This study explored the life and work of the late Grace Murray Hopper, Rear Admiral United States Naval Reserve. The study emphasized Hopper's contributions to computer science and computer science education, including her philosophy of teaching and learning, and her pedagogical legacy for today's teachers and scholars of computer science and computer science education.
The study employed historical methodology, including personal interviews by the author of individuals who knew Hopper, both in and out of the military. Some of these individuals worked with Hopper during the early days of her computing career, while others knew Hopper during her time at the Pentagon and after her retirement, until her death in January, 1992. The study also included a thorough review of the written record, including a search through the Grace Murray Hopper collection donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. as well as articles and books written about and by Hopper and audio and videotapes of Hopper's interviews. Additionally, the author was assisted by Hopper's brother, Dr. Roger F. Murray, who provided access to personal, family mementoes.
Grace Murray Hopper worked in the field of computer science from 1944 to 1991. Her professional career paralleled the development of the computer science industry, in which she was a visionary and a pioneer.
Index Terms
- The contributions of Grace Murray Hopper to computer science and computer education
Recommendations
Hopper, Grace Murray
Encyclopedia of Computer ScienceGrace Brewster Murray Hopper (Fig. 1) was born in New York City on 9 December 1906. She received her B.A. in Mathematics and Physics from Vassar College in 1928, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She continued her graduate studies in mathematics ...
Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992) interview: July 1968
Computer Oral History CollectionGrace Murray Hopper was born on December 9, 1906 in New York, New York. She graduated from the Hartridge School, Plainfield, New Jersey, in 1924. She attended Vassar College and earned a BA in 1928. Hopper continued her studies at Yale University where ...
Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992) interview: January 7, 1969
Computer Oral History Collection(This interview is in five fragments and appears to be missing a session.)
Hopper comments on her greatest achievements---making it easier for people to use computers, training young people to lead developments in the computer field, and the A-0 ...