What's included
8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
Homework is to do the programming activity.Assessment
Informal feedback. More formal assessment is available by parent or student request.Grading
Grades are provided by request.Class Experience
Intermediate Level
Students will learn how to program a virtual VEX robot to move through various virtual "playgrounds" using Python programming language. This class is an excellent choice for those who are ready to move from block-based to text-based programming. For each class, the teacher will introduce the lesson, and then model it using screen sharing in a pre-recorded video. Students can work along as the teacher demonstrates by watching, pausing, and rewinding the video as they complete the tasks on the Vex VR website. Students will be encouraged to download their code and submit it or send a screenshot. My teaching style is structured, but also informal and flexible. I will encourage students to ask questions or to share their ideas and solutions after viewing each lesson. This course was originally designed to be a weekly class lasting eight weeks, but students may work through this course at their own pace. Students can generally expect feedback on their submitted projects or questions within 48 hours. This is very much a hands-on "watch and try" format. I have extensive experience working with all types of learners and my classes are autism/ADHD/LD-friendly and open to all learners. Students will need to know how to type in a URL to get to the site we will be using and how to click and drag-and-drop on their device. Basic typing skills are a plus. This programming website works on many platforms: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad or Android tablet.
Learning Goals
Students will learn basic text-based Python coding skills to navigate a virtual robot through different courses or "playgrounds". Skills learned include basic movement, loops and conditionals, using robotic sensor inputs.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction
This week will have a general introduction to the website and the programming tools.
Lesson 2:
Moving Your Robot
Students will learn how to move the robot forward, backwards, right and left, and how to sequence these commands to meet the goal of knocking all the Castle Crasher pieces off the table.
Lesson 3:
Repeating Behaviors
Students will learn how to use repeat loops and the pen tool to create a drawing as their robot drives on the playground.
Lesson 4:
Programming the Bumper Switch
We will use the robot's sensor input to program the robot to navigate a maze using the Bumper Switch.
Other Details
Learning Needs
I welcome diverse learners in my classes and am willing to provide accommodations to help them.
Parental Guidance
Students will use the https://vr.vex.com website to complete the projects in this class. No account creation is required.
Pre-Requisites
Beginning computer skills.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Texas Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Indiana Teaching Certificate
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Wilkes University
Bachelor's Degree from Ball State University
I am a Certified Robotics Instructor (VEX Robotics). I have taught VEX robotics programming since 2013 to students in public and private school settings and online since 2018.
I have 5 public school teaching certifications/licenses:
Technology Education. Grades 6-12. Expires 7/31/2029 (Texas)
Technology Applications. Grades EC-12. Expires 7/31/2029 (Texas)
Special Education. Grades EC-12. Expires 7/31/2029 (Texas)
Computer Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12. Expires 07/15/2028
(Indiana)
Technology Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12. Expires 07/15/2028
(Indiana)
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$15
weekly or $119 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 4 learners
Choose your start date
Ages: 13-18