We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Beth Simon

In this capstone project course, you will learn to support your students in successfully completing the Advanced Placement Principles Create Task -- however this task can be useful for any course as a culminating, student-designed final programming project.

Read more

In this capstone project course, you will learn to support your students in successfully completing the Advanced Placement Principles Create Task -- however this task can be useful for any course as a culminating, student-designed final programming project.

You will learn to interpret and practice applying to real sample student work the Create Task rubric and have the option to modify it for your own setting. You'll prepare resources to help students through the challenges that come with doing an open-ended project that still needs to meet certain specifications.

Finally, you'll complete your own Create Task assignment including writing about the ways in which you designed algorithms, used abstraction, and struggled with a challenge while completing the task.

You'll be prepared to help students do well on the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles Create Task!

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Capstone: Week 1
Capstone: Week 2
Capstone: Week 3
Read more
Capstone: Week 4

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Supports learners in implementing the Advanced Placement Principles Create Task, which is a widely-recognized assessment in computer science
Provides guidance on interpreting and applying the Create Task rubric, which is essential for effective assessment
Offers the opportunity to complete a Create Task assignment, providing practical experience and feedback
Led by instructor Beth Simon, who is experienced in teaching computer science principles

Save this course

Save Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators Capstone to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Well-structured capstone course

According to students, this well-structured capstone course is engaging and useful to educators. Clear instructions and practical assignments help students engage with the material. However, some students expressed confusion about assignment submission and feedback.
The assignments in this course are practical and engaging.
This course provides clear and well-structured instructions.
"The course was good, well-structured, the instructions were clear."
There is some confusion about how to submit assignments.
"I do not understand why we did not submit the assignment."
Students would like to receive more feedback on their work.
"It would be nice to receive feedback."

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 Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators Capstone with these activities:
Review the Python programming language
This course is taught in Python. Students should review Python before the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Review basic Python syntax
  • Practice writing simple Python programs
  • Complete online Python tutorials
Identify a mentor who can provide guidance and support
Mentors can provide valuable support and guidance to students in their learning journey.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in your field
  • Reach out to them and express your interest in mentorship
Organize course materials, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Staying organized with course materials will help students stay on track and prepare for assessments.
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing course materials
  • Consistently file and organize materials as you receive them
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore online tutorials on Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles
The course is based on the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam. Students should explore tutorials on the exam to become familiar with its content.
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials for Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles
  • Complete several tutorials on different topics
  • Take practice exams or quizzes
Practice solving coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank
The course includes a significant amount of problem-solving. Students can improve their skills with platforms that provide coding problems.
Show steps
  • Register on a coding problem platform
  • Solve problems regularly
  • Review solutions and learn from others
Join a study group or online forum to connect with other students
Students can benefit from collaborating with others to discuss the course material and work together on projects.
Show steps
  • Find an existing study group or create one
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material and work on projects
Develop a plan for a semester-long programming project
The course emphasizes project-based learning. Starting a project plan early will help students succeed throughout the semester.
Show steps
  • Identify a project idea that interests you
  • Research the project and define its scope
  • Create a project plan that outlines the steps involved and the timeline
Build a portfolio of programming projects
Students will build strong programming skills throughout the course. Creating a portfolio of their work will strengthen their learning.
Show steps
  • Document and present the projects
  • Identify programming projects to complete
  • Develop and implement the projects
Contribute to an open-source software project related to programming
Open-source projects provide opportunities for students to apply their skills and contribute to the community.
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project to contribute to
  • Familiarize yourself with the project and its codebase
  • Make contributions to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Network Architect
Computer Network Architects design and implement computer networks. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the network is running smoothly.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and test code to create software applications. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the software is running smoothly.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the product is successful.
Software Quality Assurance Analyst
Software Quality Assurance Analysts test software to ensure that it meets the requirements of the users and the organization.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for software and hardware products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the documentation is clear and concise.
UX Designer
UX Designers create and maintain user interfaces for software and hardware products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the user interface is easy to use.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators maintain and optimize databases. They work with database users to understand their needs and ensure that the database is running smoothly. The Advanced Placement Principles Create Task requires students to design and implement a database. This course may be useful for preparing for advanced coursework in database management that will provide a foundation for entry-level opportunities as a Database Administrator.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that their computer systems are running smoothly.
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure that the website is running smoothly.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They work with large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights. The Advanced Placement Principles Create Task assesses several skills that can be useful for a Data Scientist, including problem solving, data analysis, and design thinking. This course may be useful to prepare for advanced coursework in computer science and data science that will provide a foundation for entry-level opportunities in this field.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and design changes to meet the organization's needs. They must be able to write and present technical reports, and they must be able to work with a variety of stakeholders. The Advanced Placement Principles Create Task requires students to demonstrate their ability to analyze a problem, design a solution, and communicate their findings. This course may be useful for supplementing the technical coursework that many Computer Systems Analysts must complete to enter the field.
Computer Science Teacher
A Computer Science Teacher is responsible for preparing students to succeed in higher level computer science courses. They teach students the fundamentals of computer science, programming languages, and other core concepts. Knowledge of the Advanced Placement Principles Create Task is not a requirement, but it may serve to prepare students for advanced computer science courses, which could build a foundation for success in computer science roles. This course may be useful to teachers interested in supplementing their curriculum with open-ended, student-led projects that have project parameters.
Software Developer
Software Developers create and maintain software applications. They work closely with other developers, project managers, and business analysts to define application specifications, design system architectures, and write and test code. Though this course may not align with the day-to-day responsibilities of a Software Developer, a developer must understand best practices and methodologies for approaching complex problems, breaking them into smaller units, and effectively modeling solutions. This course may be useful for preparing for advanced computer science coursework that would provide a more substantive foundation for this career.
Web Developer
Web Developers build and maintain websites. They work closely with designers and other developers to create user interfaces, write code, and test websites. Though this course may not align with the day-to-day responsibilities of a Web Developer, a developer must understand best practices and methodologies for approaching complex problems, breaking them into smaller units, and effectively modeling solutions. This course may be useful for preparing for advanced computer science coursework that would provide a more substantive foundation for this career.

Reading list

We've selected 19 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 Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators Capstone.
Provides a comprehensive review of the AP Computer Science Principles exam, including practice questions and sample responses. It valuable resource for students who are preparing for the exam.
Provides an introduction to algorithms and data structures. It can be helpful for students who want to learn more about the foundations of computer science.
Provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Java programming. It good choice for students who are new to programming or who want to learn Java specifically.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at Java programming. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the advanced features of Java.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to algorithms. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the design and analysis of algorithms.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to data structures and algorithms in Java. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the design and implementation of data structures and algorithms.
Focuses on developing a mindset that is conducive to learning math and science. It can be helpful for students who want to enhance their problem-solving abilities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of problem-solving techniques. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
Explores the concept of emergence. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their understanding of complex systems.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to Java programming and data structures. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the fundamentals of programming.
Explores the relationship between mathematics, music, and art. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Explores the relationship between physics, mathematics, and computer science. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their understanding of the fundamental nature of reality.
Explores the concept of chaos. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their understanding of complex systems.
This classic series of books provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at computer programming. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of programming.
Explores the concept of complexity. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their understanding of complex systems.
Explores the concept of fractals. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their understanding of complex systems.
Explores the use of algorithms to create plant-like structures. It can be helpful for students who want to develop their understanding of complex systems.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators Capstone.
Capstone Project: Teaching Impacts of Technology
Most relevant
Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind
Create Student Books with Book Creator
Quality Improvement and Management
Enhancing Student Self-Reflection with Google Docs
Engage and Assess Students with Quizizz
Introduction to Project Management
Student Self-Assessment with Microsoft Word
Interactive eLearning and Assessment with Edulastic
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser