28 Apr Digital First recognised as an inspiring example in new EU guidelines on informatics education

28 Apr, 2026

When new approaches developed through collaboration between partners across countries are recognised at European level, it shows they are addressing something that truly matters.

That is exactly what has happened with the Digital First project, in which All Digital is a proud partner. The project has been featured in the newly published European Commission report “Guidelines for Teaching Informatics: Practical Strategies for European Classrooms.”

This recognition highlights partners’ collective efforts as part of a broader shift in Europe towards more meaningful, student-centred informatics education tailored to a new generation of learners: digital natives.

A European shift: from structural approach to understanding

Across Europe, informatics is still often taught as a technical subject focused on syntax, tools and correct answers. The new EU guidelines point to a different direction.

They encourage teachers to move towards learning that is:

• inclusive and accessible to all students
• engaging and relevant to everyday life
• focused on understanding, not just execution

In other words, informatics is no longer just about learning how technology works; it’s about helping students think critically, solve problems, and interact with technology in a confident and creative way. This is exactly where Digital First makes its contribution.

The project focuses on a key shift: from teaching the structure of computers and how programs work, to helping students understand why they matter and how to use them critically and creatively. Digital First promotes a functional approach to informatics, where technology is treated as a tool for problem-solving, communication, and creative expression.

Instead of overwhelming students with syntax, the project emphasises computational thinking, uses functional language that aligns more closely with how students naturally think, and supports intuitive interaction with technology.

Through Digital First Dialogue Clubs, the project connects teachers, researchers, and stakeholders from multiple European countries, creating a space where classroom experiences and new ideas meet. This approach, grounded in collaboration and practice, is exactly what the EU guidelines recognise as valuable.

Digital First is part of a broader European movement that is rethinking informatics education, making it more inclusive and relevant for the new generation of learners. This recognition confirms that we are on the right direction and, most importantly, motivates partners to go further.