12/01/2024
FIIAPP has facilitated the collaboration between URJC University and the Ministries of Digital Transformation and of Education and Science of Ukraine in the framework of the EU4DigitalUA programme
The new subject “Computer Science Update – IT Studies” has been incorporated this academic year 23-24 into the Computer Science curriculum for infant, primary and secondary education. The faculty of the URJC’s School of Computer Engineering actively participated in its design and, through FIIAPP, supported the Ukrainian specialists in creating educational content, applying the latest digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment for students of all grades of compulsory education.
“Up-to-date Informatics – IT Studies” is a project redefining informatics as a school subject in Ukraine, initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in the framework of the EU4DigitalUA programme, funded by the European Union.
“As we actively implement this subject, already active in 228 schools, involving more than 5,000 students and 539 teachers, we witness the tangible impact of this project in shaping a digitally competent and future-ready generation in Ukraine. The cooperation with the Rey Juan Carlos University lays a solid foundation for computer science teaching and learning in Ukraine, ensuring that our students are well prepared for the digital age,” said Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister of Eurointegration at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine during an event held this Friday at the URCJ together with teachers and specialists from FIIAPP.
“The incorporation of this subject into the Ukrainian curriculum is a clear example of the significant impact of cooperation between public institutions, a hallmark of FIIAPP. The updating and revision of the content of the subject will strengthen the digital education of millions of Ukrainian children and adolescents, so that they grow up with the necessary skills to effectively face current and future digital challenges,” explained Cecilia Castillo, head of Economic Development and Environment at FIIAPP.
According to Pedro Paredes Barragán, lecturer in the area of Computer Languages and Systems and Principal Investigator together with Maximiliano Paredes Velasco of this project, “our participation has consisted in the development of a series of reports ranging from a compilation of frameworks of digital competence in teaching in Europe to studies on how to assess both digital competences and programming”.
Paredes added that the aim was to “provide a theoretical basis for them (Ukrainian teachers) to develop their own materials and tools for assessing student learning. Given the situation in Ukraine, digitisation is no longer just a goal, but a necessity. Schools are either destroyed or used for other purposes, so digital education is the way for students of all ages to continue their education.
“Working together with the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos 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 EU4DigitalUA institutional coordinator at FIIAPP, María Gastón Betrán.
The collaboration with the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos has been fundamental to the IT Studies project. The University’s extensive research has enabled the development of a comprehensive digital skills framework tailored for Ukrainian students. The new subject combines essential knowledge and skills, ensuring that students are well prepared for the digital age. In addition, 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 Computer Science in Ukraine, ensuring that the resources used are aligned with the highest global standards.
The content of the 73 meticulously developed lessons reflects this dedication to excellence. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from algorithmisation and modelling to programming in a variety of environments suitable for different age groups. This diverse content ensures that students in grades 1-11 receive a solid, cutting-edge education in computer science. The IT Studios resources, which are already actively used in 228 schools, will continue to be progressively rolled out to the rest of the country’s schools.
The partnership between FIIAPP, the Rey Juan Carlos University and the EU4DigitalUA project is an example of the potential of public cooperation.
