ClassOutline.md

TWCA Computer Coding Class

Goal

Introduce students to basic computer programming concepts. Where individuals show aptitude and interest, provide additional resources to allow them to explore areas of interest. If possible, allow students to create their own program as a final project.

Format

Guided discovery of programming language.

The primary programming language will be Python. Where appropriate, comparisons will be made with other programming languages:

• JavaScript (programming language used in web browsers),
• C# / Java (popular server programming languages)
• VBA (Microsoft Office macro language)
• PHP (popular web server programming language)
• Blockly (http://think.cs.vt.edu/blockpy/)
• Codester (https://www.codesters.com/)

Outline

1. Introduction to class

   A. Assess students’ current understanding and interest of programming B. Install or verify Python environment on each device

   i.  Laptops: Introduction to IDLE
   ii. iOS, Android: [SymPy](http://live.sympy.org/) and
       [PythonTutor](http://pythontutor.com/) for online
       development
   

   C. First program (“Hello World.”)

2. Interactive Session

   Using IDLE or SymPy.

   A series of statements entered into the interactive Python environment to introduce basic concepts.

   A. Syntax

   i.  Concepts
   
       Language structure
   
   ii. Vocabulary
   
       “Syntax”
   

   B. Variables

   i.  Concepts
   
       Letters, numbers, math, concatenation
   
   ii. Vocabulary
   
       “String” “Integer” “Floating point” “Type” “Expression”
       “Statement”
   

   C. Conditional Statements

   i.  Concepts
   
       if-then-else, Boolean logic, compound statements,
       indentation
   
   ii. Vocabulary
   
       “If-Then-Else” “TRUE/FALSE” “AND/OR” “Boolean”
   

3. Full program session

Using IDLE or [PythonTutor](http://pythontutor.com/)

A.  Program Files

    Introduce full program editing

B.  Loops

    i.  Concepts

        Loops, lists, iteration, loop exits

    ii. Vocabulary

        “Loop” “List” “While” “For” “Break” “Continue”

C.  Collections

    i.  Concepts

        Lists, tuples, dictionaries