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Robert Leeman, Gareth Edgell, and Dr. John Woollard

Arm’s first professional development course introduces you to the core elements of physical computing. This includes common Arm-based hardware platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi and micro:bit, as well as the learning theories and concepts that underpin a Project-Based Learning pedagogy. The course helps you transform your approach to teaching Computer Science in the classroom, sharing best practice and practical guides to give all learners the opportunity to develop and practice a broad range of STEM skills.

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Arm’s first professional development course introduces you to the core elements of physical computing. This includes common Arm-based hardware platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi and micro:bit, as well as the learning theories and concepts that underpin a Project-Based Learning pedagogy. The course helps you transform your approach to teaching Computer Science in the classroom, sharing best practice and practical guides to give all learners the opportunity to develop and practice a broad range of STEM skills.

The course explores how physical computing devices can enable educators to apply a constructionist approach to computing in the classroom, using real-world contexts to engage and inspire learners to be creative with technology.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • A comprehensive introduction to project-based learning and physical computing
  • An understanding of the ‘big picture’ of physical computing, and why it’s essential to stem & computing education
  • An introduction to how the arm school program structures its pbl teaching and learning resources
  • A deeper sense of the practices which underline project-based learning, from teaching approach to learning theory
  • Resources that help you to deliver an engaging, practical and inclusive class for your students
  • Finish the course with a classroom investigation, which helps you put your learning into practice

Syllabus

Module 1 Introduction
Module 2 Required hardware and software (micro:bit, Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
Module 3 The big picture of physical computing
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Module 4 Brief description of the orthodoxies
Module 5 The big picture of learning
Module 6 The ASP approach
Module 7 Comprehensive reflection on many learning theories
Module 8 Comprehensive reflection on many teaching approaches
Module 9 Computational thinking
Module 10 Classroom investigation

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong grounding in physical computing, which is essential for computer science
Emphasizes Project-Based Learning, a proven pedagogy for engaging students in learning
Introduces a variety of Arm-based hardware platforms used in education, including popular ones like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and micro:bit
Covers the theories and concepts that underpin Project-Based Learning, providing a deep understanding of its principles
Shares practical tips and strategies for delivering engaging and inclusive classes that encourage STEM skills development
Led by instructors with expertise in physical computing and education, ensuring high-quality content and guidance

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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 Teaching with Physical Computing: Introduction to Project-Based Learning with these activities:
Revise basic computer science
Improves understanding of the foundations of computing and prepares you for the course.
Show steps
  • Review the basic concepts of computer science
  • Practice basic programming exercises
Read _Computer Science Illuminated_ by Nell Dale and John Lewis
Provides a solid foundation in the core principles of computer science, preparing you for the technical content in the course.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read Chapter 1: A Road Map to Computer Science and Technology.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of Chapter 1.
Form a study group with classmates
Provides opportunities to discuss course material, share insights, and learn from others.
Show steps
  • Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Determine a regular meeting time and place.
  • Establish ground rules for the group, such as attendance and participation.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Build a simple physical computing project
Provides hands-on experience with the core concepts and technologies of physical computing.
Browse courses on Physical Computing
Show steps
  • Choose a simple project idea
  • Gather the necessary materials
  • Build and test your project
Complete online exercises on physical computing concepts
Reinforces your understanding of the core concepts of physical computing through interactive exercises.
Browse courses on Physical Computing
Show steps
  • Find online exercises on physical computing
  • Complete the exercises and check your answers
Practice coding in various programming languages
Strengthens your coding skills and your understanding of programming concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Programming
Show steps
  • Choose a programming language to practice with.
  • Find online coding challenges or exercises.
  • Set aside regular time for coding practice.
  • Review your code and identify areas for improvement.
Follow tutorials on building physical computing projects
Provides step-by-step guidance for building physical computing projects and helps you develop practical skills.
Browse courses on Physical Computing
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on building physical computing projects
  • Follow the tutorials and build the projects
  • Experiment with the projects and explore different possibilities
Create a blog or website to share your learnings
Enhances your understanding of course concepts by requiring you to explain them to others.
Browse courses on Blogging
Show steps
  • Choose a topic or area of focus for your blog or website.
  • Create high-quality content that is informative and engaging.
  • Promote your blog or website to attract readers.
Contribute to open-source projects
Provides practical experience with coding and software development, while also contributing to the community.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project that aligns with your interests.
  • Review the project code and documentation.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute.
Create a presentation on Project-Based Learning
Deepens your understanding of the principles and practices of Project-Based Learning.
Browse courses on Project-Based Learning
Show steps
  • Research the key concepts of Project-Based Learning
  • Develop a presentation outline
  • Create your presentation slides
  • Practice your presentation
Attend a local meetup or conference on physical computing
Connects you with other professionals in the field of physical computing and provides opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Browse courses on Physical Computing
Show steps
  • Find local meetups or conferences on physical computing
  • Attend the events and engage with other attendees
Design a lesson plan using Project-Based Learning
Helps you apply your knowledge of Project-Based Learning to the development of a real-world lesson plan.
Browse courses on Lesson Planning
Show steps
  • Identify the learning objectives for your lesson
  • Choose a project-based activity that aligns with your objectives
  • Develop a step-by-step lesson plan
  • Create assessment tools to evaluate student learning
Participate in a workshop on physical computing
Provides intensive hands-on experience with physical computing technologies and helps you develop advanced skills.
Browse courses on Physical Computing
Show steps
  • Find workshops on physical computing
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities
  • Apply the skills learned in the workshop to your own projects

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching with Physical Computing: Introduction to Project-Based Learning will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Science Teacher
There are several aspects of this course that can help you achieve success in the role of Computer Science Teacher. As a teacher, having a strong pedagogical background is necessary to educate your students. The material in this course will strengthen your understanding of teaching practices and learning theories, which can help you to become a more effective educator. Furthermore, this course will help you to stay on the cutting edge of developments in computing and physical computing, ensuring you have a strong grasp on the subject you teach.
Computer Engineering Professor
Pursuing this course may be useful as a stepping stone toward the field of Computer Engineering Professor, by strengthening your foundational knowledge of computing. The course offers a thorough grounding in the field of physical computing, with explorations of learning theories and pedagogical practices of physical computing. This course will augment your skill set, and give you practical and theoretical knowledge you can build on during your journey to becoming a Computer Engineering Professor.
Robotics Engineer
This course is a solid choice for someone who wants to get into or advance their career in Robotics Engineering. The course delves deeply into the fundamentals of physical computing, from various hardware platforms to the context of using real-world applications to engage students in learning and creativity with technology. This course will help you build a foundation in physical computing.
Computer Science Researcher
There are aspects of this course that could be useful to you as a Computer Science Researcher. This course will provide you with a theoretical and practical foundation in physical computing, and will help you to develop your skills in project-based learning. These skills can be applied to a variety of research projects in computer science.
Electrical Engineer
As an Electrical Engineer, taking this course can help you by providing you with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physical computing. This grounding can be helpful for engineers who want to work with embedded systems, robotics, or other applications that involve physical computing.
Software Engineer
This course may be useful as you work toward a career as a Software Engineer. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to project-based learning and physical computing, which can help you to develop the skills you need to be successful in this field. Additionally, the course will help you to gain experience with a variety of hardware platforms, which can be valuable for Software Engineers.
Science Teacher
Pursuing this course can be useful as a stepping stone toward becoming a Science Teacher. This course offers an introduction to physical computing, which is a valuable skill for all teachers to have, as they may be called upon to teach this topic in their classes. Moreover, the course materials will strengthen your foundational knowledge of computing principles.
Data Scientist
Taking this course can be useful as you pursue a career as a Data Scientist. This course offers a comprehensive overview of physical computing, and will help you develop your skills in project-based learning. The skills you gain from this course can be applied to various data science projects.
Hardware Engineer
This course may be useful for an individual entering the field of Hardware Engineering. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to physical computing, covering topics such as hardware platforms, learning theories, and project-based learning. This knowledge can be valuable for hardware engineers who want to work in the field of embedded systems or robotics.
Web Developer
This course offers a solid foundation for individuals pursuing a career in Web Development. The materials in this course provide a comprehensive introduction to project-based learning and physical computing. The skills and knowledge you gain from this course can be applied to a wide range of web development projects.
Computer Programmer
This course provides a strong foundation for those getting into Computer Programming. The course delves into the fundamentals of physical computing such as hardware platforms and different learning theories and concepts that underpin a Project-Based Learning pedagogy. The course materials can be useful when beginning your journey to become a Computer Programmer.
Information Technology Specialist
Pursuing this course may help you get into the field of Informational Technology. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of physical computing and project-based learning. With this knowledge, you will be well-equipped to enter the field of Information Technology.
Computational Scientist
This course may be useful for an individual pursuing a career as a Computational Scientist. The course content introduces you to physical computing, which can be useful for those working with simulations and modeling in scientific research.
Systems Analyst
Taking this course can help you to get into Systems Analysis. This course provides a thorough introduction to physical computing. The knowledge gained from this course will provide a solid foundation as you pursue becoming a Systems Analyst.
Database Administrator
Taking this course may be useful for a future Database Administrator. This course provides a foundational understanding of physical computing. The materials in this course can be useful as you pursue a career in Database Administration.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Teaching with Physical Computing: Introduction to Project-Based Learning.
This beginner-friendly guide provides a comprehensive introduction to physical computing using Arduino, covering topics such as sensors, actuators, and interfacing with the physical world.
This official guide to the Raspberry Pi single-board computer provides detailed information on its hardware, software, and programming, making it a valuable reference for those using Raspberry Pi in physical computing projects.
This comprehensive reference guide to the C++ programming language is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers. It covers the latest features of C++, including object-oriented programming, templates, and the Standard Template Library.
This practical guide to electronics provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of electronics, including circuits, components, and troubleshooting.
This beginner-friendly guide to Python programming provides a solid foundation for those new to programming. It covers the basics of Python syntax, data structures, and control flow.
This practical guide provides invaluable insights into the art of teaching science, covering principles, strategies, and best practices to effectively engage students and foster their understanding.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems design, covering topics such as processors, memory, peripherals, and real-time operating systems.
This accessible book explores the latest research on how people learn, providing insights into cognitive processes and effective teaching strategies.
This influential book explores the challenges and opportunities faced by established companies in the face of disruptive technologies and business models.
This popular book introduces the Lean Startup methodology, emphasizing the importance of building, measuring, and learning quickly to validate business ideas.

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