Investigating Participation Mechanisms in EU Code Week
Sirocchi C, Ostergren AP, Bogliolo A (2023)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2023
Journal
Book Volume: 24
Pages Range: 1-31
Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1145/3632531
Abstract
Digital competence (DC) is a broad set of skills, attitudes, and knowledge for confident, critical, and responsible use of digital technologies in every aspect of life. DC proves essential in the contemporary digital landscape, yet its diffusion is hindered by biases, misunderstandings, and limited awareness. Teaching Informatics in the educational curriculum is increasingly supported by the institutions but faces serious challenges, such as teacher upskilling and support. In response, grassroots movements promoting computing literacy in an informal setting have grown, including EU Code Week, whose vision is to develop computing skills while promoting diversity and raising awareness of the importance of digital skills. This study extensively analyses EU Code Week editions spanning 2014 to 2021 across European Union member states, pursuing three primary objectives: firstly, to evaluate teacher engagement in the campaign in terms of penetration, retention, and spatial distribution; secondly, to characterise the multifaceted audience and themes embraced by these initiatives; and, lastly, to investigate the influence of socio-economic factors on engagement. The investigation uncovers the underlying mechanisms fostering Code Week’s engagement, providing insights to campaign organisers for strategic planning and resource allocation in future editions. Moreover, the analysis reveals that the most engaged areas are characterised by lower income as well as lower digital literacy, restricted access to technology, and a less established computer education, suggesting that Code Week thrives precisely where its impact is most needed.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Europäische Kommission / European Commission (EC)
Belgium (BE)
University of Urbino "Carlo Bo" / Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo" (UNIURB)
Italy (IT)
Belgium (BE)
University of Urbino "Carlo Bo" / Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo" (UNIURB)
Italy (IT)
How to cite
APA:
Sirocchi, C., Ostergren, A.P., & Bogliolo, A. (2024). Investigating Participation Mechanisms in EU Code Week. ACM Transactions on Computing Education, 24, 1-31. https://doi.org/10.1145/3632531
MLA:
Sirocchi, Christel, Annika Pofantis Ostergren, and Alessandro Bogliolo. "Investigating Participation Mechanisms in EU Code Week." ACM Transactions on Computing Education 24 (2024): 1-31.
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