Proposal Title
Session Type
Short and Tweet
Room
P&A Rm 150
Start Date
9-7-2015 12:00 AM
Keywords
blending learning, computer programming literacy, flipped classroom
Primary Threads
Teaching and Learning Science
Abstract
Instructors charged with developing online courses to introduce computer programming concepts are confronted with a number of challenges relating to an evolving area of knowledge, creating an authentic online learning environment, and diverse background, values, and motivation of novice learners. Here we describe novice learners as individuals who have had little or no previous experience with programming and who do not intend to become professional programmers. Over the course of the last year we have designed an online programming course in JavaScript for novice learners. The goal of the course is to help people, with no programming background, realize that with a little practice and guidance, virtually anyone can write a computer program. In our session, the audience will be introduced to 3 major challenges we faced when developing the blended course and be given strategies that we used to overcome these obstacles. Because these strategies are based on pedagogy, they are applicable to the development of new online courses for all STEM disciplines.
Elements of Engagement
Being that the short and tweet is a shorter time-frame, our elements of engagement will focus on a 2-3 question assessment earlier on in the presentation and questions at the end of the presentation. We will demonstrate one or two class activities used in the class and solicit written feedback from the audience.
Reflections From First Time Blended Programming Instructors - Teaching Challenges and Lessons Learned
P&A Rm 150
Instructors charged with developing online courses to introduce computer programming concepts are confronted with a number of challenges relating to an evolving area of knowledge, creating an authentic online learning environment, and diverse background, values, and motivation of novice learners. Here we describe novice learners as individuals who have had little or no previous experience with programming and who do not intend to become professional programmers. Over the course of the last year we have designed an online programming course in JavaScript for novice learners. The goal of the course is to help people, with no programming background, realize that with a little practice and guidance, virtually anyone can write a computer program. In our session, the audience will be introduced to 3 major challenges we faced when developing the blended course and be given strategies that we used to overcome these obstacles. Because these strategies are based on pedagogy, they are applicable to the development of new online courses for all STEM disciplines.