Presentation of the sixth edition of Computer Science First
Only 36% of Italian teachers feel prepared on the use of IT tools versus a 43% OECD average (Desi 2022). The availability of adequate lifelong teacher training and didactic materials are the necessary conditions for good quality teaching and learning. Systematic and continuous support helps teachers to carry out their work effectively and remain motivated, Eurydice reiterates its “IT at School in Europe” Report [see news: An Inclusive Learning Environment].
We have trained more than 15,000 teachers since 2018 thanks to CS First, a project developed by Google to help teachers in comprehensive schools develop computational thinking and soft skills with the free Computer Science First platform. CS First, in fact, allows teachers to integrate curricular subjects with more effective methodologies for teaching and learning new languages, not just for "coding". The event at the University of Pisa, moderated by Professor Gianna Del Corso from the Department of Computer Science of the University of Pisa, presented the experience of participants from the last edition (Carmela Cundari and Marzia Trumino, ICS Verga Scordia), addresses by institutional figures such as Vincenzo Ambriola, Director of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Pisa, Gabriella Porcaro, Councillor of the Municipality of Pisa, Andrea Simonetti, Director of the Provincial School Department of Pisa, Chiara Bodei, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Pisa, and Filomena Pizzulli, Leader of GEG Italia. What emerged is the strong need to promote digital culture in schools through an engaging and personalized teaching model, driving the integration of activities, methodologies, and content to develop STEAM skills, in line with PNRR Mission 4.
The project, which began in September 2023 and will end next July, aims to train 3600 professors in comprehensive schools, from nursery school to primary and lower secondary schools, with a particular focus on those who work with students in fragile conditions or with special needs. The project includes webinars, both live and on demand, and digital rooms with monthly virtual sessions to enhance and disseminate best practices. Finally, there also are in-person workshops for teachers and classes with their teachers.
According to Mirta Michilli, Director General of the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, "the experiences of the teachers who have worked with us in recent years confirm that the CS First platform provides great versatility, even for curricular subjects apparently unrelated to coding, from history to education civic to art, while also being functional for students with special needs. It therefore allows us to develop computational thinking across curricular subjects."
