This is where the DIGITAL FIRST project comes into play. Aiming to initiate a functionalist shift in informatics education at the primary and secondary levels, the project seeks to move away from the traditional focus on structures. Instead, it emphasizes the functional application of IT skills and knowledge, treating informatics as a horizontal competency essential for all aspects of modern life, from work to leisure.
Much like language, informatics is a tool for expression and problem-solving. In today’s world, sound IT skills are necessary for everything from accessing and validating information to communicating effectively and solving everyday problems. Whether it’s locating a friend in need or creating a unique, low-cost birthday present, IT skills play a crucial role. Furthermore, advanced IT solutions are indispensable for tackling the defining challenges of our time, such as green transition and environmental sustainability, both of which are inextricably linked to digital transition.
The DIGITAL FIRST project proposes a new approach to teaching informatics, one where the function of IT skills is at the forefront and serves as the ultimate goal of the educational process. To achieve this, the project will develop a comprehensive set of teaching and learning materials that can be used to pilot the functional approach in schools across Europe. These materials will be centred around real-world problems that students must solve using IT tools and skills. By focusing on practical applications, the project aims to transform students from passive consumers into active creators of the digital world.
Moreover, the teaching scenarios developed through this project will be universally applicable across European countries. They will rely on widely available IT resources, ensuring that schools do not face undue financial burdens in acquiring additional hardware or software. Early indications suggest that this functionalist approach will not only lead to higher IT proficiency among students but also have a positive impact on gender balance in the field of informatics. Interestingly, girls tend to show greater interest in IT when the functional role of informatics is emphasized, potentially leading to more balanced participation in IT studies at higher education levels.
In conclusion, just as the shift from structuralism to functionalism revolutionized language education, the DIGITAL FIRST project aims to bring a similar transformation to informatics education. By focusing on the functional applications of IT skills, this approach promises to create a generation of students who are not only proficient in IT but are also empowered to shape the digital world in meaningful and innovative ways.
