What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hoursAssessment
At the end, each student will have an opportunity to share their feelings about coding and what they learned.Class Experience
This course works best when the learners are using a computer as it provides the most interaction. An ipad and chromebook are perfectly acceptable, just be aware the interaction has limits with each. As a teacher, I am able to adapt my lesson to get the most participation possible out of every learner. Students will learn the very basics of what coding is. Boomer will come to class and we will talk about commands you can give a dog. I will then compare giving a dog commands to giving a computer commands. The learners will watch a video that explains how coding relates to us, coding, algorithms and debugging. After the video the learners will practice creating algorithms to get Boomer to his house. This will be done verbally so learners can start to learn the vocabulary. I will take the learners to Code.org on my computer and they will interact with my computer to learn how to build an algorithm using blocks. Next, we put the two skills together (the vocabulary and the block building) to tell a character on the screen what to do. This helps to build the skill of coding in a controlled setting. We then talk about getting creative with coding and the learners all have a chance to get a character to a certain place by giving their own algorithm. This is an important part of the class, I can see where the learners are at in coding, and how much they understand. If time allows, we work on the concept of making a plan before starting to code. This class is a great start for any learner to understand what coding is. Coding is also a great way to build social and emotional skills that include, perseverance, resilience and problem solving as well as creativity and innovation. After class is over, I will send out links to all the activities we did so the learners can practice independently on their own device.
Learning Goals
Students will learn 3 vocabulary words, algorithm, program and debugging. They will begin to understand how to give a specific set of directions, and when the directions don't work, they will be able to find the mistake and fix it. They will also learn why coding is important.
Other Details
Supply List
The students will not need any materials to purchase, they just need the computer that can access code.org once class is over.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
https://code.org/ but the student will not need an account. We will do all the work together on my account.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Oakland University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University
Coding is a part of the computer science curriculum that is currently lacking in schools. I believe that all kids can code and it allows them to become creators and inventors, which is what we need our children to do as they get older. I have been a computer teacher for 15 years and have taught kindergarten through 6th grade about coding. I have found that coding is not a technical skill, but builds social emotional intelligence in kids. By starting at the beginning, with simple vocabulary and very basic ideas, children start to see the value and are willing to explore on their own, knowing failure is necessary for success.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$18
per classMeets once
60 min
Completed by 743 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-8
1-6 learners per class