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

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Curriculum for k-3 educators

According to students, this course provides helpful primary school coding curriculum for educators. It features well-organized modules and resources with engaging assignments and lesson ideas. The course is praised for its accessible definitions and introductory materials on coding concepts.

The course provides clear and simple definitions that can be shared with students.

"Simple and to the point definitions that can be explained to the students."

Course content is well-organized and easy to follow.

"It is easy to understand and follow the modules that were organized very well."

The course provides helpful resources for further developing coding activities.

"This could be used by instructors to further develop activity ideas for the K- 3 classroom."

"The resources link is also helpful to further enhancing knowledge of coding."

The course offers interesting lesson plans and activity suggestions.

"Interesting lesson plans and activities suggestions."

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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