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Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Nested If Statements and Compound Conditionals

Approx. 12 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course covers block programming for K-12 educators, focusing on nested if statements and compound conditionals. Students will learn how to create complex programs using visual blocks, without the need for traditional coding.

Key Learning Points

Learn block programming for K-12 education
Create complex programs using visual blocks
Focus on nested if statements and compound conditionals

Learning Outcomes

Create complex programs using visual blocks
Understand nested if statements and compound conditionals
Apply block programming in K-12 education

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic computer skills
Interest in teaching K-12 education

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Professor of Learning Research
Professor of Learning Sciences

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Description

How could you program a complex "choose your own adventure" game? How can your soccer game determine goals, balls out of bounds, and corner kicks? You'll learn to do both of these in this course!

This class teaches the concepts of nested if/else statements and compound Boolean conditional expressions. For each concept, we'll start by helping you connect real-world experiences you are already familiar with to the programming concept you are about to learn. Next, through a cognitively scaffolded process we'll engage you in developing your fluency with problem solving with nested if/else statements and compound conditionals in a way that keeps frustration at a minimum. Along the way you will learn about the common challenges or "bugs" students have with these concepts as well as ways to help them find and fix those concepts. You'll also be guided in running classroom discussions to help students develop deeper understanding of these concepts. Finally, you'll prepare classroom resources to help your students to develop debugging skills. Additionally, you will create resources to help educate your students about the impacts of lack of equity in K-12 CS instruction.

Outline

Course Orientation
Welcome!
Optional: The Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education Specialization
Using Googledocs in this Course
Why Snap? Create your account

Nested If/Else Part 1
In My Life: Nested Ifs
(Optional) Writing Programs: What's Special for Teachers?
Debugging: Nested If Else Statements
Interactive Puzzles Instructions: Nested If/Else
Create a Nested If Else Programs
Puzzle It Out

Nested If/Else Part 2
Classroom Discussions: Nested If Else Statements
Introducing: pencilcode.net -- a different (free) block based programming language
Optimize Your Fortune!
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Improving Pencilcode.net
Check your knowledge quiz
Concept Mastery Quiz: Nested If Else

Compound Conditionals Part 1
Compound Conditionals in Soccer
Debugging: Compound Conditionals
What is a truth table?
Interactive Puzzles Instructions: Compound Conditionals
Create a Compound Conditionals Program
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Puzzle It Out
Check your knowledge quiz

Compound Conditionals Part 2
Classroom Discussions: Compound Conditionals
Scratch: Programming Because You Want To
Introducing: Soccer in Scratch!
TEDx Talk: Scratch
Soccer in Scratch!
Concept Mastery Quiz: Compound Conditionals

Equity & Pedagogy
What we know about debugging in block based languages
From CS Teacher to CS Education Leader
Why are programming errors called bugs?
Views on Computer Science for Everyone
Explore CS Education Week and Hour of Code
Pedagogy/Equity Mastery Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

This course on block programming for K-12 educators covers nested if statements and compound conditionals. Reviews indicate that the course is highly rated and well-received, with many users praising the engaging and interactive nature of the content.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Users consistently praised the interactive and engaging nature of the course content.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and interactive course content
Clear and concise explanations of key concepts
Helpful practice exercises to reinforce learning
Great for educators looking to incorporate block programming into their curriculum

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course material to be too basic
Limited scope - only covers nested if statements and compound conditionals
Not suitable for those with prior programming experience looking for more advanced instruction