Want to learn the basics of computer programming in a fun and innovative way? This course introduces computer programming using an educational block-based visual programming environment called NetsBlox (https://editor.netsblox.org/), emphasizing modern computer science concepts like networking, the internet, and distributed computing. The curriculum is hands-on, focusing on translating ideas into working computer programs and developing a mastery of practical computational literacy. After completing this course, you will have a solid foundation to learn professional languages like Python, Java, etc.
The course is especially suitable for K12 teachers and students who want to get a gentle introduction to computer science.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction
- Introduction to the course, to block-based programming and to the primary tool used called NetsBlox
- Custom Blocks, Events and RPCs
- Introduction to custom blocks, events and Remote Procedure Calls (RPC)
- Loops and Lists
- Introduction to iteration (loops), scoping variables and lists
- Structured Data
- Working with multi-dimensional lists
- Distributed Programming
- Introduction to distributed programming using message passing
- Text Analysis
- Working with text
Taught by
Akos Ledeczi, Brian Broll and Clifford B Anderson
