In the digital age in which we live, the ability to understand and use technology in a conscious, responsible, and effective manner is crucial for students to meet the challenges of the future job market and become active creators—not just consumers—of technology. And this learning must take place in school: this is what defines the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) for Computing, a legal document that sets forth the guidelines for developing computational thinking and digital literacy in Brazilian K-12 education. Is your school prepared for the new demands of education?

In this article, you will learn why it is crucial for your school to align with the BNCC for Computer Science in order to stand out as a pioneer in the development of technological skills and to prepare students who think critically and solve problems in a systematic way in the workplace.

What is the BNCC for Computer Science?

Since 2017, the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC)—a document that sets forth the guidelines for basic education in Brazil—has established the use of technology as one of the 10 general competencies to be developed in schools across the country.

In 2022, in light of the growing use of technology and its implications for academic and professional education, the National Common Core Standards for Computing (BNCC) were approved through CNE/CEB Opinion No. 2/2022, which provides guidance on the standards for teaching computing that must be applied in schools.

According to Opinion CNE/CEB 2/2022, “to develop skills that enable the critical, ethical, safe, and efficient use of digital technologies, it is necessary to understand the digital world and how its tools operate. Even local solutions require intersectoral approaches based on the growing use of digital artifacts and increasingly interdisciplinary knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and arts. The development of the learning objectives listed in the BNCC also inevitably involves computer science.” (Brazil, 2022).

Thus, the goal of the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) for Computing is to ensure that students acquire technical skills related to technology—ranging from basic principles to the ability to solve complex problems through programming—while also promoting a critical and ethical understanding of the use of these tools. It proposes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates computing concepts into various fields of knowledge and highlights the importance of computational thinking as a fundamental skill for the 21st century.

Just as with the general competencies outlined in the BNCC, the guidelines for teaching computer science vary depending on the students’ grade level. In Early Childhood Education, computer science allows children to explore and engage in experiences through play and interaction with one another. In Elementary School, computer science is used as a way to explain the modern world and foster critical thinking. In High School, it is focused on project development as a means of promoting student leadership and collaborative work.

The BNCC for Computer Science is also organized around three main areas:

• Computational thinking: approaches computing as a means of developing problem-solving skills.
• Digital world: This refers to technology itself, exploring how it works.
• Digital culture: This topic addresses the use of technology, raising questions about ethics, security, privacy, the flow of information, and the use of artificial intelligence—and how these factors may influence the future.

The Impact of the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) for Computer Science on Education

In a world where technology permeates every aspect of our lives—from work to leisure—a lack of technological skills and the failure to develop computational thinking prevent students from keeping pace with the demands of the modern job market and limit their ability to participate fully in the digital economy, hindering the development of essential skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—all of which are fundamental to life in the 21st century.

Therefore, it is essential that students gain a solid understanding of computing concepts and be able to apply them effectively in various contexts—not merely remaining consumers of content on these platforms, but becoming creators.

In this regard, the implementation of the National Common Core Curriculum (BNCC) for Computing has significant impacts on Brazilian education. By incorporating the development of computational thinking and digital literacy into school curricula, educational institutions can provide a more comprehensive education that is aligned with the demands of the digital society. Students become better equipped to understand, use, and create technology in a critical and creative manner, keeping pace with technological demands and gaining more opportunities for personal and professional growth in the digital age.

Start by Alura is your school aligned with the BNCC for Computer Science

Now that you’re familiar with the BNCC for Computer Science and its impact on education, imagine having a program that brings your school into alignment with the new guidelines, offering a unique methodology for teaching computer science and ongoing support for your students’ education?

A Start (by Alura) is a comprehensive educational solution that supports schools in developing computational thinking and digital skills as part of the curriculum for elementary and high school students, in accordance with the requirements of the BNCC for Computer Science.

A pioneer in the field of technology content for K-12 education, the initiative prepares students for the demands of an increasingly tech-driven society by strengthening their skills in navigating the digital world and fostering their creativity and social-emotional skills, opening doors to existing and future careers in technology.

Through a practical and dynamic approach focused on projects involving technology, programming, artificial intelligence, and data, Start by Alura aims to introduce young people to the tools and concepts that are shaping the digital economy and society. It is committed not only to teaching technology but also to ensuring it is approached in an ethical manner.

"Our goal is to equip the next generation with the skills that matter. We want our young people to grow up in the digital world that surrounds them—not just passively consume what comes their way. We want them to be able to express creativity and innovation in ways that are appropriate for our society. We want them to be the ones leading the digital future that is already here," says Thais Pianucci, CEO of Start by Alura. “All of this is delivered through an intuitive platform that encourages hands-on learning by students and careful guidance from teachers,” she adds.

One of the fundamental pillars of edtech is teacher training. The program is committed to training the teaching staff who will lead computer science classes in the classroom, equipping them with the skills needed to ensure these classes have a positive impact on their students. They believe that true learning occurs through teachers, who will be the ones to encourage their students to go above and beyond. 

With a significant presence in Brazilian education, this educational solution has already reached more than 2.8 million students, 14,000 teachers, and 7,000 schools across the country.

"Hands-on" methodology

The program focuses on "hands-on" learning, in which students create real-world projects from day one. With an interactive platform and a collaborative community, students have access to content tailored to each age group, practical challenges, exercises that drive learning, and a support forum.

In its content, Start also focuses on addressing cultural aspects of the digital world, covering topics such as bullying, effective ways to find quality content, and how to protect your data online.

"Today, our young people are on social media, but sometimes they’re adrift—in the sense that they simply use the tools without knowing exactly what they’re doing or where they want to go. They’re what we call digital consumers. Our job is to transform these young people into conscious digital creators who understand how technology works. Our solution provides students with a broad foundation in digital literacy and computational thinking, so that they can create, express themselves, and innovate—becoming pioneers in this digital world,” explains Thais.

With a mission to improve lives through technology education, Start by Alura is ready to train thousands of young people, broadening their horizons and expanding their knowledge throughinnovative solutions and up-to-date, high-quality content, in order to positively impact society and future generations.

About Start by Alura

Endorsed by Alura, Brazil’s largest online technology school, which focuses on programming, data science, and technology management, Start is a comprehensive learning solution that enables schools to develop computational thinking and digital skills in elementary and high school students, in line with the requirements of the BNCC for Computer Science. 

With a significant impact, Start by Alura has already benefited more than 2.8 million students, 14,000 teachers, and 7,000 schools. The methodology combines content aligned with the BNCC Computer Science standards, highly hands-on lessons, continuing education for educators, and tools that allow for monitoring student performance. All of this is delivered through an intuitive platform that encourages engagement and offers automated certification.

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