Want to make a game that ends when you "catch" an object by clicking on it? Or maybe you get points based on how close you came? You'll do that in this class!
This class teaches the concepts of conditional loops and if/else statements. 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 repeat until loops, while loops, and if/else statements 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 how to support interactive learning experiences among your students with Peer Instruction.
Additionally, you will create a resource for your classroom to support an equitable classroom.
This course is part of the Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education Specialization
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Conditional Loops and If Statements
Offered By
Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education SpecializationUniversity of California San Diego
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
125 minutes to complete
Course Orientation
Meet Dr. Simon and fellow learners in this class! Find out what you’ll be doing and learning.
2 videos (Total 7 min), 2 readings
2 videos
Welcome!3m
Welcome to the The Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education Specialization3m
2 readings
Using Googledocs in this Course3m
Why Snap? Create your account10m
3 hours to complete
Conditional Loops
In this module we will learn about conditional loops and how they vary from fixed loops. We'll examine different examples of both loop types and look at some common challenges that you may come across. Finally you'll create your own conditional loop program and have the opportunity to create an assignment and conduct peer reviews.
8 videos (Total 59 min), 2 readings, 5 quizzes
8 videos
What are interactive puzzles?5m
(Optional) Writing Programs: What's special for teachers?10m
Debugging: Common Challenges with Repeat Until (Boolean Expressions)9m
Debugging: Common Challenges with Repeat Until (Check then what?)7m
Debugging: Common Challenges with Repeat Until (Repeat vs Repeat Until)4m
(Optional) More programming puzzles -- but different!9m
(Optional) Demo: How to do Non-Interactive Puzzles8m
2 readings
Interactive Puzzles Instructions: Conditional Loops20m
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles20m
2 practice exercises
Puzzle It Out4m
Check your knowledge quiz4m
Week
23 hours to complete
More Conditional Loops
Now that you've gotten an introduction to conditional loops, we will further explore them and their variations. We will look at why some programs require conditional loops and discuss suggestions that will help students trace each program. Finally we'll learn about a variation on the repeat until loop, called the do-while loop.
1 video (Total 18 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
1 video
2 readings
Code.org While Loops -- A Variation on Repeat Until25m
Code.org Repeat Until in Maze25m
1 practice exercise
Concept Mastery Quiz: Repeat Until and While Loops32m
Week
32 hours to complete
If statements
In this module we'll get an introduction to conditionals, which are also known as if-else statements. First we'll examine some examples of if-else conditionals that exist in our everyday life. Next you will take a look at videos of completed programs and recreate the code. We'll end with some debugging tips and have you create your own if-else program assignment.
2 videos (Total 14 min), 2 readings, 5 quizzes
2 readings
Interactive Puzzles Instructions: If Statements25m
Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles20m
3 practice exercises
Playing Games with Conditions5m
Puzzle It Out4m
Check your knowledge quiz4m
Week
42 hours to complete
More If statements
Now that you have a basic understanding of conditionals, we look at some more complicated cases. You'll watch a video of how a teacher introduces the topic to her class and learn about conditionals with more than 2 scenarios. You'll also look at programs with two independent conditionals and learn how this varies from else-if statements. Finally, you'll analyze some misconceptions and challenges you initially had when learning about conditionals and create resources to help others learn about conditionals.
1 video (Total 8 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes
2 readings
Unplugged Conditionals: Video of the classroom10m
Code.org If/Else Statements30m
1 practice exercise
Concept Mastery Quiz: If/Else32m
Instructor
Beth Simon
Teaching ProfessorEducation Studies
About University of California San Diego
UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom—life is their laboratory.
About the Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education Specialization
In the 21st century, computational thinking is a skill critical for all the world's citizens. Computing and technology is impacting all our lives and everyone needs to know how to formulate problems and express their solutions such that a computer can carry it out.
In this Specialization you will both learn several block-based languages, but using novel approaches designed to make learning programming easier.
Covers most CSTA Algorithms & Programming Standards for Algorithms, Variables, Control, and Modularity: Levels 1-3A.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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