Call for Papers: University Didactics in Computer Science 2026 (Hochschuldidaktik Informatik, HDI)

The 12th Conference on University Didactics in Computer Science will be held in September 2026 in Potsdam. The conference will cover all aspects of computer science education in higher education. This includes the following topics, each relating to computer science courses at universities and colleges, related courses, or the teaching of computer science in other courses:

• Subject-specific didactic concepts
• Methods, such as special forms of teaching and learning
• Teaching innovations - Measuring success
• Study programmes and curriculum development
• Digitisation of teaching or study organisation
• Forms of support before and during studies
• Training and further education for those involved in university teaching
• Recruitment of suitable students
• Teaching and assessment

Current developments in artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI systems such as GPT-based models, are having a far-reaching impact on university teaching in computer science. In addition to new didactic possibilities, these technologies raise fundamental questions about the design of teaching and learning arrangements, the development of student skills, and the further development of established teaching and examination formats. While initial practical reports and empirical data are available, there is still a need for theoretically sound and empirically validated research that classifies the use of AI in computer science teaching within existing university teaching approaches, competence models, and teaching and learning theories.

We are looking for contributions that go beyond a description of tools and systematically analyse the impact of AI on teaching and learning processes. We are particularly interested in work that reflects on the consequences for key computer science teaching contexts (e.g. programming, software development, modelling, exam design) and embeds them in a university teaching framework.

Key questions:

1. Which technical, methodological and metacognitive skills remain relevant in AI-supported computer science teaching, which are becoming less important, and which additional skills are required?
2. Which established teaching and examination approaches in computer science continue to prove their worth, which can be usefully supplemented by AI-supported methods, and which need to be revised or redesigned in light of current developments?

In addition to the main topic, the HDI is dedicated to all areas of university didactics in computer science. The conference itself thrives on intensive discussion of the contributions and exchange on the various issues. Therefore, all original submissions from the field of university didactics in computer science are welcome at the HDI. Contributions on the main topic of AI, GPT and Co in teaching are particularly welcome.

All accepted and presented contributions will be published in the pre-proceedings of the conference.

As with every HDI, a selection of contributions will subsequently be invited for revision and publication in an expanded and revised form in the post-proceedings (Commentarii Informaticae Didacticae).

The following submission formats are planned for this year's conference:

• Scientific Paper:

Length up to 12 pages plus bibliography.

Contributions in this category include unpublished empirical or theoretical research papers that present new arguments, findings or methods.

• Practical and Work-in-Progress Paper:

Length up to 8 pages plus bibliography.

The focus here is on the paper's practical relevance, which may be experience reports, pilot studies, best-practice examples, or special teaching concepts.

Contributions must be submitted electronically in LNI format for LaTeX (https://gi.de/lni). The template can be downloaded here: www.ctan.org/pkg/lni.

Contributions must be anonymised and may be written in German or English. The general conference language for presentations and discussions is German, but  English is also welcome.

*Deadlines apply at 23:59 "Anywhere on earth"

Conference chairs:

• Simone Opel, FernUniversität in Hagen
• Philipp Kather, Münster University of Applied Sciences
• Ulrike Lucke, University of Potsdam

PC Chairs:

• Simone Opel, FernUniversität in Hagen
• Philipp Kather, Münster University of Applied Sciences

Venue:

University of Potsdam, Campus Griebnitzsee

Contact:

hdi-tagung@fernuni-hagen.de