CARNET has this year again supported the Dabar competition, which promotes informatics and computational thinking among students and teachers throughout Croatia. This international online competition, in which schools from over 50 countries worldwide participate, has been implemented in Croatia since 2016 under the organization of the Association of Learning Partners and with the support of the Croatian Association of Informatics, Algebra University College, CARNET, and the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth.
The competition was conducted online on CARNET's competition system from November 11 to 15, 2024, and attracted 51,220 students from 809 schools, making it one of the largest school competitions in the country.
The competitors were divided into five categories by age:
- Microchip (1st and 2nd grade elementary school) – 5,477 participants
- MiliDabar (3rd and 4th grade elementary school) – 12,791 participants
- KiloDabar (5th and 6th grade elementary school) – 16,271 participants
- MegaDabar (7th and 8th grade elementary school) – 10,250 participants
- GigaDabar (High school students) – 6,431 participants
All participants received digital badges and certificates of participation, and the top 10.1% of students in each category earned special diplomas and badges for outstanding achievement.
“Challenge Dabar@ucitelji.hr fits perfectly into the curriculum reform that encourages the development of computational thinking from the first grade of primary school. Through tasks, students develop logical thinking and problem-solving strategies, gradually introducing them to the world of digital technology,“ it was highlighted on the official website. ucitelji.hr.
Although the competition was based on computer science concepts, students did not need prior knowledge of computer science. The key to success lay in using logic and analytical thinking when solving problem-based tasks.
For anyone who wants to practice additionally, a virtual classroom is available year-round. PseudoDabar with problems from previous competitions, which can be solved indefinitely.
More information about this challenge can be found on the pages bebras.org eleven ucitelji.hr.