ETH Zurich's ABZ Center Recognizes Prof. Francesco Mondada
Professor Francesco Mondada alongside Professor Dennis Komm, Director of ABZ, and Günther Dissertori, Rector of ETH Zurich. © Jan Lichtensteiger / 2023 ABZ
June 21, 2023, Zurich: Professor Francesco Mondada, Academic Director of EPFL's Center LEARN, was awarded the "Medal of Honor" by the ETH Zurich's Training and Consulting Center for Computer Science Education (Ausbildungs- und Beratungszentrum für Informatikunterricht der ETH Zurich (ABZ)) during its annual "Swiss Computer Science Education Day."
Professor Mondada was honored in the "Distinguished Individuals" category, alongside Patric Rousselot (Kantonsschule Wohlen), Dr. Andreas Humm (University of Fribourg), and Professor Ulrich Ultes-Nitsche (University of Fribourg).
Handed over in person by ETH Zurich's Rector, Günther Dissertori, this award has been given annually since 2011 to Swiss educators, computer science didactics experts from around the world, as well as schools and institutions that have made fundamental contributions to computer science education through their work.
"I believe that this award, beyond the honor of receiving such recognition, is another testament to the connections being forged between ETH Zurich and EPFL in the field of computer science education, which is expanding within the public school system," stated Professor Mondada.
Alongside Frédérique Chessel Lazzarotto, Coordinator of Translation (LEARN Center, EPFL), and Grégory Liégeois, Digital Education Project Manager (LEARN Center, EPFL), Professor Mondada also conducted a workshop for teachers from the 2nd and 3rd cycles, as well as secondary school teachers, and presented an approach aimed at promoting the development of computational thinking through programming the Thymio robot.
About ABZ:
Under the leadership of Dennis Komm and Juraj Hromkovič, ABZ provides valuable support to primary and secondary schools, as well as educators looking to establish or improve computer science programs.
Each year, ABZ hosts the "Swiss Computer Science Education Day" (STIU), a platform bringing together educators from all levels, offering them opportunities for continuous professional development. The growing importance of computer education, both for foundational learning and advanced algorithmic thinking, is increasingly recognized on a global scale.