About this course: 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.
Who is this class for: This course has been developed primarily to support K-12 teachers in teaching core programming concepts - in a block-based language. Although this course primarily uses Snap, we briefly sample lessons in code.org's block-based curriculum. However this course is valuable for anyone interested in supporting novice learners of programming. As such, this course may be useful for members of the tech community involved in K-12 outreach, parents, and other informal educators.
Created by: University of California San Diego
Taught by: Beth Simon, Teaching Professor
Education Studies
| Basic Info | Course 3 of 6 in the Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Course Orientation
Meet Dr. Simon and fellow learners in this class! Find out what you’ll be doing and learning.
2 videos, 2 readings
- Video: Welcome to the The Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education Specialization
- Discussion Prompt: Get to know your fellow learners!
- Reading: Using Googledocs in this Course
- Reading: Why Snap? Create your account
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, 2 readings
- Video: What are interactive puzzles?
- Reading: Interactive Puzzles Instructions: Conditional Loops
- Video: (Optional) Writing Programs: What's special for teachers?
- Video: Debugging: Common Challenges with Repeat Until (Boolean Expressions)
- Video: Debugging: Common Challenges with Repeat Until (Check then what?)
- Video: Debugging: Common Challenges with Repeat Until (Repeat vs Repeat Until)
- Video: (Optional) More programming puzzles -- but different!
- Video: (Optional) Demo: How to do Non-Interactive Puzzles
- Reading: Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Graded: What do your students know about conditional repetition in their lives?
Graded: Puzzle It Out
Graded: Create a program + identify student challenges: Conditional Loops
Graded: Turn in your "Conditional Loops" program
Graded: Check your knowledge quiz
WEEK 2
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, 2 readings
- Reading: Code.org While Loops -- A Variation on Repeat Until
- Reading: Code.org Repeat Until in Maze
- Discussion Prompt: What to remember about learning conditional loops?
Graded: Collaborative Knowledge Construction: Conditional Loops
Graded: Concept Mastery Quiz: Repeat Until and While Loops
WEEK 3
If statements
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, 2 readings
- Reading: Interactive Puzzles Instructions: If Statements
- Video: Debugging: If Else Statements
- Reading: Non-Interactive Programming Puzzles
Graded: Playing Games with Conditions
Graded: Puzzle It Out
Graded: Create a program + identify student challenges: If Statements
Graded: Turn in your "If Statement" program
Graded: Check your knowledge quiz
WEEK 4
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, 2 readings
- Reading: Unplugged Conditionals: Video of the classroom
- Discussion Prompt: What ideas for your classroom?
- Reading: Code.org If/Else Statements
- Discussion Prompt: What to remember about learning if else statements?
Graded: Collaborative Knowledge Construction: If Else Statements
Graded: Concept Mastery Quiz: If/Else
WEEK 5
Equity & Pedagogy
In this module we take a look at peer instruction, an interactive teaching method that promotes learning. You will learn how peer instruction works and its benefits through various evidence-based studies. Then you'll determine how it can be applied to a computer science course and examine additional reasons peer instruction is beneficial in teaching computer science in class. You will have the opportunity to apply what you learn when creating a resource and peer reviewing others' work.
4 videos, 1 reading
- Discussion Prompt: How do you get students learning from each other?
- Video: How Does Peer Instruction Work?
- Video: Peer Instruction Logistics
- Video: Peer Instruction In This Class
- 同學互評: Why is Peer Instruction a good idea?
- Reading: Getting Your Computer Science Class Off the Ground
Graded: What would counselors, administrators, or parents find compelling?
Graded: Recruiting: Emailing a Counselor, Administrator, or Parent Organization
Graded: Pedagogy/Equity Mastery Quiz
FAQs
How It Works
課程作業
每門課程都像是一本互動的教科書，具有預先錄製的視頻、測驗和項目。
來自同學的幫助
與其他成千上萬的學生相聯繫，對想法進行辯論，討論課程材料，並尋求幫助來掌握概念。
證書
獲得正式認證的作業，並與朋友、同事和雇主分享您的成功。
Creators
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.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
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