Abstract:

Almost all educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and secondary and elementary schools in different countries, use virtual learning environments to teach computer science to students with various opportunities and teaching tools and offer them to choose their own learning pace. It applies to both the traditional way of learning and online learning (distance learning) as well. Different websites and online platforms attract by the presence of interesting topics, games and interactive animations, correctly selected and placed in the appropriate structure and design for teaching computer science to younger schoolchildren in a playful way. These tools contribute to attracting and retaining the attention of students. In this paper, the author presents the role and benefits of using online learning platforms in the subject of computer science that is helpful not only to computer science teachers as a support tool for readiness for lessons and, at the same time, help to increase the level of digital literacy of primary school students. In addition, the author provides the results of the questionnaire survey and interview among computer science primary school teachers of some schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The analysed teachers’ replies will allow us to understand how using online learning platforms influence on digital skills of students.

Keywords:

Online learning platform, computer science, digital skills, student, digital literacy, elementary school.