Coding with care: The power of compassion in the classroom 

  Host: Charanya Ramakrishnan

  Tuesday 22 September 2026, 6.15pm – 7.30pm 

  Mason Theatre, 14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Macquarie University

Overview

When people think about programming, compassion is not one of the first words that comes to mind. Yet for Lecturer Charanya Ramakrishnan, it has become the most powerful tool in her teaching practices. 

In this talk, Charanya will share how she has integrated care and empathy into introductory computing units, a space often defined by logic and precision rather than human connection. By embedding a deeper level of care and empathy into her practice, Charanya creates classrooms where students feel supported, valued, and confident to take risks. 

Her approach aims to create a safe and judgment-free learning environment and uses feedback to encourage growth rather than fear of failure.  

This talk will explore how small, intentional changes can significantly impact not only student success but also the establishment of a culture of trust and belonging within classrooms.

Biography

Charanya Ramakrishnan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing at Macquarie University and Course Director of the Bachelor of Information Technology. 

She is the recipient of the 2026 CORE Teaching Award (General), the highest honour in computing education across Australia and New Zealand, and the first Macquarie University academic to receive this award. 

Charanya is nationally recognised for her innovative, student-centred teaching, integrating active learning, authentic assessment, and industry collaboration to support diverse learners. Her research focuses on the use of Generative AI in assessment design and assurance of learning within computing education. 

Her work has also been recognised through multiple Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s Awards and a national AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2023). She is also a TEDx speaker and a finalist in the Australian Financial Review Teaching and Learning Excellence (2024) and Equity and Access (2025) Awards.

Contact Us

For more details about the series, contact us at fse.outreach@mq.edu.au.