Learn to Teach Java: Boolean Expressions, If Statements, and Iteration from Coursera

Learn to program with Boolean Expressions, If Statement, and For and While Loops 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 selection (if statements) and iteration (loops), as covered in the APCS A Units 3 and 4. 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.

Boolean Expressions and If Statements (Unit 3): Learn as a Student

Programs would be very boring (and not useful) if they always performed the same instructions every time we ran them. We'll see how boolean expressions can be sued to control selection (if statements) to allow instructions be done based on some condition (e.g, randomness or user input). Using CS Awesome, we'll learn to create boolean expressions including logical AND and OR operators and how to use these to control if statements to allow programs to check conditions to vary behavior.

Boolean Expressions and If Statements (Unit 3): 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), learn how these concepts are commonly assessed, prepare to help students who are having trouble with CS Awesome assessments, and begin to scaffold students problem solving skills. Finally, you can check your own Unit 3 Java and Java Teacher mastery on our end of Unit 3 quizzes.

Iteration (Unit 4): Learn as a Student

Iteration, the power to repeat a set of instructions, is where the full power of computing comes from. Really, without it, we wouldn't have computers. Using CS Awesome, we'll learn to define conditional (while) and counted (for) loops and start to see the kind of more interesting things we can do with loops!

Iteration (Unit 4): 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 learn how these concepts are commonly assessed. This Unit we have a large number of resources not found in CS Awesome to help students understand how they can use the Java concepts we've learned to solve some real-world problems. Finally, you can check your own Unit 4 Java and Java Teacher mastery on our end of Unit 4 quizzes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores boolean expressions, if statements, and loops, which are core to Java

Geared towards teachers, especially those teaching APCS A or a similar introductory university-level programming course

Provides materials and resources to support teachers in their teaching

Taught by experienced educators in computer science who are actively involved in teaching and research

Based on the free, online interactive CS Awesome textbook

May require students to have some prior programming experience or knowledge

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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 Learn to Teach Java: Boolean Expressions, If Statements, and Iteration with these activities:

Review Programming Basics

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Brush up on programming fundamentals to strengthen your foundation for Java concepts.

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Review notes or revisit materials from previous programming courses.
Practice writing simple code snippets.

Read Head First Java

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Complement your learning by reading a recommended textbook that provides in-depth coverage of Java concepts.

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

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Acquire a copy of the book.
Read the chapters relevant to the course content.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.

Follow Java Tutorials

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Enhance your understanding by following video or written tutorials on Java concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Boolean Expressions

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Identify the specific topic you want to learn.
Search for tutorials on online platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
Follow the tutorial steps and complete any practice exercises.

Four other activities

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Practice Coding Exercises

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Complete coding exercises to solidify your understanding of Java syntax and concepts.

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Identify the concept you need to practice.
Find online resources or textbooks with practice problems.
Solve the practice problems.
Check your solutions against provided answers.

Join Study Groups

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Collaborate with peers to discuss concepts, solve problems, and reinforce understanding.

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Find or create a study group with classmates.
Set regular meeting times.
Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials and identifying questions.
Actively participate in discussions and problem-solving.

Create a Java Presentation

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Enhance your understanding by presenting a topic related to Java to your peers.

Browse courses on Boolean Expressions

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Choose a specific Java concept or application to present.
Research and gather information from reliable sources.
Develop a clear presentation structure and visual aids.
Practice delivering your presentation to improve confidence.
Present to your peers and answer any questions.

Develop a Java Project

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Apply your knowledge by creating a project that demonstrates your proficiency in Java concepts.

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Identify a problem or application that you want to solve.
Design the architecture and functionality of your project.
Implement the project using Java concepts covered in the course.
Test and debug your project to ensure it functions correctly.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Teach Java: Boolean Expressions, If Statements, and Iteration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Java Developer

**Java Developers** work on teams creating software solutions using the Java programming language. They typically write code for both desktop and mobile applications, working alongside other developers to design and test products. This course helps build a foundation in Java, from boolean expressions and if statements to iteration, providing foundational skills necessary to become a Java Developer. It may also be helpful for those interested in moving into Java development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Java Developer

Computer Programmer

**Computer Programmers** write and maintain the code for software applications, websites, and other computing technologies. While this course may not cover the full range of skills required for a Computer Programmer, it provides valuable foundational knowledge in Java programming, a popular language used for developing software applications. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in learning more about Java programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Engineer

**Software Engineers** design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work on projects from start to finish, from gathering requirements to testing and deploying final products. This course helps build a foundation in Java programming, a popular language used for software development, from boolean expressions and if statements to iteration. While this course may not cover the full range of skills required for a Software Engineer, it provides valuable foundational knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

**Web Developers** design, create, and maintain websites. They work with a variety of programming languages, including Java, to create interactive and user-friendly web experiences. While this course may not cover the full range of skills required for a Web Developer, it provides valuable foundational knowledge in Java programming, from boolean expressions and if statements to iteration, which may be helpful for those interested in learning more about Java programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

**Data Scientists** use data to solve business problems. They use programming languages, such as Java, to analyze and interpret data, and build models to predict future outcomes and guide decision-making. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be useful for aspiring Data Scientists, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

**Business Analysts** analyze and improve business processes and systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and improve efficiency. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Business Analysts, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Systems Analyst

**Systems Analysts** analyze and design business processes and systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and improve efficiency. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Systems Analysts, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Tester

**Software Testers** test and evaluate software products to ensure they meet quality standards. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs, and ensure that software is reliable and user-friendly. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Software Testers, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Quality Assurance Analyst

**Quality Assurance Analysts** test and evaluate software products to ensure they meet quality standards. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs, and ensure that software is reliable and user-friendly. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Quality Assurance Analysts, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

**Technical Writers** create documentation and other materials to explain complex technical concepts. They work with engineers, scientists, and other experts to translate technical information into clear and concise language. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Technical Writers, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Network Administrator

**Network Administrators** manage and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and securely, and that users have access to the resources they need. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Network Administrators, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

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Computer Support Specialist

**Computer Support Specialists** provide technical support to users of computers and other electronic devices. They help users troubleshoot problems, install software, and maintain hardware. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Computer Support Specialists, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

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Database Administrator

**Database Administrators** manage and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and securely, and that users have access to the data they need. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Database Administrators, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

**Computer Systems Analysts** analyze and design computer systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and improve efficiency. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Computer Systems Analysts, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

**Information Security Analysts** protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement security measures, and investigate and respond to security incidents. This course provides a foundation in Java programming, which may be helpful for aspiring Information Security Analysts, covering topics such as boolean expressions, if statements, and iteration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst