Abstract:

Computer science as a separate subject in the schools of the Republic of Kazakhstan is undergoing changes, starting from the lower grades of primary school. Computer science was introduced in the third quarter of the first grade in January 2022 under the new name “Digital literacy”. Previously, students studied ICT (information and communication technologies), starting from the third grade. Teachers and parents are watching how the digital world is developing rapidly. Children can use smartphones and computers already at preschool age. Nowadays, digital literacy is becoming one of such basic skills as reading and writing. For example, the practice of reading books and communicating is necessary to improve language literacy, and the practice of using gadgets and computers is necessary for the development of digital literacy. Since there is a trend towards digitalization in modern times, therefore, the country’s government decided to include it in the school curriculum. For this reason, a new subject was introduced from the first grade in primary schools to teach children the basics of digital literacy as early as possible. Considering this fact, computer science teachers are faced with problems to teach digital literacy in the new realities, especially given the impact of the pandemic and the transition to distance learning in 2020. In this study, the author provides a review of the current situation, problems, and perspectives in teaching computer science in Kazakhstan primary schools, including on the basis of a questionnaire survey of teachers. The article will introduce all stakeholders to what teachers and school leaders need to pay attention to for proper teaching and development of digital literacy of schoolchildren.

Keywords:

Computer science, primary school, digital literacy, children.