Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/computational-thinking-block-programming-k12-education
**Course Review: Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education** As the digital age advances, fostering computational thinking in K-12 education has become increasingly crucial. The course *Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education*, offered by the University of California San Diego on Coursera, stands out as an exemplary opportunity for educators to enrich their teaching toolkit. ### Course Overview This course is designed specifically for educators looking to integrate computational thinking and block-based programming into their curriculum. With a practical approach, the course prepares teachers to tackle the challenges of teaching programming concepts in an engaging and accessible manner for K-12 students. ### Syllabus Breakdown The course comprises several modules, each focusing on fundamental aspects of computational thinking and programming: 1. **Sequences and Loops** [Learn More](https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-k12-educators-sequences-loops) The journey begins with understanding how to provide instructions to a computer. Educators will learn that programming can be approachable, even for beginners, as they explore the basics of sequences and loops. 2. **Variables and Nested Loops** [Learn More](https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-variables-nested-loops) Moving forward, the course delves into variables and their role in programming. Educators will engage learners in projects, such as creating a movie scene or an interactive story, which demonstrate abstraction skills. 3. **Conditional Loops and If Statements** [Learn More](https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-conditional-loops-if-statement) In this module, educators learn to teach students about decision-making in programming, illustrated through game creation that involves interactive elements, enabling students to grasp if-then logic. 4. **Nested If Statements and Compound Conditionals** [Learn More](https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-nested-if-statement-compound-conditionals) This section challenges educators to guide students in programming more complex logic, such as "choose your own adventure" games, enhancing critical thinking skills. 5. **Abstraction, Methods, and Lists** [Learn More](https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-abstraction-methods) Abstraction is further explored, giving educators tools to help students understand how gaming and interactivity can be manipulated through code. 6. **Capstone Project** [Learn More](https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-k12-educators-capstone) Finally, the course culminates in a capstone project, allowing educators to apply the knowledge gained throughout. Participants will devise a project that showcases how to effectively support students in computational thinking. ### Why This Course Stands Out - **Expertise from UC San Diego**: The course leverages the knowledge of educators from a prestigious university, ensuring participants receive high-quality content. - **Hands-On Approach**: Instead of dry theoretical lessons, the course emphasizes practical applications, allowing educators to engage their students meaningfully. - **Tailored for K-12 Settings**: The curriculum is specifically designed with K-12 education in mind, making it highly relevant to teachers in this field. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend *Computational Thinking & Block Programming in K-12 Education* for any educator looking to enhance their programming instructional methods. Whether you are new to coding or an experienced teacher looking to refresh your skills, this course provides a comprehensive, user-friendly experience. By the end of the course, educators will not only feel confident in their ability to teach programming but also inspire a new generation of students to embrace technology creatively. If you’re ready to enrich your teaching and provide students with essential skills for the future, enroll in this course today and embark on a transformative journey into the world of computational thinking and programming!
https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-k12-educators-sequences-loops
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Sequences and LoopsOffered by University of California San Diego. How do we give instructions to a computer? Isn't programming hard? Not really! Whether ...
https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-variables-nested-loops
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Variables and Nested LoopsOffered by University of California San Diego. How can students learn about abstraction by creating a movie scene? Or make an interactive ...
https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-conditional-loops-if-statement
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Conditional Loops and If StatementsOffered by University of California San Diego. Want to make a game that ends when you "catch" an object by clicking on it? Or maybe you get ...
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Nested If Statements and Compound ConditionalsOffered by University of California San Diego. How could you program a complex "choose your own adventure" game? How can your soccer game ...
https://www.coursera.org/learn/block-programming-k12-educators-abstraction-methods
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators: Abstraction, Methods, and ListsOffered by University of California San Diego. How do gamers cause things to happen when they hit buttons on their controller? How does the ...
https://www.coursera.org/learn/computational-thinking-k12-educators-capstone
Computational Thinking for K-12 Educators CapstoneOffered by University of California San Diego. In this capstone project course, you will learn to support your students in successfully ...
Offered by University of California San Diego. Teach Computational Thinking. Be prepared to teach block-based programming in K-12 settings