Section: Week 1 Session 1 - Computational Thinking | Example Remote Teaching Course | Grŵp NPTC Group Moodle

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  • General

    This is the first 2 weeks of an example course that has been designed for remote teaching, specifically for an occasion where a student - or staff member -  may be off college for a period of time. (This is not the only way to deliver remote teaching, but it is a good example).

    In theory, ANY student could complete the course using this content alone, but if they are stuck, require help, or need additional support from peers and tutors, the only way to receive that would be through attending college. Therefore, they would receive a richer experience by attending their lessons.

    However, things happen: weather, illness, accidents, broken down transport, unexpected closures.... this type of course enabled learning to continue as best it can in those situations. 

    programming banner

    Welcome to Unit 4 Programming on the BTEC National in IT.

    • Watch this video ... an introduction to Unit 4 URL

    • This unit is taught by:

      This unit is delivered over 17 weeks.  There are usually two classes per week - session 1 and 2.  The work covered in each session is listed below.  

      There are two assignments in this unit.

      1. Computer Languages (week 6 to 7)
      2. Software Project (week 12 to 15)

      To pass the unit you must complete all the pass criteria.  To gain a merit you must complete all the pass and merit criteria.  To gain a distinction you must complete all the pass, merit and distinction criteria.

      This unit is delivered using a different form of blended learning called flipped learning.   Watch the video clip below for an introduction to flipped learning ...

    • Flipped classroom approach URL

    • NOTE:

      For this unit you will need to bring a file (knowledge organiser), with paper, a pen, a pencil, rubber and ruler to class.  You need to create three sections literacy, numeracy and pre-class work.   In the literacy section we will be writing the definition of technical terms and describing concepts.  In the numeracy section we will be looking and practicing the maths concepts used in this unit.  You will be expected to completed any pre-class work in the pre-class work section.

      The specification for this unit is below ...

    • Unit spec File
Week 1 Session 2 - Computational Thinking

Week 1 Session 1 - Computational Thinking

  • Week 1 Session 1 - Computational Thinking

    • Watch this video which introduces this session URL

    • “Computational thinking involves solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behaviour, by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science.”

      Jeannette M Wing

      Vice President, Head of Microsoft Research International

    • What is computational thinking?  Watch the video clip below for an overview of computational thinking ..

    • Introduction to Computational Thinking URL

    • Let's look at the first technique in more detail.

      Decomposition 

      Watch the video clip below ...

    • Computer Science – How to Think Like a Computer - Decomposition URL
    • A1 Decomposition - Lesson slides (used by the teacher) File

    • Activity icon

      Now complete the Decomposition Hangman Task ...  (You may wish to work with another student on this task.)

    • Decomposition Hangman Task File
    • Hangman Activity (upload your answer here) Assignment
      Not available unless: You belong to any group
    • Students must
      Mark as done

      When completed upload your answer.

      Let's look in more depth at the second technique in computational thinking.

      Pattern recognition 

      Watch the video clip below ...

    • Recognising patterns | Computer Science – How to Think Like a Computer URL
    • Computational Thinking - Pattern recognition (used by the teacher) File

    • activity

      Work through all steps of the Angry Birds game and find common elements that exist in many places (for example certain coding blocks)

      https://studio.code.org/hoc/1

Week 1 Session 2 - Computational Thinking