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CALL FOR PAPERS
ICPEC - 6th International Computer Programming Education Conference
https://icpeconf.org/ 
PORTIC, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal
10-11 Jul 2025
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Computer programming is fascinating but often really challenging to learn. Teachers struggle to find effective ways to teach programming languages and build problem-solving skills, while students often feel lost and unmotivated. Adding to these challenges, the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence brings new issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ethical concerns that affect us all.
ICPEC is a space for teachers, researchers, and professionals to come together and share fresh ideas, best practices, and new tools to make learning programming easier and more engaging. We’ll also tackle how AI challenges shape our society, ensuring that future programmers are not only technically skilled but also ready to face the ethical and social questions of an AI-driven world.


*** Topics of Interest ***
We encourage everyone to submit novel and innovative work in areas including but not limited to:

1. Emerging Technologies and Innovation
* Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Education
   * AI assessment and adaptive feedback systems
   * Intelligent agents and autonomous learning systems
* Emerging Tools and Visual Approaches
   * Low-code/no-code platforms and their impact on teaching programming
   * Visual programming tools and interactive debugging environments
* Ethics and Sustainable Technology
   * Sustainable and ethical software development
   * Explainable AI techniques for enhanced learning comprehension

2. Innovative Teaching Strategies and Pedagogical Approaches
* Foundational Pedagogies and Metacognition
   * Computational thinking and algorithmic literacy
   * Metacognition and self-regulated learning in programming
* Innovative Teaching Methodologies
   * Project-based learning and interdisciplinary approaches
   * Teaching programming to non-programmers (e.g.: social sciences, arts, health)
* Debugging and Code Comprehension Strategies
   * Methods for teaching debugging and error resolution
   * Tools and techniques for code explanation and comprehension

3. Engagement, Accessibility, and Immersive Learning Environments
* Gamification and Game-Based Learning
   * Using games and interactive activities to boost interest and retention
   * Evaluating the effectiveness of gamified platforms in teaching programming
* Inclusive and Accessible Programming Education
   * Strategies to ensure accessibility in programming education
   * Approaches for engaging diverse student populations, including underrepresented groups
* Immersive Learning Environments
   * Leveraging VR/AR for immersive programming experiences
   * Collaborative virtual environments and their role in education


*** Paper types ***
Full papers — 8 to 14 pages, presented in 20+5 minutes, complete work, including a validation or discussion;
Short papers — 6 to 8 pages, presented in 10+5 minutes, ongoing work, well anchored in the literature, but not yet fully validated;


Papers should be written in English, using OASIcs template accessible at:
https://submission.dagstuhl.de/documentation/authors


*** Submission ***

Submissions are managed through the Microsoft CMT system at https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/ICPEConf2025.

Accepted papers will be published in open-access in the OASIcs series and indexed by SCOPUS and DBLP.

Best papers will have authors invited to submit their papers in 2 Special issues in Information Journal, by MDPI:
 * Next-Generation Programming Education: Integrating Generative AI and Collaborative Tools for Cutting-Edge Learning Experiences. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/information/special_issues/60HD0EVK90 
 * Bringing Machine Learning to Automated Assessment of Programming Assignments. Link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/information/special_issues/LCB6FL17Y6

At least one author for each accepted paper must register for the conference.


*** Important Dates ***

* Paper submission: May 16, 2025
* Acceptance notification: Jun 15, 2025
* Camera-ready and registration: Jun 30, 2025
* Conference: July 10-11, 2025

*** Committees ***

Conference Chairs
- Ricardo Queirós (ESMAD/P.PORTO & CRACS INESC TEC, Portugal)
- Mário Pinto (ESMAD/P.PORTO & ID+, Portugal)

Steering Committee
- Ricardo Queirós (ESMAD/P.PORTO & CRACS INESC TEC, Portugal)
- Mário Pinto (ESMAD/P.PORTO & ID+, Portugal)
- Alberto Simões (2Ai, School of Technology, IPCA, Portugal)
- Filipe Portela (Algoritmi Center, School of Engineering, UM, Portugal)	

Organizing Committee
- Ricardo Queirós (ESMAD/P.PORTO & CRACS INESC TEC, Portugal)
- Mário Pinto (ESMAD/P.PORTO & ID+, Portugal)
- Teresa Terroso (ESMAD/P.PORTO & ID+, Portugal)
- Nuno Gama (PORTIC, P.PORTO, Portugal)
- Jorge Resende (PORTIC, P.PORTO, Portugal)

The full program committee is available on the conference homepage.

*** Contacts and Updates ***

Updates are regularly posted in the Conference webpage or in the official CFP 
Organizers can be contacted using info[at]icpeconf.org