Ciencias de la Computación y Tecnología Educativa - Tramo 4 (Primaria - 2do Ciclo)

This course, designed for 5th and 6th grade students in Uruguay, focuses on developing computational thinking and digital literacy skills within a technological and technical context. It emphasizes a critical, ethical, and creative approach to technology, preparing students for responsible participation in the digital world. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the changing technological landscape, allowing teachers to incorporate emerging technologies and tailor content to student interests.

Key Competencies

The course aims to develop the following specific competencies, contributing to the broader competencies outlined in the Marco Curricular Nacional (MCN):

• CE1: Problem Solving and Project Development: Students will independently address concrete problems and develop technological or computational projects of varying complexity, fostering collaborative workspaces and applying diverse methodological strategies.
• CE2: Creative Solutions and Communication: Students will identify, develop, and creatively apply solutions to various situations, documenting the process and effectively communicating results.
• CE3: Technology Use and Application: Students will utilize various technological tools (digital and manual) and computational resources responsibly and appropriately to design and build solutions.
• CE4: Technology Functionality and Problem-Solving: Students will identify and understand the functionality of new technologies, enabling them to comprehend the world around them and address computational or technical problems.
• CE5: Technology's Societal and Environmental Impact: Students will reflect on the relationship between technology, society, and the environment to cultivate a critical and ethical perspective.
• CE6: Algorithmic Thinking and Problem Solving: Students will recognize aspects of their environment that can be modeled or systematized through algorithms and create solutions using computational logic and technology.
• CE7: Digital Citizenship and Safe Practices: Students will identify potentially risky online situations and use digital spaces and information technologies safely and responsibly, with guidance, in various aspects of daily life.

Content Areas

The curriculum covers the following key content areas:

• Technology, Society, Environment, and Production: This area explores the interplay between technology and its impact on society, the environment, and production processes.
• Digital Literacy, Educational Technology, and Digital Citizenship: This area focuses on developing essential digital literacy skills, understanding the use of technology in education, and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
• Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Programming, Robotics, and Computational Problems: This area introduces students to fundamental concepts in computer science, including algorithms, computational thinking, programming, robotics, and problem-solving.
• Information Organization, Processing, and Management: This area covers techniques for organizing, processing, and managing information effectively.
• Technological Objects, Device Architecture, Networks, and the Internet: This area explores the architecture and functionality of technological devices, networks, and the internet.

Learning Objectives and Assessment

The curriculum outlines specific learning objectives and assessment criteria for each content area. These criteria focus on evaluating students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts, including problem-solving, project development, and digital communication. Assessment methods include project portfolios, multimedia presentations, collaborative evaluations, and rubrics.

Methodological Orientations

The curriculum emphasizes active learning methodologies, such as gamification, project-based learning, problem-based learning, and the flipped classroom approach. These methods encourage student engagement, collaboration, and the development of higher-order thinking skills. The curriculum also promotes the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) principles, fostering interdisciplinary learning and creative problem-solving.

Tools and Platforms

The curriculum utilizes various tools and platforms to support teaching and learning, including:

• Block-based programming languages: These visual programming environments introduce students to programming concepts through drag-and-drop interfaces. Examples include Blockly, Pilas Bloques, and Scratch.
• micro:bit: This pocket-sized computer allows students to engage in hands-on coding and physical computing projects, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Plan Ceibal resources: Plan Ceibal provides various digital resources and platforms to support the implementation of the curriculum, including educational materials, teacher training, and online communities.

This comprehensive approach to computer science and educational technology aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the 21st century.