• raspberry pi
  • National Centre for Computing Education logo

Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators

Explore the basics of Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll learn to code your first program. Supported by Google.

59,269 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info
The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Learn how to program in Python with help from Raspberry Pi

On this course, you’ll explore programming in Python. Guided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll discover basic programming concepts, learning how to understand the basics of Python syntax and interpret error messages.

Ultimately, you’ll use your new coding skills to create your first program – which will be able to solve a simple problem.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 2 seconds Hi. I’m Martin. And welcome to Programming 101. Over the next four weeks, you’ll get an introduction to programming concepts and write your first code in the programming language Python. The activities throughout this course will teach you the basic rules and show you how to avoid the most common errors. If you’re an educator with students of your own, you can also reuse these activities in your own lessons. So join us for the next four weeks and take your first steps to becoming a computer programmer.

What topics will you cover?

  • Basic programming concepts such as repetition and sequencing
  • When and how to use a ‘for’ loop, an ‘if’ statement, a ‘while’ loop, and functions
  • Creating your own program to solve a simple problem
  • The basics of Python syntax
  • How to interpret error messages

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

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

  • Explore basic programming concepts such as sequencing and repetition
  • Identify use cases for 'for' and 'while' loops, if statements and functions
  • Produce your own programs to solve a simple problems
  • Interpret error messages, with a knowledge of basic Python syntax

Who is the course for?

This course would suit educators who have no experience of programming in Python.

What software or tools do you need?

To take part in this course you’ll need to download Python, or use an online IDE.

If you need advice about the options for using Python, or instructions for installing it, please review our guidance on Applications for creating Python programs - https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/python-install-options

What do people say about this course?

Thank you to all the educators for running this course

"Thank you to all the educators for running this course, you've all been really helpful. I found it pitched at the perfect level for me. I'll move straight on to the next in the series."

Thanks for such an engaging start in programming.

"Thanks for such an engaging start in programming. As a complete novice I was afraid I can fail, but now I am confident and ready to continue my study."

Who will you learn with?

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.

Hey, my name is Mac. I am a Learning Manager at The Raspberry Pi Foundation. I love teaching and digital making, especially when I get to do them both at the same time.

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

This course is part of the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Funded by the Department for Education and partners, we aim to change the way computing is taught in schools across England, and enable more young people to benefit from studying this important subject.

If you are a teacher in England you can get free upgraded access to this course, and use it towards NCCE certification. To do this, you must join the course through the Teach Computing website

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Google logo

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Learner reviews

Learner reviews cannot be loaded due to your cookie settings. Please and refresh the page to view this content.

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...

You can use the hashtag #RPiLearn to talk about this course on social media.