Some 640 teachers from 250 schools in Quebec will take part in the Specific Support Project (PPA) for the educational use of computer programming as part of a program set up by the Quebec Ministry of Education. This will allow more than 12,000 students to be introduced to programming as well.
Non-profit organization founded in 2017, valued is the service provider retained by the Quebec Ministry of Education to deploy a support program in support of the teaching of computer programming in schools. The organization, led by Christine Jost, already offered support in schools in this regard.
The intention behind the project is to perfect teachers’ understanding by allowing them to understand that computer programming is simply a new form of language to be learned. Consequently, this language teaches the student to communicate, create and solve problems with a computer or a robot. Christine Jost, formerly principal of a primary school in the Montreal region, is convinced: “knowing how to program is the basis of both scientific thinking and digital thinking”.
Teachers participating in the PPA come from some 25 different school service centres. In 10 weeks, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in five 90-minute activities with their class and acquire notions related to programming. The RÉCIT collaborates with eSTIMe in the realization of the activities.
Talk to a robot
To understand how a robot works, to be able to use it to its full potential, you have to learn to talk to it. The director of eSTIMe is of the opinion that teachers must first familiarize themselves with the learning possible for students, who are in all disciplines. They can then make connections with skills development and the Quebec School Education Program (PFEQ).
Christine Jost gives the example of writing a story. In order for it to be coherent, it must respect certain sequences such as presenting the characters, situating the action in a given time or place, etc. Programming is the same thing. She draws a parallel between the cognitive processes of writing and programming. There are sequences to follow.
In addition, the former school principal specifies that learning to program develops all the dimensions of digital competence in children, in particular problem solving, collaboration, technological skills, content production, innovation and creativity.
Everyone can program
According to Ms. Jost, barely 15% of the population aged 15 and 24 knows how to program. “If we don’t want to create a society of illiterates when it comes to digital programming, we have to develop a taste for scientific thinking in children. And this development is good for everyone. Among girls in particular, children in disadvantaged backgrounds as well as young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), believes Christine Jost.
The PPA took off in 2021 with a first cohort of teachers. The experience seems to be conclusive according to certain figures revealed during a survey of participants. In fact, according to Ms. Jost, 91% of them said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the clarity of the challenges, while 85% of teachers considered that they had understood the programming concepts and that 96% found their students engaged during the animations.
Participating school service centers have already been chosen for 2022. In these CSSs, interested parties can express their desire to take part in the PPA.
In addition :
Get the spring 2022 issue of École branchée magazine: Computer programming – How to develop this skill?
–
