Public school teachers in Chile receive computer science training
More than 130 teachers at public schools across Chile have graduated from a training program designed to boost computer science proficiency in the classroom. With less than 1 per cent of public school students in Chile achieving advanced levels of digital proficiency, Fundación Kodea and BHP Foundation developed a project, IdeoDigital, to train and empower teachers to introduce computer science classes.
With greater access to computer science education in the Chilean public system, the project aspires to provide students with the skills required to progress in a digital world.
The first group of teachers trained in computer science by the project were celebrated at five graduation ceremonies across the country last week.
During the ceremonies, school principals were also recognised for promoting the digital transformation of education, which will help to bridge the gaps that exist in scientific-technological knowledge.
Claudia Jaña, Education Manager of Fundación Kodea said management teams are key to transforming education.
"As management teams look to the future, it’s vital to prepare and support today’s teachers to develop the skills of the 21st century so there is more equity, inclusion, and innovation in the classroom, ” said Claudia.
Alejandra Garces, our Chile Country Program Director, attended a graduation ceremony to congratulate the teachers, principals and IdeoDigital team.
“It is exciting to see the enthusiasm with which teachers and principals have joined this initiative that seeks to promote the teaching of computer science in public education,” said Alejandra.
“It was wonderful to hear from teachers how IdeoDigital is helping to motivate students to learn and consider technology in their search for solutions to the problems that matter most to them.”
In two years, IdeoDigital has been installed in 81 schools in Chile, reaching more than 3,800 students and now training teachers in 11 regions across Chile. Recently Microsoft Chile joined the program to support the inclusion of 3500 students in the borough of San Nicholas, in the South of Chile.
