Block-Based Coding

GOALS:

• Students will become familiar with the concept of procedural logic in an easy-to-digest manner.

• Students will work together to understand why algorithms are important.

OVERVIEW:

Students will learn rudimentary algorithm by designing a pre-configured video game. In “Block-Based Coding”, students will learn the basics of coding logic.

They will learn, as it were, the “ABCs” of a new language called “coding/programming”!

“Block-Based Coding” is designed to help learn the basics and fundamentals of any programming language by using simple, single commands/actions to instruct the technology environment and teach it goals and tasks.

Pre-configured blocks are used from a toolbox to place and order sequentially on-screen instructions for the character to perform, in this case, an alien!

As the students move through each level, they will build upon each lesson designing and building a simulated video game.

Each level will increase in difficulty, complexity, variability and most importantly….in fun!

The students will learn how to problem solve by facing various obstacles within the game.

Students will learn to be creative by finding new ways of coding…There is always more than one way to solve a problem!

In the end, students will have the tools to build their confidence in planning, designing, problem solving and creating!

Coding/programming is like any other language! It is a way of communicating your ideas, expressing yourself, instructing, teaching, learning, exploring…

In this case, we are trying to communicate with a computer and not a human being 😉

And just like with human beings, we must be prudent, patient, kind, efficient, precise, intentional, and most importantly…always ready to learn…when we are communicating and interacting with technology!

This is a very useful tool not just for the techs of the world, but for anyone who wants to increase their cognitive skills and ability to communicate effectively!

BUT CODING IS SOOOOOOO HARD!

Here is where the Power of YET comes in to play…

YET!

I don’t know how to do this…YET!

I can’t do this…YET!

I’m not good at this…YET!

This doesn’t work…YET!

I don’t get this…YET!

It doesn’t make sense…YET!

The Power of YET

I can’t do that…ends a story

I can’t do that YET…means anything is possible!

Happy coding!

Mr. Carlos 🙂