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Scratch to Python

Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming

Rik Cross, Martin O'Hanlon, Caitlyn Merry, Lauren Hyams, Dan Fisher, Marc Scott, Laura Sach, Ross Exton, Michael Conterio, Katharine Childs, Rebecca Franks, Andrew Bush, and Allen Heard

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Scratch to Python is designed for primary or K-5 teachers and volunteers. If you don’t have any experience of programming, we recommend you take Teaching Programming in Primary Schools first, to learn the basics of block-based programming in Scratch. You can use the hashtag #RPiLearn to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Programming and thinking skills in Scratch
Basic skills in Python programming language
Simple error messages in Python syntax, and how to debug code
Understanding the power of text-based programming and what you can create with it
Tools to support children’s transition from block-based to text-based programming

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Reviews summary

Seamless scratch to python transition for educators

According to students, this course is a highly effective bridge from block-based Scratch to text-based Python, particularly ideal for primary and K-5 teachers and volunteers. Learners frequently praise the clear explanations and accessible content that makes complex concepts understandable for those new to text coding. The course excels at providing practical examples and strategies directly applicable to classroom teaching, building confidence in educators. Some reviewers note that it's best suited for absolute beginners, feeling too slow or basic for those with prior programming experience, with extensive Scratch recaps. Overall, it's a valuable resource for its intended audience.

Content is logically organized and concepts are introduced gradually.

"The course structure is logical, and the concepts are introduced gradually."

"The videos were clear, and the accompanying materials were useful."

"Solid content, good explanations."

Provides applicable examples and strategies for teaching children programming.

"I particularly liked the practical examples shown that I can adapt for my classroom."

"The focus on pedagogy for younger learners, which is often missing in other Python courses, was appreciated."

"It's made me much more confident in guiding students towards text-based programming."

Specifically designed for educators new to text-based programming.

"The explanations were clear, and the exercises were perfectly pitched. I feel much more confident teaching Python to my students now."

"As a volunteer, I found the content incredibly accessible."

"As an educator who's used Scratch for years, this course was exactly what I needed to take the next step."

Seamlessly guides primary educators from Scratch to Python for teaching.

"This course was absolutely fantastic for a primary school teacher like me with no prior coding experience beyond Scratch. It seamlessly transitioned from block-based to text-based coding."

"Excellent course! It demystifies Python programming and provides great strategies for teaching the transition."

"Perfect for primary teachers! I finally understand how to introduce Python after Scratch."

May be too slow or elementary for those with existing programming knowledge.

"If you have any prior experience with text-based languages, this might be too slow or elementary for you."

"I found this course a bit too simple. While the intention to help teachers is good, I was looking for something that delves deeper into Python concepts."

"The Scratch recap was extensive, almost half the course, which wasn't what I needed."

Career center

Learners who complete Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming.

Fluent Python

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Serves as the ultimate masterclass in idiomatic Python, guiding developers through data models, generators, metaprogramming, and concurrent concurrency patterns.

Scratch to Python

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Seamless scratch to python transition for educators

Career center

Reading list

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