Introduction to Coding

Course Description

Dive into the world of coding with this engaging online course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of programming! Through hands-on projects and interactive lessons, students will learn the basics of coding languages like Python and JavaScript, developing essential skills in problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. This course is structured to help students build their own games, animations, and mini-projects, fostering an early understanding of how technology shapes the world. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this course offers a supportive environment to explore coding at your own pace, guided by live instruction and collaborative activities.

Key Skills Developed:

Foundational Programming Knowledge: Understanding of basic coding concepts, including variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and data types. Familiarity with coding languages will also be part of this course.

Logical and Computational Thinking: Developing algorithmic thinking to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps. Learning pattern recognition and sequencing to identify and implement solutions efficiently.

Problem-Solving Skills: Applying critical thinking, math, and logic to approach coding challenges in a structured way. Experimenting with multiple solutions, fostering adaptability and perseverance. Lastly, cultivating strategic thinking by planning and organizing code in structured formats to achieve a clear goal.

Creativity and Innovation: Designing and building original projects, including games, animations, and interactive stories, which encourage creative expression. Developing a personal coding style and approach, boosting confidence in self-expression.

Technical Proficiency with Coding Tools: Gaining confidence with coding environments such as code editors, IDEs (Integrated Development Environments), and online coding platforms. Learning to manage and organize files, projects, and libraries used in programming. Finally, understanding basic version control and how to save and update projects systematically.

Collaboration and Communication: Working on collaborative coding projects, gaining experience in peer review and constructive feedback. Communicating code structure and logic effectively with others, using comments and clear naming conventions. Building confidence in sharing projects and explaining code choices to peers and instructors.

Project Management and Planning: Learning how to plan, design, and execute coding projects from start to finish. Setting goals, creating project timelines, and managing tasks to build a structured approach to completing coding projects. Practicing troubleshooting strategies when encountering challenges, encouraging resilience and resourcefulness.

Materials

• Computer/Laptop with a web browser and an internet connection (MacOS or Windows are preferred, but any operating system is ok)

• Screen sharing capabilities on this computer/laptop (using Zoom)

• Coding environment/Platform (Always free; depending on the project, could be Roblox Studio, Khan Academy, Code.org, Scratch, IntelliJ IDEA, Visual Studio, VSCode)

• Accounts for these platforms

• Email account

• Notebook, pen/pencil

• Headphones with microphone, mouse (optional)

• Coding textbooks (recommended by the instructor if specific guidance is needed)