Coding for Your Classroom K

This course is designed for educators to learn about ways to teach computational thinking logic to their students through fun, hands-on activities. The goal is for teachers to feel more confident with coding concepts and activities and to be able to create their own. This course will explore what computational thinking is and why it is important to teach it and introduce it to students at a young age, so we have more diversity in our technology fields in the future. Educators will leave this course knowing that they will be able to incorporate coding and develop students’ digital literacy through minor changes in their classrooms. Additionally, we aim to break barriers that teachers may face in their classrooms by providing participants with resources that develop these skills without the use of technology. At the end of the course, you will be provided with enough resources to begin to bring coding into your classroom start to feel confident creating your own!

What you'll learn

What is Computational Thinking
Places we see and use computational thinking in our everyday lives.
Curriculum Connections
Diversity in Computer Science
Identify cross curricular connections between computer science and other subject matter.
Become familiar with computational thinking through interactive lessons and activities.
Individually develop personal digital literacy; become more comfortable and confident individually in computational thinking.
Be able to inspire computational thinking in learners through collaborative and stimulating hands-on activities.
Incorporating general strategies for evaluating computational thinking activities.
Understanding that technology drives just about everything that defines modern society as we know it.
Learn some coding activities (both plugged & unplugged) for your K-3 class
Constraints in teaching coding.
How to implement all these in the classroom

What's inside

Learning objectives

What is computational thinking
Places we see and use computational thinking in our everyday lives.
Curriculum connections
Diversity in computer science
Identify cross curricular connections between computer science and other subject matter.
Become familiar with computational thinking through interactive lessons and activities.
Individually develop personal digital literacy; become more comfortable and confident individually in computational thinking.

Be able to inspire computational thinking in learners through collaborative and stimulating hands-on activities.
Incorporating general strategies for evaluating computational thinking activities.
Understanding that technology drives just about everything that defines modern society as we know it.
Learn some coding activities (both plugged & unplugged) for your k-3 class
Constraints in teaching coding.
How to implement all these in the classroom

What is computational thinking
Places we see and use computational thinking in our everyday lives.
Curriculum connections
Diversity in computer science
Identify cross curricular connections between computer science and other subject matter.
Become familiar with computational thinking through interactive lessons and activities.
Individually develop personal digital literacy; become more comfortable and confident individually in computational thinking.
Be able to inspire computational thinking in learners through collaborative and stimulating hands-on activities.
Incorporating general strategies for evaluating computational thinking activities.
Understanding that technology drives just about everything that defines modern society as we know it.
Learn some coding activities (both plugged & unplugged) for your k-3 class
Constraints in teaching coding.
How to implement all these in the classroom

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers the importance of teaching Computational Thinking at a young age to increase diversity in the tech field

Uses interactive lessons and hands-on activities to help learners understand computational thinking concepts

Provides an array of coding activities (both plugged and unplugged) for use in K-3 classrooms

Emphasizes the importance of technology in modern society

Provides strategies for evaluating computational thinking activities

Taught by instructors who are experienced in teaching computational thinking to K-3 students

Reviews summary

Practical computational thinking for k-3 educators

According to students, this course is a largely positive and highly recommended resource for K-3 educators looking to integrate coding concepts into their classrooms. Learners consistently praise its ability to demystify computational thinking, making complex ideas accessible and understandable. A significant strength highlighted by many is the abundance of practical, hands-on activities, particularly the unplugged coding exercises, which are described as immediately applicable and effective without requiring extensive technology. The course boosts teacher confidence and provides valuable insights into cross-curricular connections. While overwhelmingly positive, some learners note it can feel basic for those with prior experience, and a minority wished for more plugged coding examples.

An excellent starting point for educators new to computational thinking.

"Some parts felt a bit basic, but it's perfect for those new to the subject."

"Good foundational course... It's truly for beginners, so keep that in mind."

"This course was too basic if you have some prior knowledge of coding concepts."

Empowers educators to confidently integrate coding concepts.

"I feel much more confident teaching these concepts now, even without a lot of tech."

"It empowers teachers to be creative."

"I loved learning how to integrate computational thinking across subjects like math and literacy."

Clarifies computational thinking and its real-world applications.

"This course truly demystified computational thinking for me."

"Very helpful for understanding how to teach coding concepts without relying on screens. The focus on computational thinking rather than just coding languages was refreshing."

"It really helped me see how to weave coding logic into daily lessons."

Offers numerous hands-on activities adaptable for K-3 classrooms.

"The unplugged activities were brilliant and instantly applicable in my K-2 classroom."

"I especially appreciated the hands-on activity ideas that didn't require fancy robots or apps."

"The "unplugged" focus is revolutionary for budget-strapped schools."

"I gained practical ways to bring coding into a K-3 classroom without being overwhelmed."

A few reported minor issues with outdated external links.

"My only minor critique is that some of the links to external resources were broken."

"Some older content felt a little dated but still relevant."

Some learners seek more technology-integrated coding examples.

"A decent introduction, but I was hoping for more 'plugged' coding examples beyond just concept."

"While the unplugged activities are good, I have access to some tech and wanted ideas on how to leverage that too."

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 Coding for Your Classroom K - 3 with these activities:

Brush Up on Basic Coding Concepts

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of fundamental coding concepts to enhance your teaching effectiveness.

Show steps

Review online tutorials or resources on basic coding concepts
Complete coding exercises or practice problems to reinforce your understanding
Attend a coding workshop or webinar to refresh your knowledge

Read 'Algorithms to Live By' by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the principles of computational thinking and its applications in everyday life.

View Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Algorithms to Live By'
Set aside dedicated time for reading and reflection
Take notes or highlight key concepts and examples
Discuss the book's ideas with colleagues or peers

Solve Computational Thinking Puzzles and Problems

Show steps

Sharpen your computational thinking skills by solving a variety of puzzles and problems related to coding and logic.

Browse courses on Coding Exercises

Show steps

Access online platforms or resources that provide computational thinking puzzles
Choose puzzles or problems that align with your skill level and learning goals
Work through the puzzles or problems, applying computational thinking principles
Reflect on your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Coding for Your Classroom K - 3 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Science Teacher

As a Computer Science Teacher, you will be playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of computer science professionals. This course will provide you with the skills and confidence you need to teach computational thinking and coding to students in grades K-3. You will learn about the importance of computational thinking, how to identify opportunities for teaching it in other subjects, and how to make coding accessible and engaging for young learners. With the knowledge and resources you gain from this course, you will be well-equipped to inspire your students to become the innovators and problem-solvers of the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Software Developer

As a Software Developer, you will be using your programming skills to build and maintain software applications. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in computational thinking, which is the underlying logic and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in software development. You will also learn some basic coding activities that you can use to introduce your students to the world of computer science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will be using your analytical skills to extract insights from data. This course will help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for data analysis. You will also learn about the importance of data literacy and how to use coding to automate data analysis tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Computer Science Professor

As a Computer Science Professor, you will be teaching and conducting research in the field of computer science. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of computational thinking and coding. You will also learn about the latest advancements in computer science and how to incorporate them into your teaching.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Professor

Technology Integration Specialist

As a Technology Integration Specialist, you will be helping schools and businesses integrate technology into their curriculum and operations. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to assess technology needs, develop and implement technology plans, and train staff on how to use technology effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Integration Specialist

Educational Technologist

As an Educational Technologist, you will be using your knowledge of technology to improve teaching and learning. This course will help you develop the skills you need to design and implement technology-based learning experiences, evaluate the effectiveness of educational technology, and provide professional development to teachers on how to use technology in the classroom.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Technologist

Curriculum Developer

As a Curriculum Developer, you will be responsible for developing and evaluating curriculum for schools and businesses. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to identify learning objectives, develop learning activities, and assess student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Designer

As an Instructional Designer, you will be designing and developing educational materials and experiences. This course will help you develop the skills you need to analyze learning needs, design and develop learning materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you will be creating technical documentation for software, hardware, and other products. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear and concise technical documentation that is easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Web Developer

As a Web Developer, you will be designing and developing websites. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to create websites that are user-friendly and visually appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

As a Database Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to design, implement, and maintain databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

As a Network Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to design, implement, and maintain computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Systems Administrator

As a Systems Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to design, implement, and maintain computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst, you will be responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from security threats. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to identify security threats, develop and implement security measures, and respond to security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Support Specialist

As a Computer Support Specialist, you will be providing technical support to users of computer systems. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist