Prof. Bertram “Chip” Bruce is a computer scientist turned educator. He started his research on artificial intelligence earning a Ph.D. in Computer Science. Broadening his research into literacy and education, he has dedicated himself to the conception and promotion of democratic, or progressive education.
He is currently Professor Emeritus in Information Science at the University of Illinois. He has published several books in the field of information, literacy, education, and community development. Having worked in various countries such as China, Australia, Haiti, Turkey, France, Germany, Ireland, Romania, Finland, and Sweden, he has made Nepal one of his focus areas making regular visits since 2016.
He has helped set up Progressive Educators Network of Nepal, collaborating with institutions such as King’s College, Teach for Nepal, Karkhana, Kathmandu Living Labs and bringing together students, teachers, engineers, development workers, policymakers, and others who see learning as part of full participation in society and the natural world. He was recently on a Nepal trip supported by a Fulbright Specialist grant to assist King’s College in becoming a progressive education university. Though officially retired, he has been working with spectacular enthusiasm and an exemplary collaborative and learning spirit. Equally inspired by his work and his personal journey, we interviewed him talking on various topics: his peculiar career path, need for progressive education, observations from other countries’ educational approaches, the role of technology in education, and being a life-long learner.
