# Michael Kölling

> German computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q92708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q92708)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kölling)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-kolling

## Summary
Michael Kölling is a German computer scientist and educator best known for creating **Greenfoot**, an integrated development environment (IDE) widely used for teaching programming. He is a professor at King’s College London and has made significant contributions to computer science education, particularly in programming languages and educational tools.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1970, Bremen, Germany
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: PhD in Computer Science, University of Tasmania (1995–1999)
- **Known for**: Developing Greenfoot and advancing programming education
- **Employer(s)**:
  - King’s College London (current)
  - University of Kent (2005–2017, Professor)
  - University of Southern Denmark (2001–2004)
  - Monash University (1997–2001, Lecturer)
  - University of Tasmania (1994–1997)
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, programming languages, education

## Contributions
Michael Kölling is best known for creating **Greenfoot**, an interactive Java-based IDE designed to teach programming through visual and game-like environments. Released in 2003, Greenfoot has been adopted globally in schools and universities, making programming more accessible to beginners. He also co-developed **BlueJ**, another educational IDE for Java, which emphasizes object-oriented programming concepts.

His research focuses on programming languages, software tools for education, and improving how programming is taught. Kölling has published extensively on these topics, influencing both academic curricula and industry practices. His work has earned him recognition, including the **SIGCSE Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education Award (2013)** and **ACM Distinguished Member (2011)**.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Michael Kölling best known for?
A: Michael Kölling is best known for creating **Greenfoot**, an educational IDE for teaching programming, and for his contributions to computer science education.

### Q: Where does Michael Kölling work?
A: He is currently a professor at **King’s College London** and previously held positions at the University of Kent, University of Southern Denmark, Monash University, and University of Tasmania.

### Q: What awards has Michael Kölling received?
A: He received the **SIGCSE Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education Award (2013)** and was named an **ACM Distinguished Member (2011)**.

### Q: What is Greenfoot?
A: Greenfoot is an **integrated development environment (IDE)** designed to teach programming through interactive, visual applications, particularly using Java.

### Q: Who was Michael Kölling’s doctoral advisor?
A: His doctoral advisor was **John Rosenberg**, an Australian computer scientist.

## Why They Matter
Michael Kölling has significantly impacted computer science education by making programming more accessible and engaging. His tools, **Greenfoot** and **BlueJ**, have been used by millions of students worldwide, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical coding. His work has influenced how programming is taught, emphasizing hands-on learning and visualization. Without his contributions, introductory programming education might remain more abstract and less interactive, potentially discouraging new learners.

## Notable For
- Creator of **Greenfoot**, a widely used educational IDE
- Co-developer of **BlueJ**, another influential Java teaching tool
- Recipient of the **SIGCSE Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education Award (2013)**
- Named an **ACM Distinguished Member (2011)**
- Former professor at multiple prestigious institutions, including **King’s College London** and **University of Kent**

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born in **Bremen, Germany (1970)**
- Earned a **PhD in Computer Science** from the **University of Tasmania (1995–1999)**
- Doctoral advisor: **John Rosenberg**

### Career and Academic Roles
- **University of Tasmania (1994–1997)**: Early academic role
- **Monash University (1997–2001)**: Lecturer
- **University of Southern Denmark (2001–2004)**: Research and teaching
- **University of Kent (2005–2017)**: Professor of Computer Science
- **King’s College London (current)**: Continues research and teaching

### Key Contributions
- **Greenfoot (2003)**: An IDE for teaching Java through interactive visualizations
- **BlueJ**: A simplified Java IDE for educational use
- Research in **programming languages, software tools, and computer science education**

### Awards and Recognition
- **SIGCSE Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education (2013)**
- **ACM Distinguished Member (2011)**

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Michael Kölling",
  "jobTitle": "Computer Scientist",
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  "nationality": {"@type": "Country", "name": "Germany"},
  "birthDate": "1970",
  "birthPlace": "Bremen, Germany",
  "alumniOf": [{"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Tasmania"}],
  "knowsAbout": ["Programming Languages", "Computer Science Education"],
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## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. ORCID Registry
3. Personal Authority Wikibase of the Czech Republic
4. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-0544-2003/employment/4074036)
5. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-0544-2003/employment/4074043)
6. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-0544-2003/employment/4074049)
7. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-0544-2003/employment/4074094)
8. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/distinguished-members/award-winners)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. ORCID iD
11. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0003-0544-2003/researcher-urls/2115926)
12. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0003-0544-2003/external-identifiers/1314794)
13. SciGraph