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Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming

Support learners to use the thinking & programming skills they learnt in Scratch in text-based programming languages like Python.

15,265 enrolled on this course

Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming
  • Duration4 weeks
  • Weekly study2 hours
  • LearnFree
  • Extra BenefitsFrom $44Find out more
Overview
Syllabus
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Discover how you can transition learners from block to text-based programming

Block-based programming languages like Scratch make it simple to learn and teach programming. But once 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.

You’ll discover how to transfer the programming and thinking skills learnt while using Scratch to Python. You’ll learn how to develop basic text-based programming skills, 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.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 3 seconds What are the differences between programming Scratch and Python? How can you transition from a block to a text-based programming language? What can you do to help your learners develop their programming skills? This free course will show you the power of text-based programming. You’ll compare differences in syntax, explore types of error, and learn how to debug your code. You’ll learn about functions, concurrency, and data types. You’ll also take part in practical activities using Python and Scratch and create an action plan to help your students transition to using a text-based language. This four week course contains peer-led discussions, trainer interaction, and feedback on your knowledge as you progress. You can learn whenever and wherever you want.

Skip to 0 minutes and 48 seconds So whether you’re a teacher with students of your own or simply curious about coding, this course will help you take your first steps in moving from block to text-based programming. Sign up now at rpf.io/scratchtopython

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Transfer programming and thinking skills from Scratch to Python

    • Welcome to the course

      Meet our educators and the other participants who will accompany you on this course.

    • Set up your tech

      Set up the software and websites you need to start using Python.

    • Common concepts of Scratch and Python

      Explore shared concepts of Scratch and Python, and find out what to consider when you are transitioning your learners.

  • Week 2

    Explore the limits of Scratch and the power of Python

    • The limits of Scratch and the power of Python

      How you can use Python to move your programming beyond the simplicity of Scratch.

    • The concept of concurrency

      Learn about differences in how sections of code run in Scratch and Python.

    • Debugging

      Find out how to interpret error messages and debug your Python code.

  • Week 3

    Get to grips with Python

    • Building young people's resilience

      Build young people's resilience to help them overcome the hurdles of transitioning to text-based programming.

    • Real-world Python

      Learn to use Python programming to solve real-world problems you might encounter in the classroom.

    • How to find help

      Find out where to find answers to your programming questions

  • Week 4

    Power of text-based programming

    • Welcome to week 4

      An introduction to this week's activities, including an opportunity to reflect on what you've learned so far.

    • Solve problems with the power of Python

      Use external libraries to tackle bigger, real-world tasks with the help of Python.

    • Action plan and next steps

      Draw up a plan of practical measures for transitioning your students, and find out what other text-based languages offer.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate how you can transfer programming and thinking skills from Scratch to Python
  • Model basic skills in the Python programming language
  • Identify simple error messages in Python and how you can use them to help 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 primary or K-5 teachers and volunteers who are supporting learners transition from Scratch to Python programming.

What software or tools do you need?

Scratch and Python

What do people say about this course?

This is a great course and I would love to see more of these type of projects that children (and myself!) can play around with and improve as they learn new skills. I wish it was more than 4 weeks long!

Sandra L.

Thank you for this course! As a parent with some coding experience it can be challenging to find ways to approach coding with kids. This course definitely has me thinking differently about how to help my kids evolve their programming skills. Also some very good info I can pass along to our school!

J.C.

Who will you learn with?

Martin O'Hanlon

I love technology and creating projects and learning resources for Raspberry Pi. As a child I wanted to be either a computer scientist, astronaut or snowboard instructor.

Caitlyn Merry

Caitlyn creates and develops Raspberry Pi resources. She is a former teacher, and a postgrad student in social innovation. She likes open tech, the outdoors, art, music, games and anything scifi.

Rik Cross

I am Director of Informal Learning at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, previously a secondary ICT and Computing teacher.

Marc Scott

Marc is a former Science and Computer Science teacher, now working for the Raspberry Pi Foundation as a Content and Curriculum Manager

Who developed the course?

Raspberry Pi Foundation

The Raspberry Pi Foundation works to put the power of digital making into the hands of people all over the world, so they are capable of understanding and shaping our increasingly digital world.

National Centre for Computing Education

National Centre for Computing Education courses

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