"Computer science unplugged" in Belarus

This was due to the initiative of the Hi-Tech Park, within the framework of a joint pilot project realized in cooperation with six preschool educational institutions from Orsha, Lida, Minsk and Ditva. More details about the results of the pilot project will be discussed at the next lesson.

The preconditions for developing the pilot project were laid down by the survey findings of computer science and primary classes teachers. Namely for those, who hold extra curriculars in programming in Scratch group for the 1st and 2nd year students.

The pilot project participants created Algorithmic Literacy Formulation Methodology for children aged 5-7.

The methodology of forming the algorithmic literacy includes a description of the methods, means and forms of organizing the educational process aimed at formation of logical skills, which are the basis for algorithmic literacy formulation. The latter enables to implement the logical apparatus into structural and substantial organization of the data, as well as into the development of cognitive abilities of children while using research, project and programmed education methods.

In 2020-2021 academic year the Hi-Tech Park together with the Ministry of Education will hold an experimental project “Assessment of the methodology for the formation of algorithmic literacy among students from 5 to 7 years old”, which is a part of an educational program “Computer Science Unplugged” (The Order by the Ministry of Education dated July 24, 2020 No. 565).

This project will not only assist children in mastering the basics of logic and algorithmization, but will also make it possible to assess in practice the effectiveness of the Methodology for the formation of algorithmic literacy among students from 5 to 7 years old, developed by the HTP.

26 institutions of preschool education from all regions of Belarus take part in the pilot project.

Also in 2020/2021, within the framework of the educational program "Computer science unplugged", regional projects will be launched in preschool educational institutions in Minsk, Vitebsk and Mogilev regions.