Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - hybrid CJ229 / F01
Summary
Take your first steps towards teaching programming within Design and Technology, during this course you’ll explore different programming techniques and how to apply them to popular platforms such as Crumbles and Micro:Bits.
You’ll consider how use-modify-create and PRIMM can be used in the classroom to support students with their programming understanding. You’ll find out how algorithms are designed and how programs are written to provide clear instructions to machines.
Learn about how computers store and process data, including a practical activity to introduce the binary number system into the primary classroom.
Create some simple block-based computer programs and discover how to map them into simple text-based programs. Use your knowledge to write programs that can handle user input and manipulate variable values before outputting simple messages to the screen.
Who is it for?
This course is for primary teachers, teaching design and technology and/or computing who may be new to the subject, or who may have taught computing in earlier years.
No prior experience or knowledge of computing is expected before attending this course. It is advised that you become familiar with the National Curriculum in Computing before participating.
What topics are covered?
- 01 | Programming using Crumble / Micro:Bit - this session will introduce you to the platforms Crumble or Micro:Bit. Using your selected platform, you’ll use and modify your own working programs, starting with basic programming techniques.
- 02 | Creating solutions using Crumble / Micro:Bit - during this session you’ll have the opportunity to create your own working programs, using programming techniques that you’ve explored during the first session.
- 03 | Going further with Crumble / Micro:Bit – develop your programming skills further by using loops and variables. During this session you’ll use, modify and create your own working programs using loops and variables.
- 04 | Introduction to algorithms – from the instructions you might give to make the perfect cup of tea, to the steps needed to sort a list alphabetically, this session will introduce algorithms. You’ll discover the three key constructs that comprise all algorithms at this level, and how to describe algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode.
- 05 | Creating algorithms – this session will allow you to start creating your own algorithms represented in both flowcharts and pseudocode.
- 06 | Essentials of computer programming – computers do not understand English as humans do. To get a computer to carry out the instructions contained in an algorithm, a computer program must be written. In this session you’ll find out how the basics are expressed in a simple block-based language, as well as looking at transitioning into a text-based language.
- 07 | Creating programs – this session will allow you to start developing your own computer programs, starting in a block-based language allowing you to get to grips with the programming constructs sequencing, selection and iteration before again considering transitioning into a text based language.
- 08 | What is data? – data is all around us, in written and electronic formats. Computers handle data in the form of binary – ones and zeros that can represent the dates, alphabetical characters, images and so on that are important to us humans. You’ll carry out basic data-handling operations through simple programs, changing inputted data into different outputted data.
- 09 | Using data? – this session will allow you to get to grips with different number systems (denary, binary and hex) - including conversions between them.
How will you learn?
Scheduled interactive face-to-face and live online sessions led by an experienced practitioner.
Flexible facilitator-supported, participant-led tasks, involving deep exploration of the subject content.
How long is this course?
This course is approximately ten hours in duration, split across several days: a face to face component followed by 2 remote twilight sessions.
This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.
Who is the course leader?
-
Lynne Blair
Lead PDL (Professional Development Leader)
... -
Outcomes
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Develop basic programming skills using different platforms including Crumbles or Micro:Bits
- Understand how use-modify-create can be used to support students with programming skills
- Learn about algorithms, how they are usually represented, and some of their most common applications
- Recognise and use the basic building blocks of programming: sequence, selection and repetition
- Explore developing code using block-based and text-based programming
- Understand how binary, denary and hexadecimal are used to represent numbers, and why this is important for computer science
Sessions
| Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 23 November 2021 | 09:00-10:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 3 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 23 November 2021 | 10:30-12:00 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 4 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 23 November 2021 | 12:00-12:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 2 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 23 November 2021 | 13:00-14:45 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 5 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 23 November 2021 | 14:45-16:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 6 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 30 November 2021 | 16:00-17:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 7 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 30 November 2021 | 17:30-17:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 8 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 09 December 2021 | 16:00-17:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
| 9 Introduction to algorithms, programming and data for D&T teachers - remote | 09 December 2021 | 16:00-17:30 | J36 Rural Auction Centre |
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Fees & Subsidies
Included in your CPD subscription
Our remote CPD courses for teachers are delivered across a series of sessions run at specific times and dates. Information on all course sessions can be found under the description of each course. To complete a course, all sessions are mandatory.
Are you a state-funded Special School or PRU unit in England? You may be eligible for reduced course fees and even subsidies. Get in touch to check your eligibility and book your place directly. You can see our fees and subsidy information here.
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