Dr Mark Zarb is an Associate Professor based in the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology at Robert Gordon University, where his work focuses on computing education research. With a sustained interest in evidence-based teaching practices, he has led and contributed to multiple international working groups on computing pedagogy, including transitions into higher education and research into post-pandemic educational landscapes.
He earned his PhD from the University of Dundee, investigating verbal communication within pair programming, a foundation that informs his continued focus on collaborative learning and student engagement. At RGU, he leads the Computing Education Research Group, driving innovations in digital pedagogy such as project-based learning and authentic assessment methods.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, he led two international investigations into the impact of remote teaching on student resilience, as well as the use of pass/fail assessment models to reduce student stress. His recent research focuses heavily on generative AI, exploring how tools like ChatGPT affect academic integrity, learning practices, and teaching strategies in higher education.
With over 50 publications and 500+ citations, Dr Zarb’s research contributes to ongoing discussions in computing education. He focuses on practical approaches to digital teaching, assessment, and the challenges of integrating new technologies like generative AI. Through collaboration with colleagues and educators, he works to support effective, evidence-based teaching practices that improve student learning experiences.
Research Interests
Lead of the Computing Education Research Group
Mark's research interests lie at the intersection of computing education and pedagogical innovation. His work encompasses:
- Collaborative Learning
- Digital Pedagogy
- Assessment Models
- Generative AI in Education
- Post-Pandemic Education
Through these areas, Mark aims to contribute to the development of inclusive, effective, and future-ready computing education practices. Mark welcomes project proposals on the above themes.
