Improvement of IT education in the Zenica-Doboj Canton through strengthening the capacity of teaching staff

28.10.2024.

Within the framework of the project "Better governance for faster economic growth (EGG2)", which is financed by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), cooperation was established with the Pedagogical Institute of the Zenica-Doboj Canton and the Bit Alliance Association with the aim of strengthening the capacity of teaching staff in the field of information and communication technologies. As a result of this initiative, additional materials for teacher training were developed and updated, which are aligned with the curriculum for secondary schools in the Zenica-Doboj Canton.

These materials include modern resources for teaching staff, such as lectures, exercises, presentations and lesson plans, covering eight areas: computer science, programming, databases, information security, web design, mobile application development, computer networks and operating systems.

"This activity represents a significant step in the improvement of IT education, both in the Zenica-Doboj Canton and beyond. The goal was to create additional materials that will facilitate the work of both teaching staff and provide tools for the development of key IT skills. Although the activity is primarily carried out in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, the invitation to participate has also been accepted by schools from other cantons. We invite all teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to use these materials, which are available on our online platform, and to work together to strengthen IT of education in our country," said Kristina Erak, operational manager of Bit Alliance and project coordinator.

In addition to developing new materials, the project team harmonized existing teaching resources in the areas of programming, mobile application development and web design. All materials are available online on the edu.itkarijera.ba platform, which enables easy and free access to teaching staff throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Special emphasis is placed on digital content, including video materials and online training, which enables continuous professional development according to the latest IT trends. 30 online trainings are planned until June 2025, and all those interested can apply via email: contact@bit-alliance.ba.

"Informatics teaching materials and related subjects are aligned with current curricula, including learning outcomes, key content, and guidelines for the implementation of creative and innovative lessons. The platform of our partner Bit Alliance offers this content to all teachers," said Aida Salkić, director of the Zenica Pedagogical Institute.

"The materials are adapted to the learning outcomes and provide activities that enable practical and theoretical teaching. The teaching staff has the possibility to supplement and adapt the materials according to the needs of their students," said Adin Begić, the project's leading expert.

This project contributes to the modernization of the educational system in BiH, strengthening the capacity of teaching staff and preparing students for future digital challenges. For more information, visit the website edu.itkarijera.ba.