Barbara J. Ericson

Barbara J. Ericson is an Associate Professor in the University of Michigan School of Information, with a joint appointment in the College of Engineering’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department. Her research spans various areas of computer education, including using generative artificial intelligence to enhance teaching experiences, diversity computing education, user experience design, and learning analytics. She is dedicated to creating interactive eBooks that incorporate cognitive psychology principles to improve student learning through immediate feedback and low cognitive load exercises. She pioneered adaptive Parsons Problems as an innovative teaching tool, widely used in introductory computer science courses. Her research aims not only to promote educational innovation but also to advance diversity in computer science by supporting underrepresented groups in succeeding in advanced computer science courses.

• 2024–Present | University of Michigan | Associate Professor
  • Teaching computer science courses in the School of Information, focusing on educational technology innovation.
• 2009–2016 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Director of Outreach for Computing
  • Advanced research and outreach in computing education, designed and implemented several high school-oriented educational programs.

• 2016·Georgia Institute of Technology·PhD
  • Major: Human-Centered Computing
• 2000·University of Michigan·MS
  • Major: Computer Science
• 1990·Wayne State University·BS
  • Major: Computer Science