Perttu Pyylampi
How do you define programming? Have you ever programmed?
Programming is giving instructions to a machine. -> Even a young pupil can create simple instructions Programming isn’t necessary difficult but it will offer endlessly challenges! Variations in different platforms -> from setting alarm in your phone to complicated programming languages
Programming will be part of Finnish curriculum in Programming is integrated in different subjects, for example in math. WHY? -> Knowing the basics of programming is seen as a part of common knowledge.
- Teaching programming is teaching to think. 1. Decompose problem in to small parts. ”It’s like giving driving instructions” 2. Recognizing patterns. ”Does same solution work next time?” 3. Build an algorithm. ”Good cook can create a recipe” 4. Make universal solution
Grades 1-2 (age 7-8). Teaching right ways to think through games. Grades 3-6 (age 9-12). Visual programming enviroments. Using tools which doesn’t require writing code Grades 7-9 (age 13-15). Learning basics of code writing (JavaScript, Python, Ruby etc.). + Mobile applications.
Useful links: Csunplugged.org e.g Harold the robot Drtechniko.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/how- to-train-your-robot Newit.org/resources/computer-science-box- unplug-your-curriculum Cs4fn.org/teachers/activies
Useful programs and links for visual programming: Code.org Scratch Lightbot Kodu Alice App inventor Logo Turtle roy Hacketyhack Kidsruby Tryruby.org
Khanacademy W3 schools Udacity Codeacademy Code school Edx Mitopencourseware Processing Coursera Code avengers Code combat Ruby warrior Dash Kinestethic learning activites
Tynker Hopscotch Cargobot Kodable Hakitzu
And now the fun part... ;)
Build a robot which moves forward until it’s 30 centimeters from obstacle. When the robot reach 30 cm distance, it has to stop, reverse for two second and try again for 5 times.