Dean Sanders

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dean Sanders is a computer science educator whose primary research focuses on introductory programming pedagogy and the development of tools to support novice learners. His most significant contribution is the creation of **Jeroo**, a microworld programming environment designed to help students grasp fundamental control structures, object-oriented concepts, and functional decomposition. First introduced in 2003, Jeroo builds on the legacy of Karel the Robot, offering an accessible, visual platform where students write methods to control a character in a simulated island environment. The flagship paper on Jeroo has garnered **54 citations**, with additional classroom experience reports accumulating **22** and **15 citations** respectively, underscoring its sustained influence in computing education. Through this work, Sanders has provided a concrete, engaging way for beginners to transition from abstract syntax to meaningful problem-solving, making him a notable figure in the CS education community. His efforts continue to shape how foundational programming concepts are taught, particularly in early undergraduate courses.