Professor Alejandro Espinal, PhD Student

Interests

Computational Thinking

My doctoral research is focused on Professional Development in Computational Thinking. Exploring how these practices can be integrated into curricula.

Programming Languages

I have participated in programs that teach coding using block-based and text-based programming languages. In this process, I conducted studies associated with the difficulties that students face in the learning process.

Internet of Things

Interesting in training programs and how this technology can be implemented in different sectors to process efficiency and problem-solving.

About me

Academic and professional profile

Electronic Engineer // Master in Engineering // PhD Student in Education

Electronic Engineer. PhD Student in Education. Visiting Scholar in the Computer & Information Technology Department at Purdue University. With experience in Computer Science Education. Digital Skills Leader at ICT Ministry of Colombia.

I believe that Computer Science Education can transform lives and provides opportunities to everyone. Therefore, I would like to contribute to the education field by integrating computational methods, techniques, and practices into problem-solving skills, representing complex phenomena, and expressing ideas using computation in different disciplines.

I have been working on professional development programs in computational thinking with teachers from schools around the country, which the government has supported

Blog

Content about computer education

Computational simulations in education

As a teacher in an Electronic lecture, I used LTSpice simulation software to design circuits and analyze their performance.

New Micro:bit for computer education

The Micro:bit is a hardware designed by the BBC for use in computer education in the United Kingdom. In 2021 we knew the new version.

Professional Development in Computational Thinking

In 2020, I designed and implemented a professional development program in Computational Thinking with K-12 disciplinary teachers in Antioquia, Colombia.

Programmer training program begins!

Colombia will have a digital talent gap of 160k-265k jobs in 2025, where 68k – 112k would correspond to software developers (MINTIC, 2017). That is why the government started a program called “Misión TIC 2022” with the purpose to train 100k programmers around the country.