Basic Programming

This microcredential will provide the basics of beginning programming. This is #5 of the K-12 Computer Science credential.

MICROCREDENTIAL ID: ETEC-KCS-0015
CREDENTIAL: K-12 Computer Science
CREDITS: 1.0 CEU (10 hours)
AUTHOR: Dr. Emily Baumgartner

Licensure Disclosure: EHHS Credentials and Microcredentials do not lead to an Ohio Department of Education (ODE) recognized licensure and/or endorsement preparation program.

Registration

How to Earn This Microcredential

Participants will need to submit a set of evidence demonstrating their understanding of basic programming and how these topics will be implemented in the curriculum. Additionally, participants will also complete a short written reflection analysis.

Fees

Participants submitting this microcredential for review will be assessed an administrative fee of $50. Participants who successfully complete the microcredential will receive a certificate showing completion of 1.0 CEU.

Why Get This Microcredential?

This microcredential is part of the K-12 Computer Science credential. This microcredential will help the educator understand basic skills of one of two programming languages. This credential must be completed sequentially starting with Microcredential #1 in the K-12 Computer Science credential. First, the educator gains background on computer and networking systems and how data gets stored. Next, the educator will gain experience in algorithms, which is an essential component prior to programming. The next microcredential will explore basic programming, which can be translated to many different activities in the classroom. Finally, the impacts of computing are explored in the last microcredential.

Important Terms

Code - Code or source code is a term used to describe a written set of instructions, written using the protocols of a particular language, such as Java, C, or Python.
Expression - An expression is a legal grouping of letters, symbols, and numbers being used to represent the value of one or more variables. Expressions are highly used in a number of programming languages and many other programs, with each having its own set of legal and illegal expressions. Every expression contains one or more operands (objects being manipulated) and operators (symbols representing actions).
Loop - A loop is a sequence of instructions that repeat the same process over and over until a condition is met and it receives the order to stop. In a loop, the program asks a question, and if the answer directs the program to perform an action, the action is performed, and the loop runs again, performing the same task. It runs until the answer is such that no action is required, and the code can proceed further. Loops are considered one of the most basic and powerful concepts in programming.
Program - A computer program is termed as an organized collection of instructions, which when executed perform a specific task or function. A program is processed by the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer before it is executed.
Variable - A value that can change, depending on conditions or on information passed to the program.

Benefits of this Microcredential

Programming is the bread and butter of the computer science credential. It is important to learn how a program is structured prior to starting to program. Learning a computer programming language can translate to many other different types of languages. These can also translate to coding robots and microcontrollers. This microcredential will introduce participants to Scratch and the Python programming language.

Standards

Evidence Review

Candidates interested in earning this microcredential must submit three pieces of evidence: one piece related to learning, one related to implementing, and one related to reflecting.

When you are ready for your evidence review, submit your pieces of evidence for feedback from a qualified instructor.

Evidence Review Submission Form

Learning

Required Resources

For Elementary educators
- Complete the “Getting Started” tutorial on the Scratch website
  - https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tutorial=getStarted
  - Helpful intro video (1:41): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssoRNCtmhVM
- Choose two additional tutorials to complete on the tutorial page
For middle and high school educators
- These resources explore the Python programming language. This language is a great starting point for learning programming, and the skills can translate to other languages.
- Choose one:
  - Complete the “Learn the Basics” tutorial on https://www.learnpython.org/
    - The test is not required
  - Complete the Get Started, Syntax, Comments, Variables, Data Types, Numbers, Casting, Strings, Booleans, Operators, and If..Else tutorials on https://www.w3schools.com/python/
- Explore other advanced tutorials on either site
  - Datacamp.com and codeacademy.com are other resources for learning Python

Additional Resources

Download Python
- https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/Download
Tutorials for Scratch
- https://www.create-learn.us/blog/how-to-create-a-game-on-scratch/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN_Zos7Fxac
Tutorials for Python
- Learn Python in one hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqtD5dpn9C8
- Python full course for beginners (6 hours)
  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc

Required Evidence

For elementary educators, create a Scratch program that utilizes 2 sprites, sounds, movement, and an if-else block. Submit the link to this program. Note, the program must be shared for the link to work.
For other educators, create a Python program that swaps two variables, where the user can input x and y.
- Submit the code in a Notepad or Word file.

Evidence Review Criteria

Criterion 1: Program is free of errors and issues.
Criterion 2: Program runs successfully and meets goals.

Implementing

Required Resources

The following resources describe how to implement programming in the classroom
- Elementary educators
  - Read through the resources here: https://scratch.mit.edu/educators#:~:text=Scratch%20for%20Educators,for%20everyone%20in%20today's%20society.
- Other educators
  - Read through python in education site https://education.python.org/resources/resource/list

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

Required Evidence

Describe a program that your students could create in class in either Python or Scratch in a short paragraph. Feel free to include a worksheet you give your students. Submit in Word format.
Have your students create this program. Submit 2-3 examples.
- If you are using Scratch, the program can be shared if it is marked as public See instructions here.
- If you are using Python, submit the programs in a Word or Notepad file
Be sure to implement the appropriate standards:
- 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/

Evidence Review Criteria

Criterion 1: Evidence demonstrates instructor applies programming effectively in the classroom.
Criterion 2: Evidence demonstrates student understanding of corresponding standards.

Reflecting

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:
- How do you intend to increase your understanding of programming?
- How can you find creative ways to incorporate programming into your existing 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.

Questions?

Email pd@kent.edu.

Basic Programming