Thursday, 21 September 2023 Teaching computing and informatics in kindergarten and the first four grades of primary school: As part of the B-RIN project, we were visited by Prof. Ivan Kalaš from Comenius University in Bratislava
In the framework of the B-RIN project: Developing basic content and skills in computing and informatics in kindergartens and primary schools (from 1st to 5th grade), we were visited by Prof. Ivan Kalaš from Comenius University in Bratislava. Yesterday, September 20, 2023, he presented Slovakian experiences in teaching computer science and informatics in kindergarten and primary school at a day-long workshop. In Slovakia, computer and informatics lessons are a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools.
Computer science and informatics lessons in primary and secondary schools in Slovakia are based on the content-defined and clearly elaborated as well as didactically and digitally supported material "Computing with Emil", which was developed and evaluated by Prof. Kalaš with his research team. The materials, which have so far been translated and adapted for seven countries, contain didactic guidelines for educators and teachers, workbooks for children and students, and software adapted to this. At the workshop, we learned about the Emil system and took a closer look at materials for the 3rd and 4th grade of elementary school. The Slovakian experience will represent a basis for content and implementation, tested in at least five hundred schools so far, which will also be used as a pilot in the implementation of the B-RIN project. For this purpose, we will translate and adapt existing materials and pilot them in selected Slovenian kindergartens and elementary schools involved in the project.
University of Primorska members, who participated in the workshop, are Dr. Andrej Brodnik, Dr. Rok Požar and Dr. Nino Bašić from UP FAMNIT, Dr. Sonja Čotar Konrad, Dr. Andreja Klančar, Dr. Maja Lebeničnik, Dr. Blaž Simčič, Dr. Sanela Hudavernik and Dr. Karmen Drljić from UP PEF as well as Dr. Mirko Prosen and Dr. Sabina Ličen from UP FVZ.
Prof. Ivan Kalaš is a professor of Informatics education (Computing) at Comenius University, Bratislava, and since 2013 a visiting professor at UCL Institute of Education, London. His professional interests include development of constructionist interfaces for early computing education and research in the field of the impact of digital technologies on learning. He is a co-author of several programming environments for children, including Comenius Logo, Imagine Logo, Thomas the Clown and RNA (Revelation Natural Arts) adopted by thousands of schools, home and abroad. He is also an author or co-author of several books and textbooks on children programming and informatics, which have been published in several languages and countries in Europe and elsewhere. He has been active in several national and international policy efforts and initiatives. Ivan represents Slovakia in the IFIP Technical Committee for Education. From 2008 to 2013, he was a member of the International Advisory Board of the Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative. From 2014 till 2016 he was a member of the UCL ScratchMaths project, focusing on the development of innovative programming content and corresponding pedagogy for English pupils aged 9 to 11.
The B-RIN project is implemented within the development area Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, with the components Strengthening competences, in particular digital competences and those required by the new professions and the green transition and for investment measure E: Comprehensive transformation (sustainability and resilience) of green and digital education. The projects are co-funded by the Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of Education, and the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
University of Primorska is the leading partner of the project and the project leader is dr. Sonja Čotar Konrad from UP PEF.
