Perttu Pyylampi

How do you define programming?

Have you ever programmed?

Programming is giving instructions to a machine. -> Even a young pupil can create simple instructions

Programming isn’t necessary difficult but it will offer endlessly challenges!

Variations in different platforms -> from setting alarm in your phone to complicated programming languages

Programming will be part of Finnish curriculum in 2016.

Programming is integrated in different subjects, for example in math.

WHY? -> Knowing the basics of programming is seen as a part of common knowledge.

- Teaching programming is teaching to think.

1. Decompose problem in to small parts. ”It’s like giving driving instructions”

2. Recognizing patterns. ”Does same solution work next time?”

3. Build an algorithm. ”Good cook can create a recipe”

4. Make universal solution

Grades 1-2 (age 7-8). Teaching right ways to think through games.

Grades 3-6 (age 9-12). Visual programming enviroments. Using tools which doesn’t require writing code

Grades 7-9 (age 13-15). Learning basics of code writing (JavaScript, Python, Ruby etc.).

+ Mobile applications.

Useful links:Csunplugged.org e.g Harold the robot

Drtechniko.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/how-to-train-your-robot

Newit.org/resources/computer-science-box-unplug-your-curriculum

Cs4fn.org/teachers/activies

Useful programs and links for visual programming:

Code.orgScratchLightbotKoduAliceApp inventorLogo Turtle royHacketyhackKidsrubyTryruby.org

Khanacademy W3 schools Udacity Codeacademy Code school Edx Mitopencourseware

Processing Coursera Code avengers Code combat Ruby warrior Dash Kinestethic

learning activites

Tynker Hopscotch Cargobot Kodable Hakitzu

And now the fun part... ;)

Build a robot which moves forward until it’s 30 centimeters from obstacle. When the robot reach 30 cm distance, it has to stop, reverse for two second and try again for 5 times.