How computer science is being taught in schools

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A working group unravels the values and objectives behind the various national initiatives to introduce computer science education from an early age.

Writing/Irene Vega

During the 29th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (ITiCSE 2024) a working group was created to study how the introduction of computing in schools has been carried out over the last two decades. Different countries have done so in different ways, ranging from those that have introduced it as a compulsory subject from Primary Education to those that have done so in a very restricted way.

As a result of this research, it has recently been published a report on the hypotheses underlying educational experiences existing in scientific literature. URJC professor Ángel Velázquez Iturbide has been part of this scientific team that has analyzed the experiences reported in articles using qualitative analysis methods, as well as using natural language processing techniques and using concepts and frameworks from educational theory. “As a reflection of the variety of approaches, terms as heterogeneous as "computational thinking", "making", "computer empowerment", "computer literacy" or "computer science for social good". At the same time, the field of research in computer science teaching has expanded its field of study from university degrees to the different pre-university educational stages," explains the URJC professor.

As a main result, four approaches have been identified in pre-university teaching of computer science: algorithmic, disciplinary, construction and social. The first approach puts emphasis on algorithmic problem solving. The second considers that computer science should be studied like any other discipline relevant to understanding the world around us. The construction approach is especially interested in building products that satisfy a social need or a personal, scientific or collective interest. Finally, the social approach pays special attention to cultural and ethical aspects.

The authors consider that their work provides a framework for analyzing the main values and decisions taken in the different educational efforts to introduce computing at both the official and research levels.