Towards a Pedagogy of Informatics: Preparing Educators To Face the Challenge

This paper explores the challenges facing educators to incorporate "informatics"--computer education in the broad context of information technology--into the curriculum for K-12 students, and "capacitation" for teachers, the continuing professional education which enables and empowers teachers to face these demands. The computer education program based on this pedagogy of informatics has been used in more than 20 elementary and middle schools in Brazil for 3 years. The program objectives are to: provide students with access to systematic knowledge about computers and information technology; use computers and information technology as an educational resource for students and school; and assist teachers to become users and teachers of informatics through understanding the philosophy, ideas, and skills on which the program is based. The program, "Introductory Informatics Course for Children and Adolescents," was designed around three themes: (1) foundations of informatics (history, functioning, and use of computers); (2) informatics and society (social impact and vocational and work market analysis); and (3) interest centers (workshops on many topics, including, but not limited to, arts, games, literature, mathematics, pedagogical support, library). The program includes textbooks for students and teachers, family activities, Learning Activity Books for Teachers (methodological orientation and educational programs), and educational software. The ongoing teacher capacitation program includes coursework, monthly teachers meetings, and end of semester workshops. (Contains 11 references.) (ND)