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Programming for a Networked World

Akos Ledeczi, Brian Broll, and Clifford B Anderson

Want to learn the basics of computer programming in a fun and innovative way? This course introduces computer programming using an educational block-based visual programming environment called NetsBlox (https://editor.netsblox.org/), emphasizing modern computer science concepts like networking, the internet, and distributed computing. The curriculum is hands-on, focusing on translating ideas into working computer programs and developing a mastery of practical computational literacy. After completing this course, you will have a solid foundation to learn professional languages like Python, Java, etc.

The course is especially suitable for K12 teachers and students who want to get a gentle introduction to computer science.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to the course, to block-based programming and to the primary tool used called NetsBlox

Custom Blocks, Events and RPCs

Introduction to custom blocks, events and Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)

Loops and Lists

Introduction to iteration (loops), scoping variables and lists

Structured Data

Working with multi-dimensional lists

Distributed Programming

Introduction to distributed programming using message passing

Text Analysis

Working with text

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches programming concepts using an educational block-based visual programming environment called NetsBlox

Suitable for K-12 students and teachers

Develops a mastery of practical computational literacy

Provides a gentle introduction to block-based programming

Covers networking, the internet, and distributed computing

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Programming for a Networked World with these activities:

Review Block-Based Programming

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Solidify your existing knowledge of block-based programming concepts.

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Review definitions and principles of block-based programming.
Practice writing and designing programs using a block-based programming environment.

Participate in Virtual Study Group

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Engaging in peer discussions will foster collaboration and reinforce your understanding of course concepts.

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Find or join a virtual study group for the course.
Meet regularly with your study group to discuss course materials.
Collaborate on projects or assignments.

Explore Advanced NetsBlox Features

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Expand your proficiency in NetsBlox by exploring its advanced features.

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Identify and investigate advanced NetsBlox features and functionalities.
Practice implementing these features in your programs.
Review documentation or tutorials on advanced NetsBlox usage.

Nine other activities

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Practice Building Custom Blocks

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Practice building custom blocks to reinforce understanding of block-based programming concepts.

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Create a new NetsBlox project.
Add a new custom block to your project.
Define the inputs, outputs, and functionality of your custom block.
Test your custom block in your project.

Collaborative NetsBlox Projects

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Enhance your learning through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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Form a study group with peers and select a project idea.
Design and implement the project using NetsBlox.
Share your project with others and provide feedback.

Solve Text Analysis Practice Problems

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Solving text analysis practice problems will strengthen your ability to work with and analyze text data.

Browse courses on Text Analysis

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Find or create a set of text analysis practice problems.
Attempt to solve the problems using the concepts covered in the course.
Check your solutions against the provided solutions or ask for feedback.

Develop a Simple Game Using NetsBlox

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Developing a simple game using NetsBlox will provide a fun and practical application of the skills learned in the course.

Browse courses on Game Development

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Brainstorm and design a simple game idea.
Create a new NetsBlox project for your game.
Implement the core gameplay mechanics.
Add graphics, sound effects, and user interface elements.
Test and iterate on your game to improve its functionality and playability.

Coding Challenges in NetsBlox

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Sharpen your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of NetsBlox.

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Identify and solve coding challenges using NetsBlox.
Analyze and optimize your solutions for efficiency.
Participate in online coding challenges or competitions.

Create a Visual Guide to Loops and Lists

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Creating a visual guide to loops and lists will help solidify your understanding of these important data structures.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Choose a visual format for your guide (e.g., flowchart, diagram, animation).
Identify the key concepts of loops and lists.
Create visuals to illustrate these concepts.
Write clear and concise explanations to accompany your visuals.

Explore Tutorials on Distributed Programming

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Exploring tutorials on distributed programming will expand your knowledge and skills in this advanced topic.

Browse courses on Distributed Programming

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Identify reputable online platforms or resources for tutorials.
Search for tutorials on distributed programming concepts.
Review the tutorials, selecting those that align with your learning goals.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and experimenting with the concepts.

NetsBlox Tutorial or Resource

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Deepen your understanding by creating a resource that helps others learn about NetsBlox.

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Identify a specific NetsBlox concept or feature to focus on.
Develop a tutorial, guide, or resource that explains the concept clearly.
Share your resource with others online or through the course platform.

Contribute to Open NetsBlox Projects

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Contributing to open NetsBlox projects will allow you to apply your skills in a real-world setting and connect with other programmers.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open NetsBlox projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills.
Submit your contributions to the project repository.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming for a Networked World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Network Analyst

A Computer Network Analyst plans, deploys, and maintains computer networks. A course on Programming for a Networked World would be particularly useful for someone seeking this role, as it would provide a foundation understanding of computer programming, networking, and distributed computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects computer networks and systems from security breaches. A course on Programming for a Networked World would be particularly useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming, networking, and security concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Architect

A Network Architect designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. A course on Programming for a Networked World would be particularly useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and networking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. A course on Programming for a Networked World would be particularly useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and networking concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer writes and maintains computer programs. A course on Programming for a Networked World would help build a foundation for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and systems analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Web Developer

A Web Developer builds and maintains websites. A course on Programming for a Networked World may be useful for someone seeking this role, as it teaches the basics of computer programming, including the fundamentals of computer networking.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and data management.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, creates, and tests computer software, using use a variety of programming languages and develop solutions to problems. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone who wants to work in this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of the fundamentals of computer networking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Product Manager

A Product Manager manages the development and launch of products. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it would provide a foundation understanding of computer programming, product management, and product development.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it would provide a foundation understanding of computer programming and technical writing.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming, data analysis, and machine learning.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design and maintain software applications and systems. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for this role, as it would provide a foundation understanding of computer programming, networking, and distributed computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer designs and evaluates user interfaces for websites and applications. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and user interface design.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst tests and evaluates software applications and systems to ensure quality. A course on Programming for a Networked World might be useful for someone seeking this role, as it provides a foundation understanding of computer programming and software testing.

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Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Programming for a Networked World .