Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-k12-educators-sequences-loops
In today’s digital age, understanding the basics of programming is becoming increasingly essential, not just for students but also for educators. Coursera’s course, ‘Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Sequences and Loops,’ offers a fantastic introduction to the foundational concepts of programming, making it an excellent choice for teachers looking to enhance their skills in computational thinking.
### Course Overview
This course is designed to demystify programming by connecting it to everyday experiences. It emphasizes that programming isn’t as hard as it seems; in fact, we engage in computational thinking daily, whether we’re giving directions or choreographing a dance. The course focuses on two key concepts: sequences of instructions and basic repetition of instructions, which are fundamental to programming.
### Syllabus Breakdown
The course is structured into several engaging modules:
1. **Course Orientation**: Here, you meet Dr. Simon and your fellow learners, setting the stage for an interactive learning experience.
2. **Computational Thinking and Sequences**: This module encourages reflection on how computational thinking manifests in our lives. You’ll brainstorm real-world tasks and create a block-based program in Snap, enhancing your understanding of sequences.
3. **More Sequences**: Dive into programming puzzles and create Snap programs while considering potential student challenges. You’ll also explore code.org curriculums to develop assessment questions.
4. **Repeats**: Learn to streamline instructions for a robotic friend and tackle programming puzzles that incorporate repeats. This module reinforces your knowledge through practical exercises.
5. **More Repeats**: Building on previous lessons, this module introduces challenges in programming with repeats, allowing you to analyze feedback from code.org’s platform.
6. **Equity & Pedagogy**: This final module addresses critical questions about who is learning computer science and how it is taught. You’ll evaluate various pedagogical techniques, including pair programming, to understand their effectiveness in teaching CS.
### Why You Should Take This Course
This course is not just for those who want to teach programming; it’s for anyone interested in enhancing their computational thinking skills. The hands-on approach, combined with real-world applications, makes learning engaging and relevant. Additionally, the focus on equity and pedagogy ensures that educators are equipped to teach diverse learners effectively.
### Conclusion
‘Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Sequences and Loops’ is a must-take course for educators looking to integrate programming into their teaching. With its practical approach and emphasis on real-world applications, it empowers teachers to foster a love for computer science in their students. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in enhancing their teaching toolkit and embracing the world of programming.
### Tags
1. #ComputationalThinking
2. #ProgrammingForEducators
3. #CourseraReview
4. #K12Education
5. #TeachingTech
6. #ComputerScience
7. #OnlineLearning
8. #EdTech
9. #ProfessionalDevelopment
10. #CodingForKids
### Topic
Introduction to Programming for Educators
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-k12-educators-sequences-loops