twenty-first century. In this paper we describe a sweeping initiative to infuse cultural diversity in CSE through art-based pedagogical tools. We present an online e-learning environment that has the potential to equally promote both IcE and CSE. The folkdance choreographies we have created illustrate, on the one hand, basic CS concepts (six different sorting algorithms) and, on the other hand, the cultural diversity of Transylvania (Romania). Our "ALGO-RYTHMICS: science and art without ethnic borders" project also illustrates how the concept of "unity-in-diversity" can be implemented in a science educational context: multicultural artistic performances promoting the cause of universal science. The study we performed revealed possible difficulties CS teachers may face when they are presenting scientific content in culturally diverse contexts (especially in regions with cultural tension). Research results revealed that students' culture related concepts and feelings may even influence the way they relate to the scientific content.