Standl, Bernhard

The focus is on designing learning environments that foster computational thinking and problem-solving processes. The aim is to enable learners not only to use digital systems, but also to understand them, evaluate them critically and help shape them independently. I am particularly interested in computational thinking and algorithmic thinking, as well as in how learners analyse, abstract and model problems, and develop algorithmic solutions step by step. To this end, I develop and research teaching and learning designs, didactic models and learning pathways that lead from concrete action to abstract understanding. These approaches are tested in the Computer Science Teaching and Learning Laboratory and empirically investigated in school contexts. 

Furthermore, I examine individual and social factors influencing the teaching and learning of computer science, including motivation, empathy, self-efficacy, conditions for equal participation in computer science lessons, and AI literacy. My aim is to strengthen an understanding of computer science as part of general education, so that people can critically assess digital technologies and use them responsibly.

• Computational thinking, algorithmic problem-solving and programming 
• Empirical teaching and learning research and research-based teaching and learning designs 
• Didactic models and learning pathways 
• Motivation, empathy, self-efficacy, and inclusive and gender-sensitive computer science education 
• AI literacy and artificial intelligence in schools and teacher training
• Computer Science Teaching and Learning Laboratory 
• Professional development of computer science teachers and knowledge transfer

• 2005–2008 Studies of Computer Science and History (Mag. rer. nat.), University of Vienna 
• 2008–2018 Secondary school teacher of Computer Science and History at GRG 10, Laaer-Berg-Straße, Vienna 
• 2008–2010 Research assistant on the ‘Theory and Practice of Subject Didactics’ project, University of Vienna 
• 2010–2014 PhD candidate and research assistant at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna 
• 2014 PhD (Dr. techn.) from the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Vienna. Thesis: Conceptual Modelling and Implementation of Person-Centred Computer Science Education at Secondary School Level 
• 2015 Fulbright Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Missouri State University, USA 
• 2016–2018 Postdoctoral researcher on the START Informatics project, Vienna University of Technology 
• 2018–2022 Tenure-track professor (W1) of Computer Science and its Didactics, Karlsruhe University of Education 
• 2022–2026 Professor (W3) of Computer Science and its Didactics, Karlsruhe University of Education 
• since August 2026 Professorship of Didactics of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Centre for Teacher Education, University of Vienna