Bob Edmison

Bob Edmison

Collegiate Associate Professor of Computer Science

Virginia Tech

Biography

I’m Bob Edmison, and I am a Collegiate Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. My research interests currently center on developing new ways to support alternative grading practices in Computer Science education. Also, I research providing feedback to computer science students using tools and techniques originally developed for software engineering. Starting in the Fall of 2026, I will be the Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Studies. I am also the Coordinator of Online Teaching and Learning in the Department of Computer Science.

Previously, I was the Director of Software Development for Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies, TLOS, in the Division of Information Technology at Virginia Tech. I’ve also done extensive work in industry and not-for-profits, as well as research for the U.S. Department of Energy in the areas of materials management, experimental simulation and visualization, and nuclear non-proliferation.

Interests

  • Computer Science Education
  • Contextualized Feedback
  • Learning Analytics
  • Alternative Grading Practices
  • Accessibility

Education

  • PhD in Computer Science and Applications, 2019

    Virginia Tech

  • M.IT in Information Technology, 2006

    Virginia Tech

  • M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, 1995

    Virginia Tech

  • B.A. in Economics and Political Science, 1992

    Virginia Tech

Recent & Upcoming Talks

Experiences of using AI tools in the Classroom

Faculty across disciplines are experimenting with AI tools in their teaching—what’s working, what’s not, and what are we still figuring out? In this panel discussion, instructors will share their real-world experiences using AI in the classroom, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Join us for an honest conversation and leave with ideas to inform your own approach.
22 May 2026 00:00 AM UTC +0000 Blacksburg VA

Let’s Build a Bridge: Developing a Bridge Course to Graduate School

We built a bridge course to prepare people pursuing a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. We used Canvas, Mastery Pathways, and other software systems to develop, deliver and promote this course.
14 Jul 2022 11:40 AM EDT -0400 Virtual

Panel Discussion: Keeping Students Engaged Through Change

No matter what the world has in store next, educators need the best tools and tactics for holding students’ attention. In this panel discussion, higher education leaders discuss ways to create a more engaging student experience. Learn how to maintain consistency in the classroom through times of transition—whether you’re online, hybrid, or in-person—and empower your institution with data that can help drive better decisions.
06 May 2021 11:40 AM EDT -0400 Virtual

InstructureCon 2020: Find Out How Your Instructors Are *Really* Using Canvas: We Can Show You!

We have figured out a data-driven way to measure how deeply instructors are using Canvas, beyond just published course counts or numbers of instructors. Knowing this, we can help instructors make better use of the tools available in Canvas and focus our support efforts.
15 Oct 2020 12:20 PM EDT -0400 Virtual

Recent Publications

Quickly discover relevant content by filtering publications.
"Like Navigating A Dark Labyrinth": Experiences of Minoritized Computer Science Students at Small Liberal Arts Colleges
Bartsch, Juno, Murphy, Christian, Edmison, Bob
DOI
A Call for Critical Technology to Enable Innovative and Alternative Grading Practices
Decker, Adrienne, Edwards, Stephen H., Edmison, Bob, Pérez Quin̈ones, Manuel A., Rorrer, Audrey
DOI
There is an App for That: Moving a Large Introductory Computer Science Course to an Automated Course Delivery System
Edmison, Bob, Ellis, Margaret
DOI
Identifying critical self-regulated learning skills: a Delphi process study
Domino, Molly, Edmison, Bob, Edwards, Stephen H., Sabbir Mansur, Rifat, Thompson, Alexandra, Shaffer, Clifford A.
DOI
Data-Informed Learning Design in a Computer Science Course
Williams, Daron, Cox II, Larry, Ellis Margaret, Edmison, Bob, Hassan, Taha, Bond, M. Aaron, Warnick, Quinn, Clark, Virginia, Yaffe, Daniel, Domino, Molly, Haqq, Derek
DOI
See all publications

Courses Taught

CS 3114 Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 3704 Intermediate Software Design and Engineering
CS 3714 Mobile Software Development - Android
CS 4094/4704 Software Engineering Capstone
CS 5040 Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithms Analysis
CS 5254 Mobile Software Development
CS 5744 Software Design and Quality

Experience

 
 
 
 
 

Collegiate Associate Professor

Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science

Aug 2024 – Present Blacksburg, VA
 
 
 
 
 

Collegiate Assistant Professor

Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science

Aug 2020 – Aug 2024 Blacksburg, VA
 
 
 
 
 

Director of Software Development

Virginia Tech Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS)

Sep 2014 – Aug 2020 Blacksburg, VA
Managed the team responsible for developing and integrating our enterprise learning systems portfolio, including Canvas, Kaltura, and Zoom.
 
 
 
 
 

Senior Research Associate

Virginia Tech Software Technologies Laboratory

Oct 2001 – Sep 2014 Blacksburg, VA
Led a variety of software engineering research projects for industry, state and federal government sponsors. Our research portfolio exceeded $1.5M per year.
 
 
 
 
 

Web Application Engineer

Interactive Design and Development

Aug 1999 – Sep 2001 Blacksburg, VA
Developed web applications and point-of-presence sites for industry and government customers.
 
 
 
 
 

Web Application Engineer

VTLS, Inc

Aug 1997 – Aug 1999 Blacksburg, VA
Developed and supported the first commercial web-based online patron access catalog for libraries

Contact