Scientific Background and Content
We have developed the cody21 video lesson series to make life easier for primary schools in an increasingly digital world. Our aim is to deliver digital education, computer science education and media literacy to primary school classes in a simple, high-quality, age-appropriate way that fits seamlessly with the current curriculum.
BASED ON INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND COMPETENCY FRAMEWORKS
The cody21 educational video series for basic digital education in primary schools and other educational institutions is based on three international standards. It has been pedagogically and didactically tailored for children in grades 3 and 4.
• K-12 Computer Science Standards
• Digicomp 4
• DigComp 2.2 AT (2019)
The scientific background of the cody21 video series
CSTA - Computer Science Teachers Association is the US-based association for computer science teachers.
The CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards, published in 2017, outline a core set of learning objectives that form the foundation for a complete computer science curriculum and its implementation. The goals of the CSTA K-12 Standards are:
- Introduce all pupils from primary school onwards to the fundamental concepts of computer science.
- Computer science education at the secondary level prepares students to obtain a qualification in computer science, mathematics, or natural sciences.
- To provide schools with additional computer science courses that allow interested students to deepen their knowledge and prepare for university or professional careers.
- To make computer science education available to all students, especially those from underrepresented groups.
The cody21 teaching concept is structured around the K-12 standards.
Source: https://www.csteachers.org/, 2021
Digikomp 4 - the Austrian Competency Model for digital competences in primary schools
IT and media skills are key pillars for learning and participation in society. Digital literacy is one of the eight key competencies defined by the European Union. The importance of IT and media skills for students of all ages is widely recognized and is explicitly emphasized by the European Commission in its Digital Agenda.
For this reason, the BMUKK established a working group with experts from the field to develop a reference framework for digital skills. This framework is intended to serve as a guide for schools, parents, teachers and pupils in Austria, ultimately ensuring that students in the 4th grade acquire these essential skills.
At the Austria-wide networking conference of primary school IT@VS held in Graz in October 2012, participants agreed to adapt the existing competency model for the 8th grade to primary schools and to develop age-appropriate examples for this younger age group.
Source: https://digikomp.at/index.php?id=555&L=0, 2021
DigComp 2.2 AT (2019)
The DigComp 2.2 AT competency model is the Austrain version of the European DigComp 2.1 reference framework and provides a comprehensive overview of digital competences for all citizens. Compared to the original European framework in English, the Austrian model has been translated into German and slightly expanded in relevant areas.
Source: www.bmdw.gv.at
Curriculum Overview of the cody21 Video Series
We have carefully developed the cody21 video series curriculum for basic digital education so that the most important topics from the standards and competency models described above are presented in an age-appropriate, colorful, and motivating way for children.
Below, you will find the contents of the 16 cody21 episodes, which correspond to the new curriculum for the 2023/24 school year.
Overview of cody21 Topics and Content
All cody21 video lessons only require a device (PC, laptop) with internet access and a projector/smartboard/TV for presentation.
Please print out the children's worksheets in advance. The cody21 series includes a total of 16 episodes:
Episodes 1-8 Digital Basics: for students in grades 3 and 4 who have not watched any cody21 videos in the previous school year.
1. How Computers Work
Topics: How do computers work? Where are computers used in everyday life? Why are computers able to do what they do?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
2. Internet - Yes, but Safe!
Topics: What information should I share about myself online? How do I create secure passwords? What is cyberbullying, and what can I do about it?...and much more.
Area: Media Literacy
3. Algorithms are cool!
Topics: What are algorithms? Where do we use algorithms in everyday life? How do you create algorithms?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
4. Information on the Internet
Topics: How do the Internet and search engines work? Can I trust all the information I find online?...and much more.
Area: Media Literacy
5. Computer from the Inside
Topics: What parts make up a computer? What is hardware, what is software, and what are they used for?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
6. History of Computers
Topics: When did computers first appear? How have computers developed over time?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
7. Using the Computer, the Right Way!
Topics: How can I solve small problems by myself? How do I use and handle technical devices and computers?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
8. Information is Power!
Topics: Where and how is data collected? What can you do with data?...and much more.
Area: Media Literacy
Episodes 9-16 Digital Level Up: for 4th graders who have already completed the Digital Basics.
9. Fake News, Influencer & Co.
Topics: How can I critcally question information online? What do influencers do and why?...and much more.
Area: Media Literacy
10. The Language of the Computer
Topics: How do programming languages work? What are the basic concepts of programming, and how can I understand them easily?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
11. The Fascinating World of Robots
Topics: What kind of robots are there, and what can they be used for? What is special about humanoid and industrial robots? Did you know there are robots that can tidy up your room?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
12. "0100110"? What do you mean?
Topics: What is the binary system, and how does it work? Why does the computer need binary code? Try out some "Translation exercises": Can you turn a word into binary code?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
13. Professions in Computer Science
Topics: How have computers changed the world of work? In which professions is computer science important?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education
14. Technology - Yes, and Sustainable!
Topics: Where do the raw materials for our devices come from? How do I use technology in a sustainable way?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education / Media Literacy
15. Artificial Intelligence
Topics: What is artificial intelligence and how does it work? Can you think of any interesting examples of how AI is used in everyday life?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education / Media Literacy
e16. The Wole World is Networked
Topics: What is a network? How is information - like emails and WhatsApp messages - sent on the internet?...and much more.
Area: Computer Science Education / Media Literacy
Our goal in developing cody21 was to make it very easy to use for primary schools. Teachers can simply play the video lesson and engage everyone in the classroom right away. The teaching materials are straightforward and intuitive for everyone to use.
