Using Computers in K-12 Schools: A Project Presentation and Evaluation

The challenge facing educators today is not just to use computers at school but to use computer education and “Informatics” (information plus automatics, placing computer education in the broader context of information and technology) to mediate improved social and learning relations in schools. In order to introduce computers into schools, a multidisciplinary and cooperative approach was used to develop a program using a working team of professionals in the areas of Informatics, cognitive psychology, education, visual programming (graphics), history, and a specialist in the production of didactic materials. The course was designed around three themes: (1) foundations of Informatics (history, function and uses of computers); (2) Informatics and Society (social impact and vocational and work market analysis); and (3) Interest Centers (workshops on many topics including art, games, literature, mathematics, pedagogical support, and library). This project is being applied to 20,000 students in 17 schools in Brazil. A package of teacher and student materials form the basis of a course to introduce Informatics to K-12 students. The project is evaluated according to its main characteristics: schedule, teachers, hardware, software, and didactic material. Feedback from the schools concerning the project has been