Romany children: digital culture and educational experiences

The Romany question is considered from a historical, anthropological, social and cultural point of view. Difficulties in integration and social interaction are extremely high. We must ask ourselves if the sharing of common digital languages, which characterises the modern age in a social, professional and educational context, could be the beginning of a way to develop an intercultural approach, not only at school but in a wider social context. Our research put forward the hypothesis that even a basic foray into the field of digital language could assist them to not feel enclosed in a subculture on the margins of society. The research project focussed on the learning methods and recognisable connections in groups of young Romany from primary and secondary schools from the area of the Santa Candida canal (in Bari), who were given the opportunity to use a personal computer (provided by the research group) outside school hours.Starting with basic literacy, their needs were based on their individual motivation.The theory of digital learning initiated and or facilitated the development of skills relative to their educational level and provoked an improvement in the learning abilities of the young Romany.