New Directions for Computing Education: Embedding Computing Across

In this review of New Directions for Computing Education: Embedding Computing Across Disciplines, the authors argue for rethinking what computing courses should be and who they serve. The book is aimed at educators and administrators seeking an interdisciplinary path that places problem-solving and critical thinking at the center of computing education. Its single biggest reason to buy is its sustained case for embedding computing across arts and sciences rather than confining it to a traditional computer science silo, making it especially useful for curriculum designers exploring cross-departmental programs.

Key Features

• Interdisciplinary focus: Presents a clear argument for integrating computing into arts and science curricula to broaden student exposure and relevance.
• Educational philosophy: Frames computing as a vehicle for critical thinking and problem-solving across subjects, not just technical training.
• Audience guidance: Addresses who should teach computing and how courses might be structured to serve diverse disciplines.
• Practical perspective: Offers discussion of new approaches and lessons that curriculum planners can adapt for different institutional contexts.
• Contemporary relevance: Considers the implications of the modern ubiquity of computing for K-12 and higher education policy and practice.

Who It's For

This book is for university faculty, school administrators, curriculum designers, and teacher educators interested in rethinking computing beyond traditional computer science departments. It speaks to those who want a reasoned case for embedding computational thinking into a range of courses and who will use the ideas to pilot interdisciplinary modules.

Those looking for hands-on programming tutorials, language-specific textbooks, or step-by-step lab exercises should look elsewhere; this work is conceptual and policy oriented, focusing on educational approaches rather than coding instruction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Advocates a convincing interdisciplinary model that helps broaden student access to computing concepts.
• Emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking as transferable skills across disciplines.
• Useful for administrators planning curriculum change or cross-department collaboration.

Cons

• Not a practical coding manual; readers seeking technical exercises will find limited direct instruction.

Specifications

Title	New Directions for Computing Education: Embedding Computing Across Disciplines
Authors/Brand	Samuel B. Fee, Amanda M. Holland-Minkley, Thomas E. Lombardi
Subject	Computing education, interdisciplinary pedagogy
Primary focus	Embedding computing in arts and science contexts
Intended audience	Educators, curriculum designers, administrators
Approach	Conceptual and policy-oriented discussion of pedagogy

Our Verdict

New Directions for Computing Education is a valuable conceptual resource for anyone reimagining how computing fits into a broader curriculum. It is good value for educators and leaders who need a persuasive, interdisciplinary framework to guide program development, though those seeking hands-on technical training should pair it with practical materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include programming tutorials?
No. The text focuses on pedagogy and integration strategies rather than step-by-step programming instruction.

Who contributed to the book?
The work is authored by Samuel B. Fee, Amanda M. Holland-Minkley, and Thomas E. Lombardi.

Is this suitable for K-12 curriculum planning?
Yes, the interdisciplinary approach and focus on problem-solving make it relevant to both K-12 and higher education planning.