Digital technology comprehension in primary and secondary education

An activity theoretical analysis of the object and identity of the subjects Technology Comprehension and Informatics.

Authors

  • Line Have Musaeus Center for Computational Thinking & Design
  • Ane Vielandt Jensen Center for Computational Thinking & Design, Aarhus Universitet
  • Marianne Graves Petersen Center for Computational Thinking & Design, Aarhus Universitet
  • Ole Sejer Iversen Center for Computational Thinking & Design, Aarhus Universitet

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/lom.v16i28.136097

Keywords:

Digital Technology Comprehension, Informatics, Technology Comprehension

Abstract

The field of computing education in Denmark has evolved with the introduction of the subject "Informatics" in upper secondary schools and the experimental subject "Technology Comprehension" in primary schools. However, there has been no research-based examination of the relationship between these two subjects despite the expectation that students, teachers, and educational institutions should have a clear understanding of the progression between them. This article provides a theoretical analysis of the objectives and identities of these two subjects, as described in their curriculum, to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences between them. The article examines the two development processes that led to the creation of these subject descriptions. Then, the objectives and identities of the two subjects are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The observations reveal an emphasis on why students learn in technology comprehension and on what students learn in informatics. Finally, we discuss the differences and disparities in the objectives and identities and suggest potential avenues for future research and development.

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Author Biographies

Line Have Musaeus, Center for Computational Thinking & Design

Postdoc

Department of Computer Science

Åbogade 34

8200 Aarhus N

Denmark

Ane Vielandt Jensen, Center for Computational Thinking & Design, Aarhus Universitet

Coordinator

Helsingforsgade 14 5347, 038 8200 Aarhus N Denmark

Marianne Graves Petersen, Center for Computational Thinking & Design, Aarhus Universitet

Professor

Department of Computer Science

Åbogade 34

building 5346, 121

8200 Aarhus N

Denmark

Ole Sejer Iversen, Center for Computational Thinking & Design, Aarhus Universitet

Professor

Helsingforsgade 14 5347, 035 8200 Aarhus N Denmark

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Published

2023-09-12

How to Cite

Musaeus, L. H., Jensen, A. V., Petersen, M. G., & Iversen, O. S. (2023). Digital technology comprehension in primary and secondary education: An activity theoretical analysis of the object and identity of the subjects Technology Comprehension and Informatics. Tidsskriftet Læring Og Medier (LOM), 16(28). https://doi.org/10.7146/lom.v16i28.136097

Issue

Section

LOM28: Technology comprehension in Education