ProMikro

In line with the goal of the “Strategy for Education, Science and Technology” of "Expanding and improving the application of information and communication technology in learning and education," the Croatian Academic and Research Network – CARNET, in cooperation with Institute for Development and Innovation of Youth – IRIM, and with the support Ministry of Science and Education initiated the ProMikro project, which aims to introduce algorithmic thinking and a problem-solving approach into various school subjects and extracurricular activities using microcomputers. Following this, a Public Call for Expressions of Interest was issued for primary schools to participate in the ProMikro project.

About the project

The main activity of this call is the education of teachers from various professions on ways to use microcomputers in teaching all subjects, for example in Mathematics, Science, Technical Culture, Informatics, Music Culture, Physical and Health Education, with a special emphasis on developing digital literacy and creativity in children.

In the second phase of the project, it is planned to equip all 6th-grade students in elementary schools with microcomputers and educational content for their use. The microcomputers will be owned by the schools, which will lend them to students for a period of one year, or during their attendance of the 6th grade.

All schools that register to participate will receive teacher training, and schools will independently decide on methods for using microcomputers in the teaching process. Teacher training for registered schools will be held in early October at various locations, and no prior knowledge of microcomputer programming is required to participate. In addition to training, all teachers will be provided with micro:bit computers for permanent use. School participation is voluntary and free of charge.

All further inquiries related to this public call can be sent via email to: helpdesk@skole.hr.

Contact

CARNET Helpdesk for Educational System Support

Phone: +385 1 6661 500
E-mail: helpdesk@skole.hr

Questions and answers

Can all primary schools in Croatia participate in the project?

Yes, all primary schools in the Republic of Croatia can participate in the project, including main and branch schools that teach sixth-grade classes in the current school year. Please submit one joint application for the main school and its affiliated branch schools.

Can other organizations participate in the project?

Centers for education and training that conduct sixth-grade classes in the current school year can also participate in the project.

Who registers the school for participation in the project?

The application form for project participation is to be filled out by the principal of the school or the educational and guidance center.

How does the school apply to participate in the project?

The school application is submitted exclusively through the online form found on this website. All other methods of application will not be considered valid.

Until when can schools apply?

Schools can apply for the project until all microcomputers are distributed.

Do schools that apply receive confirmation of their application to participate in the project?

All schools that successfully apply to participate in the project will receive a confirmation of their application at the school's email address entered into the online form. Please pay special attention when entering your school's contact email address so that you can receive confirmation of your successful application.

What if we don't receive confirmation of registration to participate in the project?

If confirmation is not received within two hours of completing the application form, please contact us by email at: helpdesk@skole.hr.

Is school participation mandatory?

Participation of schools is voluntary.

How many teachers must/can schools send for training?

Each school must send at least one teacher, and can send a maximum of five teachers for training. The number of teachers who will participate in the training is proportional to the number of sixth grades in your school.

Which teachers can participate in the project?

Teachers of any subject can participate in the project and training, although the primary focus will be on the STEM fields. Training materials for teachers will be developed for Mathematics, Nature, Technical Culture, Informatics, Music Culture, and Physical Education.

When and where will the training sessions be held?

Initial training sessions will be held throughout Croatia at the end of September and the beginning of October. The dates and locations of the training sessions will be announced on this website a few days after the project applications close.

Is prior knowledge required to join the project?

No prior knowledge is required to participate in the project.

Who is providing the microcomputers for carrying out the project?

CARNET provides microcomputers. Upon receiving the microcomputers, the institution distributes them to all sixth-grade students. Each student receives a complete set of equipment – either a GO kit or a Club Pack equipment set (micro:bit, instructions, battery housing, batteries, and USB cable).

Do schools or students own the microcomputers?

Microcomputers are being acquired by institutions. Institutions independently decide on the method of lending microcomputers to students, similar to how they lend books or low-value items. Received microcomputers do not need to be entered into the institutions' accounting records. They are considered low-value goods that do not function independently. The indicative value of one set of micro:bit microcomputers is approximately 125 kuna.

How long can students use microcomputers?

Students use microcomputers throughout the school year while attending sixth grade.

Do students use microcomputers only at school or also at home?

Students use microcomputers at school and at home. Microcomputers are on loan to students for the entire school year. Students are free to use microcomputers for the development of digital literacy and creativity, in addition to the regular curriculum conducted in schools, through additional materials available on the website of the Institute for the Development and Innovation of Youth and other materials available on the internet.

Is prior student knowledge necessary?

Students' prior knowledge is not required to participate in the project.

Do microcomputers come ready to use?

Yes, microcomputers come ready to use.

What equipment is needed to work with a microcomputer?

To program microcomputers, you need a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Where can we find educational content for working with microcomputers?

Educational materials are created and maintained by the Institute for Youth Development and Innovation. On their educational web portal Izradi! (http://izradi.croatianmakers.hr/bbc-microbit/), you can find introductory educational materials for getting started with microcomputers, as well as more advanced materials and projects created by elementary school students using microcomputers.

Who can we contact for further questions?

For all additional inquiries, you can contact us by email at: helpdesk@skole.hr.

Is there a warranty for the received computers?

In case of microcomputer malfunction, they are covered by a warranty valid until November 21, 2018. CARNET will replace any defective computer as soon as possible, and additional quantities of microcomputers have been sent to each institution relative to the number of students they have registered. Mechanical damage or loss of equipment are not covered by the warranty.

ProMikro – Equipping Primary Schools with Microcomputers

ProMikro

About the project

Contact

CARNET Helpdesk for Educational System Support

Questions and answers

Public call for schools to participate in the ProMikro project