This week we started learning about input/output and variables using Finch Robots. Programming students were very fast learners and really demonstrating their knowledge very quickly! Every student passed their development process assessment, and we have been following that process for each activity in class.
Students first made a program that allowed them to use their keyboard to control a finch robot. Students then used the image sensor of the finch and programmed the finch to navigate around obstacles. Finally we had a Finch Got Talent singing competition and using different pitch values for their finch buzzers, students programmed their finch to play songs.
Check out tweets from this week at @np_techbiz if you want to see video from the finch bots in action during class!
Friday, August 26, 2016
Friday, August 19, 2016
Development Cycle
This week we built our background knowledge in the field of computer science. Students researched a specific field of study in computer science, presented their findings to the class, then wrote a reflection about the field they would most like to follow as a career choice.
Next, we talked about the development cycle. We compared development cycles to various companies and talked pros and cons of each method. The development cycle we will be using in our class has 5 steps.
1. Define the Problem
2. Develop/Plan (pseudocode)
3. Code
4. Test/Debug
5. Publish
We emphasize that this is really a cycle and that once publishing is done, we go back to number 1 to continue to make our program better.
Next week we will be utilizing this development cycle to create a basic program that will allow users to utilize a keyboard to move an image sprite through a created maze. Once students are finished, we will go back through the cycle one more time to improve our program in a way each student sees fit.
Next, we talked about the development cycle. We compared development cycles to various companies and talked pros and cons of each method. The development cycle we will be using in our class has 5 steps.
1. Define the Problem
2. Develop/Plan (pseudocode)
3. Code
4. Test/Debug
5. Publish
We emphasize that this is really a cycle and that once publishing is done, we go back to number 1 to continue to make our program better.
Next week we will be utilizing this development cycle to create a basic program that will allow users to utilize a keyboard to move an image sprite through a created maze. Once students are finished, we will go back through the cycle one more time to improve our program in a way each student sees fit.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Welcome Class!
Welcome back everybody! I'm really excited to be teaching computer programming this year! We will be starting off with a brief overview of the field of computer science, then will learn about the development cycle, and will then jump right in to coding! I have a lot of activities that I am excited to try out and am looking forward to explore coding with you all!
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