Laurier EdTalks lecture to explore importance of digital literacy and computational thinking in education

March 24, 2021
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University’s EdTalks: Innovation in Education lecture series is set to explore digital literacy and computational thinking and the ways they can be better incorporated into public-school curriculum and teacher training. The EdTalks lecture series is presented by Laurier’s Faculty of Education and the Government and Community Relations team, in partnership with the Waterloo Public Library.

Julie Mueller, a professor and associate dean in the Faculty of Education, will present “Hey Siri! How did you do that?” on March 31 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The lecture – which will be an interactive experience with opportunities to ask questions – is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“Our evolving digital age increasingly demands that a large portion of society be digitally literate and the current global pandemic has amplified that need,” said Mueller. “To be successful in our new virtual world, we are going to need to become digitally fluent – not just as consumers, but as users and creators of digital technology and solutions. That means education needs to address computational thinking as a foundation to problem-solving in the K-12 curriculum, as well as in teacher preparation.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many day-to-day activities have shifted to a virtual platform, including education. During her lecture, Mueller will discuss how important it is to incorporate digital literacy and computational thinking into curriculum to best prepare students for future success and the necessity of preparing teachers to work in the digital age.

Mueller has nearly a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board, teaching students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. At Laurier, her research has focused on the integration of technology in teaching and learning, with an emphasis on computational thinking and the ways in which physical activity can support learning. She has written extensively about the use of iPads and smartphones in classrooms at both the elementary and postsecondary levels. 

The Innovation in Education EdTalk lecture series was launched by Laurier in collaboration with the Waterloo Public Library in January in response to concerns about children and youth adjusting to remote learning due to the pandemic. The series provides an opportunity for Laurier faculty members to share their expertise and experience with the wider community.

New EdTalks lectures will be presented by members of Laurier’s Faculty of Education every month until June. Future lectures will cover topics including physical literacy, building resilience and inspiring youth innovation. For more information, visit the Laurier EdTalks: Innovation in Education lecture series web page.