DIGITALFROM BLOCKS TO SCRIPT. SOME ACCENTS AND EXAMPLES OF CODING COMPETENCIES DEVELOPMENT AT SCHOOL LEVEL
1 University "Prof. Dr Asen Zlatarov" (BULGARIA)
2 Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" (BULGARIA)
2 Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" (BULGARIA)
About this paper:
Appears in: EDULEARN22 Proceedings
Publication year: 2022
Pages: 8962-8968
ISBN: 978-84-09-42484-9
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2022.2151
Publication year: 2022
Pages: 8962-8968
ISBN: 978-84-09-42484-9
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2022.2151
Conference name: 14th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 4-6 July, 2022
Location: Palma, Spain
Dates: 4-6 July, 2022
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
The article presents a system for developing digital competencies for programming with the script-based programming language Python. The system of school education in Bulgaria includes the subject named “Information Technologies and Computer Modeling”. This school subject is studied from 5th to 7th grade of secondary school. The module, called Computer Modeling, aims to build coding competencies. Students start with the subject “Computer Modeling” at 3rd grade in Primary school. They are familiar with Scratch – the block programming environment of MIT. In 6th grade there is a transition from block programming to coding with a script-based programming language.The article presents a framework of the system developed by the authors for building knowledge of programming. Students develop knowledge of Python programming. The language was chosen because of its wide application, rich functionalities as well as its easy and understandable syntax. Trinket environment, developed specifically for educational purposes and internationally recognized by the world's leading educational systems, is used.
The authors system is based on the competency approach in education with rich interdisciplinary connections related to physical phenomena, mathematical facts and concepts, etc. Project tasks are presented where the students must work in teams. This is a basis for soft skills development – accent is set on the especially important for our time skills as team working, tolerant behaviour, presentation skills and the ability to present and stay on ideas. The knowledge of linear, conditional and cyclic algorithms is consolidated. Knowledge of functions and methods, lists, variables, etc. is formed. Students create their own projects, animate characters, control them from the keyboard and more.
The training in Computer Modeling aims to broaden the horizons of students beyond their role as users of digital resources, provoking interest in programming and the formation of algorithmic, critical and logical thinking.