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Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Variables and Nested Loops

Approx. 16 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn the basics of block programming in K-12 education, including variables and nested loops. This course is designed for educators who want to introduce programming to their students in a fun and engaging way.

Key Learning Points

Gain foundational knowledge of block programming
Learn how to use variables and nested loops
Explore ways to incorporate programming into K-12 education

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

K-12 Computer Science Teacher
- USA: $50,000 - $80,000
- India: ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000
- Spain: €20,000 - €30,000
K-12 Technology Integration Specialist
- USA: $60,000 - $90,000
- India: ₹6,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €35,000
K-12 Curriculum Developer
- USA: $70,000 - $100,000
- India: ₹8,00,000 - ₹12,00,000
- Spain: €30,000 - €40,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basics of block programming
Create programs using variables and nested loops
Incorporate programming into K-12 education

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic computer skills
Access to a computer with an internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video-based

Similar Courses

Introduction to Python Programming
Creative Coding

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Code.org
Scratch

Related Books

Description

How can students learn about abstraction by creating a movie scene? Or make an interactive map using lists? You'll learn (and do it yourself) in this course!

This class teaches the concepts of abstraction (methods and parameters) and lists. 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 abstraction and lists 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 learn about the importance and logistics of assigning creative, student-designed programming projects. Additionally, you will create a personal plan for increasing your skills in supporting a culturally responsive learning environment in your classroom.

Outline

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

Nested Repeats
What are interactive puzzles?
(Optional) Writing Programs: What's special for teachers?
Debugging: Nested Repeats
(Optional) More programming puzzles -- but different!
(Optional) Demo: How to do Non-Interactive Puzzles
Classroom Discussions: Nested Repeats
Design your own language
Interactive Puzzle Instructions: Nested Repeats
Create a Nested Repeats Program
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Puzzle It Out
Check your knowledge quiz

More Nested Repeats & Events
Snap detail: switching sprites
Debugging: Events
Experience a code.org Maze lesson: nested repeats
How do things happen in video games?
Events you already use every day!
Interactive Puzzles Instructions: Events
Create an Events Program
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Concept Mastery Quiz: Nested Repeats
Puzzle It Out
Check your knowledge quiz

More Events & Variables
Variables Unplugged Warm Up
Variables in Envelopes Activity
Debugging: Variables
Events: What do students struggle with?
Where and how are Events covered in code.org curriculum?
Events in code.org: A Seminal Lesson
What are variables?
Finish the Activity Yourself!
Interactive Puzzle Instructions: Variables
Create a Variables Program
Concept Mastery Quiz: Events
Variables In Envelopes Assessment
Puzzle It Out

More Variables
Classroom Discussions: Variables
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Review an Unplugged Lesson Plan for variables
Variables in code.org
Check your knowledge quiz
Concept Mastery Quiz: Variables

Equity & Pedagogy
Teach Programming with Parsons' Problems
Assess Programming with Parsons' Problems
Equity and Computing Lab Classrooms
Pick the Right Posters (Signals and Stereotypes)
How to make a Parsons' Problem in Snap (or Scratch) for Teaching
CS Lab Rules
Pedagogy/Equity Mastery Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover how to effectively teach block programming in K-12 education with Coursera's Block Programming for K-12 Educators course. Students appreciate the course's engaging and interactive approach to learning.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

engaging and interactive approach to learning

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and interactive approach to learning
Comprehensive course material
Great for beginners
Flexible scheduling options
Helpful and responsive instructors

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical difficulties with the platform
Lack of depth in certain topics
Not enough emphasis on real-world applications
Could benefit from more interactive exercises
Limited opportunities for peer collaboration

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Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Variables and Nested Loops

How can students learn about abstraction by creating a movie scene? Or make an interactive map using lists? You'll learn (and do it yourself) in this course!...

Save Course