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Writing/Raúl García Hémonnet
The new subject of 'Updated Computer Science - IT Studies' has been incorporated this academic year 23-24 into the Computer Science curriculum for early childhood, primary and secondary education. For its definition, specialists from the URJC mobilized by the FIIAPP have been involved, who have worked together with Ukrainian specialists to create educational content, applying the latest digital technologies in the teaching, learning and evaluation of students of all the courses of the Obligatory education.
This subject constitutes a project that redefines computing as a school subject initiated by the ministries of Digital Transformation and Education and Science of Ukraine within the framework of the EU4DigitalUA program, financed by the European Union.
"As we actively implement this subject, already present in 228 schools, involving more than 5.000 students and 539 teachers, we witness the tangible impact of this project in the formation of a digitally competent and future-ready generation in Ukraine. The cooperation with the Rey Juan Carlos University establishes a solid foundation for the teaching and learning of computing in that country, ensuring that our students are well prepared for the digital era," said Valeria Ionan, Vice Minister of Eurointegration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation. of Ukraine during an event held this Friday at the URCJ together with professors and specialists from the FIIAPP who have participated in this project.
"Working together with the Rey Juan Carlos University has been an extraordinary experience. This collaboration has not only produced valuable resources, but has also fostered a sustainable framework for the future of digital education in Ukrainian schools. We are immensely grateful for this enriching collaboration and excited to see its lasting impact in the years to come," explained the institutional coordinator of EU4DigitalUA at the FIIAPP, María Gastón Betran.
According to Pedro Paredes Barragán, professor in the area of Computer Languages and Systems and principal investigator along with Maximiliano Paredes Velasco of this collaborative project, “our participation has consisted of the preparation of a series of reports that range from a compilation of competency frameworks “digital teaching in Europe to studies on how to evaluate both digital competences and programming.” Paredes added that the objective was “to provide a theoretical basis so that they can develop their own materials and tools to evaluate their students' learning. Given the situation in Ukraine, digitalization is no longer just a goal, it is a necessity. “Schools are either destroyed or used for other purposes, so digital education is the way for students of all ages to continue training.”
This collaborative project has been carried out through the LITE group (Laboratory of Information Technologies in Education). For this group, the project “has involved carrying out international collaboration and transferring knowledge and putting our research into practice,” says Professor Paredes.
The University's research has allowed us to develop a comprehensive digital skills framework adapted for Ukrainian students. The new subject combines essential knowledge and skills, ensuring students are well prepared for the digital age. Additionally, research conducted on a wide range of global teaching platforms has facilitated the selection and implementation of best practices in IT studies. These efforts have been vital in establishing a solid foundation for the teaching and learning of Computing in Ukraine, ensuring that the resources used are aligned with the highest global standards.
The content of the 73 lessons reflects this dedication to excellence. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from algorithmization and modeling to programming in various environments suitable for different age groups. This diverse content ensures that students in grades 1-11 receive a solid, cutting-edge computer science education. The IT Studies resources, which are already actively used in 228 schools, will continue to be progressively implemented in the rest of the country's educational centers.
The partnership between the FIIAPP, the Rey Juan Carlos University and the EU4DigitalUA project is an example of the potential of public cooperation.