What's included
9 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. includedAssessment
Informal written feedback.Grading
Grades by request.Class Experience
Beginner Level
Students will learn how to program a virtual VEX robot to move through various virtual "playgrounds" using a programming interface based on Scratch (no previous Scratch knowledge necessary). For each class, the teacher will introduce the lesson, and then model it using screen sharing. 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. Other students will be encouraged to help with troubleshooting and problem-solving ideas. 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 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. There is very minimal reading involved, so this is an ideal class for students with reading challenges. 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. This programming website works on many platforms: Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad or Android tablet.
Learning Goals
Students will learn basic block-based 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
9 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Lesson 1 - Introduction
General introduction to the website and the programming tools. Students will learn how to move the robot forward, backwards, right and left
Lesson 2:
Lesson 2 - Castle Crasher
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:
Lesson 3 - Drawing and Repeat Loops
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:
Lesson 4 - Bumper Switch
Students will use the robot's sensor input to program the robot to navigate a maze using the Bumper Switch.
Other Details
Learning Needs
I have extensive experience working with all types of learners and my classes are autism/ADHD/LD-friendly and open to all learners. There is very minimal reading involved, so this is an ideal class for students with reading challenges.
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
Basic 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. (Texas)
Technology Applications. Grades EC-12. (Texas)
Special Education. Grades EC-12. (Texas)
Computer Education. REPA 3, Grades 5-12. (Indiana)
Technology Education. REPA-3, Grades 5-12. (Indiana)
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$13
weekly or $99 for all content9 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 1 learner
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Ages: 9-14