Algorithms

Required Resources

• The following resources help to explore what algorithms are.
  • Watch “Computer Science Basics - Algorithms” video (2:29)
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM9ASKAni_s
  • Read Algorithms for Kids
    • https://www.idtech.com/blog/algorithms-for-kids
  • Watch “Crash Course” video (11:43)
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL8X2mlNHPM
  • Read Examples of Algorithms
    • https://junilearning.com/blog/guide/what-are-algorithms/#:~:text=Algorithms%20are%20all%20around%20us,all%20examples%20of%20an%20algorithm.
• Read flowcharts in programming
  • https://www.programiz.com/article/flowchart-programming
  • https://www.zenflowchart.com/guides/pseudocode-flowchart

Additional Resources

• A System to help teaching and learning algorithms https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6462374
• Full course (5 hours) on algorithms
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hly31xKli0
• Machine Learning in education
  • https://data-flair.training/blogs/machine-learning-in-education/
• Article on modular design
  • https://isaaccomputerscience.org/concepts/soft_design_modular?examBoard=all&stage=all

Required Evidence

• Create a flowchart (using Word, Visio, Canva, or whatever program necessary) to demonstrate an algorithm in everyday life. This should have at least 5 steps. See example here. Insert the screenshot, as a separate page, into the document required below.
• Submit a 1-2 page explaining what an algorithm is and provide 3-4 examples of an algorithm in everyday life.
  • Formatting – One to two pages maximum; double-spaced, no smaller than 11pt font.
  • Use references to support your claims. References do not count towards the 1-2 page minimum/maximum. Any format for references is allowed but APA is preferred.
    •  APA Formatting and Style Guide
    • APA Citation Generator

Evidence Review Criteria

• Criterion 1: Educator understands the definition and can provide examples of algorithms.
• Criterion 2: Educator can create a flowchart using the proper symbols for an algorithm in everyday life.

Required Resources

• There are no required resources; however, you are encouraged to visit at least one additional resource.

Additional Resources

• Instructional strategies for CS: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Computer-Science/Resources-for-Computer-Science/Instructional-Strategies-for-Computer-Science
• INFOhio Curriculum ideas:
  https://www.infohio.org/blog/item/computer-science-fundamentals-curriculum-from-codeorg-added-to-open-space
• Code.org https://code.org/
• Computer Science lesson plans:
  https://microcredentials.digitalpromise.org/explore?page_size=24&page=1&organization__name=UTeach%20Computer%20Science
• Computer science unit plans:
  http://www.exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ExploringComputerScience-v5.0.pdf
• Teaching algorithms for high school students: https://schools.zenva.com/teaching-algorithms/
• Presentation tips
  • Microsoft – Tips for creating and delivering an effective presentation
  • Vanderbilt Center for Teaching – Making better PowerPoint Presentations
• PowerPoint Alternatives
  • Google Slides
  • LibreOffice
  • Powtoon
  • Prezi

Required Evidence

• Create a PowerPoint (or PowerPoint alternative) introducing algorithms to your students with appropriate material related to their grade level.
  • Be sure to incorporate the standards into your presentation.
    • Ohio: https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Computer-Science/Ohio-s-Learning-Standards-in-Computer-Science/Computer-Science-Standards_Adopted-2018.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US
    • CSTA: https://csteachers.org/documents/en-us/d227e2a4-ce35-434e-a20b-24355d11b015/1/
  • There is no minimum number of slides. However, future participants listening to the presentation should be able to clearly learn from the slides presented.
  • Slide notes should be included as either a transcript of what will be said or a list of key ideas that will be covered on the slide.
• Create an activity for students to complete where they are making an algorithm (submit worksheet or a paragraph describing the activity). Implement this in the classroom.
• Submit both pieces of required evidence as one document.

Evidence Review Criteria

• Evidence of preparation and planning
  • Criterion 1: Evidence demonstrates instructor applies applicable lesson to corresponding standard.
  • Criterion 2: Evidence demonstrates appropriate assessment for corresponding standard.
• Evidence of Implementing
  • Criterion 1: Evidence demonstrates student understanding of corresponding standards.

Required Resources

• If you are new to writing reflections, or this is your first microcredential, then please visit at least one of the additional resources.

Additional Resources

• EduBirdie - Speaking Your Mind: How to Write a Reflection Paper
• Trent University – How to Write a Reflection Paper

Required Evidence

• Submit a document that considers these two questions:
  • What improvements could be made to the lesson plan previously implemented in this section?
  • What other aspects of algorithms could be explored in other subject areas in the curricula?
• Formatting – One to two pages maximum; double-spaced, no smaller than 11pt font.
• No references are required.

Evidence Review Criteria

• Criterion 1: The reflective analysis indicates the educator continually learns and increases their knowledge base.
• Criterion 2: The reflective analysis identifies other appropriate areas for integration of CS curricula.