Code Literacy: Computer Programming Resources for Teachers

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**Updated**
Here is a video recording of the presentation. Thanks, audience!
Scroll down below for learning resources.

Also, much thanks to the statistics and research from code.org and other sources (listed in the speakers notes). Jambo on YouTube for the coding video and expectation vs. reality idea.





Hi folks!

In support of a little talk I'll be bumbling through during our whole-school staff PD day, I compiled a list of coding resources for teachers who are interested in learning a little bit about computer programming.

Presentation

Here's the presentation, including speaker's notes and citations if you're interested:



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Beginner Coding Resources

If you are in search of ideas for how to use coding in your classroom for authentic, transferable learning that holds huge potential for the future of our students, maybe something from this list can help you out. No experience required.

I'm A Teacher, Not a Programmer! (Pre-made curricula and offline activites)

Edutopia: 3 Steps to becoming A Coding Teacher by Grant Smith
Rated resource lists, standards-aligned learning expectations, and even learning space considerations. A great place to start for teachers with no coding experience who aren't ready to jump into apps and games straight away.

K12CS.org
More than just programming, this non-profit has developed a full set of high level guidelines and practices modeled after those we might find in a traditional classroom. Not very specific, but great for getting ideas about how your normal classroom activities relate to coding projects and computational thinking.

Code.org - A full computer science curriculum for K-12 students and professional learning resources for teachers as well, this non-profit organization exists to spread awareness about the value of code in our children's future. Responsible for organizing the annual "Hour of Code" event.


I Learn by Doing. Got Any Video Lessons?

Khan Academy
From introductory computer programming basics to scripting for scientific research or drawing for web design, Khan Academy is a great place to start as a beginner who wants to learn to code.

Unity3D
Want to learn game design as well as coding, or perhaps involve some 3D design or animation?
This is my current learning and the many game design tutorial videos are fannnnntastic. This FREE real world tool has helped create many world famous games in 2017!

Skillshare.com
Not free, but they have a robust selection of programming tutorials for beginners that are focused on specific languages and areas, for example, Science teachers may be interested in PYTHON, the language most prevalent in scientific research applications.

I Just Want a Fun Project!

Scratch.mit.edu - Want to teach primary students how to make their own game or animated story? You need to make one yourself first, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to follow these detailed step-by-step guides that are fun and easy

TinkerCAD Circuits -  Arduino
Interested in electronics, and the hardware/robotics side of coding? Try the Arduino simulations on TinkerCAD and then perhaps move to using a real Arduino!

I Need To Get Physical (Robots/Electronics)
Don't want to spend all your time looking at a computer screen? These electronics and robotics kits vary in expense but all offer coding experience with a hardware connection and tons of online tutorials to help learn how to use them.

Arduino (ISPP Secondary has a class set of these!) ($25-$150)

Lego Ev3 Robotics (After school robotics club anyone?) ($350-$500)

I Want to Fix the Computer Science Gender Gap!

Made With Code by Google

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I sincerely hope these resources can help you get started as a coding teacher!
-M