Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays from Coursera

Learn to program using Class design and 1-D Arrays in Java, and prepare to teach others using the free, online interactive CS Awesome textbook. In this course for teachers we'll guide you both in learning Java concepts and skills but also in how to effectively teach those to your students.

This course will support you in teaching the Advanced Placement Computer Science A course or a similar introductory university-level programming course. We'll cover the critical Java concepts of class design and 1-dimensional arrays, as covered in the APCS A Units 5 and 6. Each topic will begin by relating Java to block-based programming languages and then provide video overviews of CS Awesome content along with additional materials to supplement learning for your students.

You'll engage with additional materials to support your teaching including "deep dive" classroom discussion questions, assessment overviews, code tracing and problem solving skills for your students, including preparation for free response coding questions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!

Meet Dr. Simon and fellow learners in this class! Find out what you’ll be doing and learning.

Creating Classes (Unit 5): Learn as a Student

We've been using objects of classes created by others -- now it's our turn! Using CS Awesome, we'll learn to design and create classes by encapsulating data and methods.

Writing Classes (Unit 5): Teacher Powerup

This week we'll go deeper and engage with some resources to support your teaching. You'll learn how these concepts are commonly assessed, but focus a LOT on how class creation can be assessed -- especially on the APCS A free response questions. Finally, you can check your own Unit 5 Java and Java Teacher mastery on our end of Unit 5 quizzes.

Arrays (Unit 6): Learn as a Student

Arrays extend the power of iteration to allow us to repeat instructions on (potentially) large sets of data. Want to store and calculate grades for an entire class of students? Want to find the minimum or maximum temperature in a file of historical temperature readings? Use arrays! Using CS Awesome, we'll learn to create and iterate over 1-dimensional arrays and really start to ramp up our problem solving skills.

Arrays (Unit 6): Teacher Powerup

This week we'll go deeper and engage with some resources to support your teaching. You'll explore some questions to use in classroom analysis discussions (Peer Instruction) and and learn how these concepts are commonly assessed. Again, we'll look at the kinds of free response questions one can ask about arrays! Finally, you can check your own Unit 6 Java and Java Teacher mastery on our end of Unit 6 quizzes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps teachers learn Java concepts and effectively teach them to their students

Supports teachers in teaching Advanced Placement Computer Science A or similar introductory university-level programming courses

Covers critical Java concepts of class design and 1-dimensional arrays, aligning with APCS A Units 5 and 6

Provides additional materials for teachers, including classroom discussion questions, assessment overviews, and problem-solving skills

Engages learners with videos, CS Awesome content, and additional materials

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 Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays with these activities:

Read Head First Java

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Read Head First Java to gain a comprehensive understanding of Java fundamentals and object-oriented programming concepts.

View Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow Head First Java
Read the book from cover to cover
Take notes and highlight key concepts

Start a basic Java program

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Start a basic Java program to refresh your programming skills.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Review basic Java syntax
Create a simple Java program
Run the program

Watch Java tutorials on YouTube

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Watch Java tutorials on YouTube to supplement your understanding of Java concepts.

Browse courses on Java

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Search for Java tutorials on YouTube
Watch a few tutorials
Take notes on key concepts

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Create a Java cheat sheet

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Create a Java cheat sheet to summarize key concepts and syntax for quick reference.

Browse courses on Java

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Gather Java resources
Organize Java concepts into categories
Create a cheat sheet in your preferred format

Solve coding problems on LeetCode

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Solve coding problems on LeetCode to practice Java skills and prepare for Java coding interviews.

Browse courses on Java

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Choose a problem to solve
Understand the problem statement
Design a solution
Implement the solution in Java
Submit your solution

Attend a Java workshop

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Attend a Java workshop to learn new skills and techniques from experienced Java developers.

Browse courses on Java

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Find a Java workshop that fits your interests
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and take notes
Apply what you learned to your own Java projects

Participate in a Java study group

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Participate in a Java study group to discuss concepts and work on problems collaboratively.

Browse courses on Java

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Find a study group or create your own
Meet regularly to discuss Java topics
Work on problems together

Contribute to an open-source Java project

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Contribute to an open-source Java project to gain practical experience and learn from others.

Browse courses on Java

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Find an open-source Java project that interests you
Read the project's documentation
Identify an area where you can contribute
Make a pull request with your changes
Collaborate with other contributors

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Java Developer

The Java Developer designs, implements, and tests software applications in the Java programming language. Java is a powerful, object-oriented programming language that is used in a variety of applications, including web development, mobile development, and big data analytics. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Java Developer by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Java Developer

Software Developer

The Software Developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. Software Developers use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create software that meets the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Software Developer by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Science Teacher

The Computer Science Teacher teaches computer science concepts to students at the high school or university level. Computer Science Teachers use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, to help their students learn about computer science. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Computer Science Teacher by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Data Scientist

The Data Scientist uses data to solve problems and make decisions. Data Scientists use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to analyze data and develop predictive models. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Scientist by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Network Administrator

The Network Administrator designs, develops, and tests computer networks. Network Administrators use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create computer networks that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Network Administrator by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

The Information Security Analyst designs, develops, and tests information security systems. Information Security Analysts use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create information security systems that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Information Security Analyst by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Project Manager

The Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects. Project Managers use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to manage projects and track progress. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Project Manager by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Systems Analyst

The Systems Analyst designs, develops, and tests computer systems. Systems Analysts use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create computer systems that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Systems Analyst by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Support Specialist

The Computer Support Specialist provides technical support to users of computer systems. Computer Support Specialists use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Computer Support Specialist by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Mobile Developer

The Mobile Developer designs, develops, and tests mobile applications. Mobile Developers use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create mobile applications that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Mobile Developer by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Computer Programmer

The Computer Programmer writes and tests computer programs. Computer Programmers use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create computer programs that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Computer Programmer by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

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Technical Writer

The Technical Writer writes and edits technical documentation. Technical Writers use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create technical documentation that meets the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Technical Writer by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Business Analyst

The Business Analyst designs, develops, and tests business systems. Business Analysts use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create business systems that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Business Analyst by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

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Database Administrator

The Database Administrator designs, develops, and tests databases. Database Administrators use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create databases that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Database Administrator by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

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Web Developer

The Web Developer designs, develops, and tests websites and web applications. Web Developers use a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create websites and web applications that meet the needs of their users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Web Developer by providing you with a solid foundation in Java programming concepts, including class design and arrays. You will also learn how to use the CS Awesome textbook to teach Java to your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer