Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming (FutureLearn)

Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming (FutureLearn)

Learn how to apply the thinking and programming skills you've learnt in Scratch to text-based programming languages like Python. Discover how you can transition from block to text-based programming. Block-based programming languages like Scratch make it simple to learn and teach programming. But once you and your students have mastered it, it’s time to move on to a text-based programming language such as Python. This online course will show you how.

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You’ll discover how to transfer the programming and thinking skills you learnt while using Scratch to Python. You’ll develop basic text-based programming skills, learning how to understand error messages and debug code.
The course will show you the power of text-based programming and give you the tools to support your students’ transition too.

Syllabus

Week 1: Transfer programming and thinking skills from Scratch to Python
Week 2: Explore the limits of Scratch and the power of Python
Week 3: Get to grips with Python
Week 4: Power of text-based programming

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Explore how you can transfer programming and thinking skills from Scratch to Python
  • Develop basic skills in Python programming language
  • Identify simple error messages in Python syntax and how to debug code
  • Reflect on the power of text-based programming and what you can create
  • Produce tools to support children’s transition from block-based to text-based programming

Who is the course for?
This course is designed for teachers and volunteers who are supporting young learners (usually 7-14 year olds) transition from Scratch to Python programming. You should have experience programming in both Scratch and Python.

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