By Dr Debbie Meharg
As the newly appointed SICSA Education Director, I am excited to announce the relaunch of the SICSA Education Champions initiative, with a renewed and dedicated focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Computing Science across Scotland. Our aim is to foster collaboration, share best practices, and drive meaningful change within computing education by addressing key issues around widening participation and inclusive practices.
Our first meeting as a reformed group set the tone for the academic year ahead. With representatives from institutions across Scotland, we had vibrant discussions about the ways we can collectively improve access and inclusion in Computing Science education. A shared commitment emerged to work towards creating more equitable pathways and better supporting underrepresented groups in the field.
Key Initiatives for the Academic Year
We are already gearing up for an engaging series of events and activities:
- Seminar Series: Early planning is underway for a seminar series that will showcase innovative educational practices and highlight ongoing research on EDI in Computing Science.
- Collaborative Research Projects: Discussions have started around potential joint research projects focused on widening participation and inclusive education models.
- Community Building: Regular events and meetings will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and collective action
Our next meeting is scheduled for March 2025, where we will review progress and continue to shape our strategy for impactful engagement. If you are passionate about EDI in Computing Science and would like to learn more, please contact myself, Debbie Meharg or your SICSA Education Champion.