Short Bio
Dr. Alexander Repenning is a professor in computer science. He is a pioneer of blocks-based programming. Repenning explores the idea of Computational Thinking Tools for kids. AgentSheets was the first block-based programming tool (1995). AgentCubes was the first 3D web-based Computational Thinking Tool. AgentCubes is used by over 1 million users in the USA and is used in nearly 200 countries. Repenning directs the international Scalable Game Design project teaching Computational Thinking through game design. Scalable Game Design is funded by national and private organizations in the USA, Mexico, Switzerland and Brazil. Repenning is an advisor to the National Academy of Sciences, the European Commission, the National Science Foundation, The Japanese Ministry of Education and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Repenning has raised over $20 million for research from the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, the Department of Defense, and the European Commission. Beyond academic recognition, Repenning's work has also been featured in TV News, radio, newspapers and in popular press including WIRED Magazine.
Recognition
In 2021 Repenning has been recognized as the #1 contributor to Computational Thinking research worldwide in the last 15 years in a Scientometric study reviewing the work of over 3000 reseachers creting nearly 2000 publications. His work has received numerous awards including the Gold Medal from the mayor of Paris at WWW5 for "most innovative application in education of the World Wide Web" and “best of the best innovators” by ACM. Repenning was honored at the 2010 Telluride Tech Festival for contributions to computer science. Past honorees include Sir Tim Berners-Lee (creator of the World Wide Web), Vinton Cerf (father of the Internet), and Alan Kay (Turing Award recipient and inventor of modern object-oriented programming). Repenning has served as advisor to the National Academy of Sciences, the European Commission, The Japanese Ministry of Education, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
[Scalable Game Design | projects | publications | history | CV]