Our DIGITAL FIRST project is on a mission to revolutionize how informatics is taught and learned across Europe. By focusing on problem-solving, computational thinking, and practical applications, we aim to empower students to navigate the digital world with confidence and creativity. In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven society, DIGITAL FIRST reimagines informatics as the “first language” of digital natives, transforming them into active creators rather than passive consumers of technology.

A standout feature of DIGITAL FIRST is its Dialogue Clubs -spaces designed for collaboration, exchange, and co-creation. These clubs bring together educators, parents, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss enhancing informatics education through innovative teaching methods. Far from passive meetings, Dialogue Clubs are interactive platforms where ideas flow freely, leading to actionable insights and a shared sense of purpose.

What Are Dialogue Clubs?

Dialogue Clubs are unique forums created to:

• Redefine the role of teachers and equip them with new competencies.
• Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to share best practices and innovative ideas.
• Address gaps in knowledge transfer by fostering inclusive, dynamic learning environments.
• Explore and assess the effectiveness of new pedagogical approaches aligned with rapid technological advancements.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, Dialogue Clubs ensure that informatics education keeps pace with the digital transformation while reflecting the needs of modern learners.

In Greece, two Dialogue Clubs have been successfully organized as part of the DIGITAL FIRST project, fostering discussions among key stakeholders in informatics education:

• First Dialogue Club (November 2024): Focused on self-expression in the digital world, this session explored how students use technology to shape their identities, communicate emotions, and engage in creative digital interactions. Participants included 27 stakeholders—a diverse group of 7 parents, 8 primary school teachers, 10 secondary school teachers (mathematics & ICT), and 2 ICT experts. Discussions highlighted the growing role of social media, gaming platforms, and digital storytelling tools in students’ daily lives, along with the benefits and risks associated with digital self-representation.

• Second Dialogue Club (December 2024): Centered on the informative function of digital technology, this session examined how students organize and share information using digital tools such as infographics, presentations, and collaborative platforms. 24 participants—including 5 parents, 7 primary school teachers, 10 secondary school teachers, and 2 ICT experts—discussed the evolving role of digital literacy in classrooms. Key insights revolved around students’ increasing reliance on Google Slides, Canva, and messaging apps like Discord and Instagram DMs for exchanging educational content, as well as the need for structured approaches to verify information and develop critical thinking skills.

By engaging teachers, parents, and ICT professionals, these discussions are shaping the project’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities in informatics education. The insights gathered in Greece will contribute to the broader European-wide efforts to modernize digital education and pedagogy.

Looking Ahead:

Dialogue Clubs in Greece are paving the way for meaningful reforms in informatics education. By creating inclusive spaces for dialogue and collaboration, these sessions are not only identifying current challenges but also co-creating innovative solutions for the future.

As the DIGITAL FIRST project progresses, the insights gained from Dialogue Clubs will guide the development of modern teaching methods, updated curricula, and professional development programs for educators. With more Dialogue Clubs planned across Europe, these discussions are driving impactful and sustainable change in how informatics is taught.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey across Europe!