Call for Papers       [   PDF   ]

CONFERENCE THEME: Engaging Computer Science Education

The SIGCSE Technical Symposium addresses problems common among educators working to develop, implement and/or evaluate computing programs, curricula, and courses. The symposium provides a forum for sharing new ideas for syllabi, laboratories, and other elements of teaching and pedagogy, at all levels of instruction. We invite those interested in computer science education and computer science education research to contribute to SIGCSE 2009.

We particularly encourage participation that addresses our theme: Engaging Computer Science Education. The theme reflects our common desire to create computer science education that engages our students and facilitates learning. The theme also implies a need to engage in a discussion about the future of computer science education. In these challenging times, we need to reflect on how we interest students, how we retain students, how we make our students globally competitive, and how we lead students to succeed in the interdisciplinary settings of professional computer scientists.

Following SIGCSE tradition, the symposium will provide a diverse selection of technical sessions and opportunities for learning and interaction.

NEW EVENT: Channel SIGCSE Video Exhibition

The Channel SIGCSE video exhibition is an opportunity for participants to showcase visual media of any sort during SIGCSE 2009. Suggested entries include algorithm animations, famous or significant lectures, recruiting and retention videos, or instructional clips. Accepted entries will be displayed via the hotel and convention center closed circuit television system during the conference. This is an exhibition only category. More information on the Channel SIGCSE video exhibition, including submission instructions, will be available at the SIGCSE 2009 website.

PAPERS

Papers describe a classroom experience, teaching technique, curricular initiative, or educational research project. Papers will undergo a double-blind reviewing process. Two versions of a submission are required: a full version having author names and affiliations and an anonymous version having no references to the authors or affiliations. Papers must not exceed five pages. Authors will have approximately 25 minutes for their presentations, including questions and answers.

PANELS

Panels present multiple perspectives on a specific topic. To allow each panelist sufficient time to present his or her perspective and still enable audience participation, a panel will normally have at most four panelists, including one moderator. Panel submissions should include a list of the panelists, their affiliations, and a description of the topic, with brief position statements from panelists. Proposals with more than four panelists must provide a statement connecting the extra panelist to the effectiveness of the panel and must convincingly show that each panelist will be able to speak, and the audience able to respond, within the session time. Panel abstracts must not exceed two pages. A panel session is approximately 75 minutes long.

SPECIAL SESSIONS

Special sessions provide a flexible format for the presentation or discussion of material. Possible special sessions include a seminar to introduce a new topic, a committee report, a forum on curriculum or accreditation issues, or a series of papers related to a specific theme. Special session abstracts must not exceed two pages. A special session is approximately 75 minutes.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops provide introductory and advanced topics to help make participants more effective teachers. Workshop proposals (including abstract) must not exceed two pages. Submissions must specify equipment needs (e.g., participant laptops, Internet access, or projector required) and any limitation on the number of participants. Workshops are scheduled for a three-hour session and are offered separately from the technical track session times.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER SESSIONS

Birds of a Feather (BOF) sessions provide an environment for colleagues with similar interests to meet for informal discussions. A maximum one-page description (including abstract) is requested to describe the informal discussion topic. A/V equipment will not be provided for these sessions. Approximately 45 minutes are allocated to each BOF topic.

POSTERS

Posters describe teaching materials, educational research, or works in progress. Proposals (including abstract) are limited to two pages. Poster demonstrations are scheduled to permit one-on-one discussion with conference attendees, typically during session breaks. Prepared handouts are encouraged in order to share your work.

IMPORTANT DUE DATES

• Friday, August 29, 2008: Paper, Panel, Special Session, and Workshop submissions
• Monday, October 27, 2008: Birds of a Feather, Poster, and Video submissions