Carmen Petrick

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About

Carmen Petrick is a researcher at the intersection of computer science education and human-computer interaction, with a focus on reimagining how novices learn to program. Her key research areas include embodied learning, mobile computing, and gamification in programming education. Petrick’s most notable contribution is the “Programming Standing Up” (PSU) framework, which challenges the traditional sedentary, solitary nature of coding by transforming it into a mobile, social game. This work, detailed in her highly cited 2011 paper “Programming on the move” (7 citations), introduced the IPRO environment—a novel platform that blends physical movement with simulation-based programming. By reframing coding as an active, collaborative experience, Petrick has opened new pathways for engaging underrepresented groups in computing. Her research demonstrates that breaking down physical barriers can lower cognitive ones, making programming more accessible and enjoyable. Though her citation count is modest, the conceptual impact of her work is significant, influencing subsequent studies on tangible interfaces and kinesthetic learning. Petrick’s innovative approach serves as a compelling reminder that the future of computer science education may not be seated at a desk, but on the move.