1, 2, 3… Codez

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The '1, 2, 3...Codez' is a program led by the French 'La main à la pâte' Foundation, focused on enhancing digital literacy. The initiative involves the development of free resources and programs.
What are the main aims and objectives?

The '1, 2, 3...Codez' program aims to address the gap in coding education for children and promote digital literacy. The primary objectives of the program include creating an engaging and interactive curriculum that effectively teaches coding skills to children and shaping a digitally competent generation. It is part of the broader mission to boost digital literacy and equip individuals with necessary digital skills, ensuring that they are prepared for the digital future.  

For society at large, the benefits include cultivating a digitally literate generation that is prepared for the future job market, which is increasingly reliant on technological skills. By promoting inclusivity and accessibility in coding education, the program also helps to reduce the digital divide and ensure equal opportunities for all students. 

How does the program work?

The '1, 2, 3...Codez' program, is broken down into three steps: 

Step 1: Accessing Resources 

The first step in the '1, 2, 3...Codez' program is accessing the free resources provided by the foundation including the 360-page pedagogical guide. These resources include a range of learning tools such as online tutorials, lesson plans, and interactive games. The resources are designed to be user-friendly and engaging, making them accessible to a broad audience. 

Step 2: Training and Practicing 

As part of the program, the foundation offers comprehensive teacher training sessions at a national level, regionally within its “maisons pour la science” (Houses of Science) network of training centers, and locally on demand by local educational authorities.  

Once the resources are accessed, participants are encouraged to learn and practice at their own pace. The program offers a variety of modules that cover different aspects of computer science and programming. These include simple coding exercises, more advanced algorithm concepts, and even lessons on how the internet works. 

Step 3: Applying Knowledge 

After learning and practicing, participants are encouraged to apply their new skills. They might create their own game, design a website, or develop a useful application. The aim is to provide a practical, hands-on experience that solidifies the theoretical knowledge gained.  

Advantages and Benefits: 

Participating in the '1, 2, 3...Codez' program comes with several benefits. Firstly, it provides free access to valuable learning resources, making it a cost-effective way to acquire digital skills. Secondly, it offers a comprehensive approach to learning, covering various aspects of computer science and not just coding. This holistic approach ensures that participants are well-prepared for a digital future. 

Thirdly, the program is self-paced, meaning participants can learn at their own comfort level and timing. This flexibility makes it conducive for both students and working professionals. Lastly, by participating in the program, individuals are better equipped to navigate the digital world, whether it's for personal use, education, or professional advancement. 

What is the overall cost?
There is currently no information available on the running costs of '1, 2, 3...Codez'.  
How was it implemented?

The '1, 2, 3…Codez' program was launched in 2016 out of the need to promote digital literacy and coding education among young learners. The idea for '1, 2, 3...Codez' germinated from an observed gap in the education system, where children were becoming consumers of technology without understanding the basics of how it works. To address this, the La main à la pâte Foundation decided to create an initiative that would introduce informatics and coding in a fun and engaging manner. 

The development process was grounded in a collaborative approach. Experts in pedagogy, technology and child psychology were brought together to design a program that would be accessible to children aged 8 to 14. They worked to create a curriculum that was designed from the outset to be engaging and interactive, ensuring that learning was fun for the children. One of the major steps taken during the development was the creation of a 'train the trainers' model, where educators were provided with the necessary skills and resources to teach basic programming. This played a crucial role in ensuring the program's sustainability and reach. 

What impact has been measured?

The Foundation far surpassed its initial goal of reaching 10,000 classrooms in two years. During the first week of launch, 4,000 guides were distributed and by one year the program had registered 18,000 teachers and trainers. Furthermore, it is estimated that 400,000 students have benefited from the project to date. In addition to that the foundation held over 100 in-person teacher training sessions between June 2016 and June 2018. 

A full impact evaluation of the project has not yet been conducted, however, data from small-scale studies indicates that approximately 80% of participating teachers have effectively implemented the program in their classrooms.  

What lessons can be learned?

The '1, 2, 3...Codez' program shows that a strong collaboration amongst pedagogy, technology, and child psychology experts can result in a curriculum that's not only educational but also engaging. In particular the Foundation worked with the scientific community (including Inria a public research body dedicated to digital science and technology) during the conception and dissemination phases of the project.  

A key lesson that can be learned from the '1, 2, 3...Codez' program is the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in educational initiatives. By offering the program for free, the project was able to democratize coding education, reaching a wider audience and fostering a more informed and tech-savvy society. 

CURATED BY

Tom Hancock

Research Associate
Global Entrepreneurship Network
United Kingdom