Kelly Androutsopoulos

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About

Kelly Androutsopoulos is a computer science educator and researcher whose work centers on innovative pedagogical approaches, particularly the integration of physical computing and robotics into introductory programming curricula. Her most significant contribution is the development of MIRTO (MIddlesex RoboTic platfOrm), an open-source robotic platform designed to give first-year students a tangible, hands-on experience with software engineering concepts. This platform, introduced in the 2013/2014 academic year, provides a physical manifestation of abstract ideas, making learning more engaging and effective. Her foundational paper, "A Racket-Based Robot to Teach First-Year Computer Science" (2014), which has garnered 9 citations, details this holistic teaching method that uses practical projects to inspire students. While her citation counts are modest, the impact of her work is evident in its sustained use over multiple academic years, demonstrating a lasting contribution to computer science education. Androutsopoulos’s approach represents a meaningful shift from purely theoretical instruction to experiential learning, directly addressing the challenge of student engagement in foundational CS courses.