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Computer Science - Vexcode Blocks - VR Virtual Robotics Programming - Level 1SP

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 9-14

Self-Paced Course

Learn robotics programming using a virtual robot and Scratch-like coding blocks

Sally Morris - Tech/SPED

Average rating:

4.8

Number of reviews:

(225 reviews)

Star Educator

9 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

9 pre-recorded lessons

8 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Homework

1 hour per week. included

Assessment

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 Weeks

Lesson 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.

Supply List

An internet-connected device running Windows or Mac OS, Chromebook, iPad or Android tablet.  The Chrome browser works best with the site.

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

VEX Robotics

Sources

Students will use the https://vr.vex.com website to complete the projects in this class. No account creation is required. Additional learning materials from Vex Robotics.

Meet the teacher

Sally Morris - Tech/SPED

Joined April, 2019

4.8

225reviews

Star Educator

Profile

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)