Estonia: coding from K-12 (ProgeTiiger)

“Estonian Tiger Leap Foundation in September 2012 launched a program called “ProgeTiiger”, in the framework, Estonian students in grades 1 to 12 will be introduced computer programming and creating web and mobile applications.”

Estonia made headlines in 2012 for its ProgeTiiger pilot program to introduce coding, notably starting in primary school. All the same themes are there (tech jobs are the future, kids need to make not just use technology) – however little has been written in English about the mechanics of the program since its pilot (it began with training about 30 teachers in 2013).

I found this 2013 interview with the ProgeTiiger program manager Ave Lauringson had a little more information. The program is government funded and run by volunteers – the volunteers are teachers interested in learning code and then teaching it in their schools. This program is part of a larger program – this interview mentions robotics hobby clubs (ie First LEGO League) and a broader array of tech in the classrooms.

The program description is up on their site:

  • develop students’ logical thinking, creativity, mathematical skills etc.;
  • demonstrate that programming can be interesting and done by anyone;
  • teach the basics of programming through practical activity; and
  • teach students to use different age-appropriate programming languages.

The program is broken into age appropriate resources:

  • Elementary (grades 1-4): students learn basic functionality and visual programming through games
  • Middle school (grades 5-9): students from 4-6 work on mobile app and website games. Students in 6-9 work on LEGO robotics (there is high saturation of the robots through Estonian schools)
  • High school (grades 10-12): students work on web design and apps supported by a range of activities outlined in the curriculum.

Takaways:

  • Start young: Ave Lauringson’s advice was to start with young students before tech stereotypes (and gender stereotypes) are formed.
  • Embed into other courses: ProgeTiiger recognises that school curricula are already under stress. The program has developed specific resources to support tech teaching in non informatics subjects eg ‘coding in.. maths, physics and chemistry”
  • Voluntary: keep the programs voluntary and interested schools can opt if they wish.