Webinar 3: From Theory to Practice: Rethinking Informatics Education through the Functionalist Approach
Our third webinar brought together 30 participants from across Europe to explore how informatics education can go beyond technical skills and inspire creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning.
Moderated by Dorotea Strelec (Algebra LAB, Project Coordinator), the session featured engaging talks by Aimilia Markouizou Gkika, psychologist, participated on behalf of T-hap, and Špela Cerar, teaching assistant at the University of Ljubljana. They introduced the functionalist approach, showing how digital technologies can be used not only as tools but also as languages, creative spaces, and rule-systems that shape the way we learn and communicate.
The University of Ljubljana also shared practical examples for the classroom, such as a “Treasure Hunt with Conditions”, an interactive game that helps pupils understand how algorithms work. Through playful challenges like “If you see a red card, turn left; if you see a blue card, pick it up and move forward two steps,” children explore logic and problem-solving while having fun. You can discover more examples like this in our resource “Competencies Map for Informatics Teachers in Primary Schools.”
From Research to Reality: Teaching & Learning Materials
As the Digital First project moves from research to classroom practice, the team is finalising a new collection of teaching and learning materials that will soon be tested in schools across Europe.
Developed under the coordination of CFAE-PVVC (Portugal), these resources translate the project’s pedagogical work into practical classroom activities. They are designed to help teachers apply the Functional Approach to Informatics Education, showing how digital technologies can support creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in meaningful and engaging ways.
Over the past months, our partners have worked hand in hand to bring these resources to life, ensuring they are practical, engaging, and ready for classroom use. The Portuguese team has led this creative process, helping to shape activities and training materials that teachers can easily adapt to their own contexts.
Although the resources will be shared publicly after the project’s completion, they are now being tested in real classrooms to ensure their effectiveness and impact.
Stay tuned for updates from our pilot activities as we continue to turn ideas into practice and explore how digital technology becomes a true first language for today’s learners.
Upcoming Pilots: Testing Innovation Across Europe
The Digital First piloting phase officially starts next week!
Partners from ten countries will begin testing the new classroom materials with teachers and students from primary and secondary schools, bringing the Functional Approach to life in diverse learning environments.
The pilots will explore how informatics can be taught through creativity, communication, ethics, and everyday digital use — connecting what students already know as digital natives with what they learn in school. Throughout this process, partners will collect feedback, refine the materials, and share insights that will shape the final Digital First educational toolkit.
Keep an eye on our channels for first impressions and stories from classrooms across Europe — the transformation of informatics education is officially underway!
Join the Digital First Piloting Network – Starting in 2026
Digital technology is no longer just a tool; it is a language that shapes how we think, communicate, and learn. The Digital First project invites teachers, schools, organisations and communities to join a European network that is reimagining how informatics is taught in classrooms.
Starting in 2026, the piloting phase will test creative and inclusive ways to teach digital competence, helping students connect what they learn in school with how they use technology in everyday life. By joining, participants will gain early access to resources, contribute to educational innovation and help shape future teaching practices across Europe.
Who can join? The network welcomes a wide range of participants, including:
Parents and families, who can share perspectives on acceptance and sustainability
Teachers and teacher groups, to test, apply and give feedback on classroom practices
Technology and educational companies, to share expertise and resources
Public bodies and authorities, to support policy alignment and wider uptake
NGOs and third-sector organisations, to ensure inclusiveness and diversity
How to participate You can choose your level of engagement, from staying informed about project progress to actively testing materials and sharing feedback from your experience.
All participant information will be included in our stakeholder database, managed in full compliance with GDPR, read our Privacy Policy.
Latest posts from our blog
Discover a selection of recent articles from our project website, offering insights into the current state of informatics education.
Explore the latest developments and join the conversation on this evolving field!
Bringing Informatics to Life through Educational Robotics
How can robotics make informatics more engaging for students? This article explores hands-on learning activities that help pupils develop creativity, problem-solving and teamwork.
Explainable AI in Education: Supporting Critical Thinking and Trust
AI can be a powerful educational tool, but only when learners understand how it works. Learn how explainable AI helps teachers and students build trust and think critically about technology.
Digital First Network in Póvoa de Varzim: A Step Closer to Innovative Informatics Education
A look back at the project meeting in Portugal, where partners shared progress and defined next steps for bringing the Functional Approach into European classrooms.
Learning Analytics: When Algorithms Are in the Classroom
What happens when data meets education? This piece reflects on how learning analytics can personalise learning while raising important questions about ethics and transparency.
Our project consortium consists of 15 organisations including universities, teacher training centers, primary and secondary schools, NGOs, and a public body from Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project number: 101132761
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