Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators (FutureLearn)

Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators (FutureLearn)

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

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

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

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

Learning on this course
You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. 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 program to solve a simple problem
  • 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

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Raspberry Pi Foundation

Scratch to Python: Moving from Block- to Text-based Programming (FutureLearn)

Learn how to apply the thinking and programming skills you've learnt in Scratch to text-based programming languages like Python. Discover how you can transition from block to text-based programming. Block-based programming languages like Scratch make it simple to learn and teach programming. But once you and 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.

Mar 6th 2023
4 Weeks
Introduction to Web Development (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Raspberry Pi Foundation,National Centre for Computing Education

Introduction to Web Development (FutureLearn)

Discover web development and learn to build your own interactive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Supported by Google. Learn the basics of web development. On this course from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll first build a website using HTML, style it with CSS, and then make it interactive using JavaScript.

Jan 2nd 2023
3 Weeks
Teaching Programming to 5 - 11 year olds (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Raspberry Pi Foundation,National Centre for Computing Education

Teaching Programming to 5 - 11 year olds (FutureLearn)

Increase your programming knowledge and develop effective lessons to teach programming to primary school pupils (aged 5-11 years). Build your subject knowledge and develop your skills in teaching programming. Programming gives children the opportunity to be creators rather than just consumers of technology. Instead of only using existing programs to complete tasks, children can use the programs they have written themselves to solve problems and develop new ideas.

Jan 2nd 2023
4 Weeks
Using JavaScript, jQuery, and JSON in Django (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Michigan

Using JavaScript, jQuery, and JSON in Django (FutureLearn)

Understand how to use JavaScript, jQuery and JSON within the Django framework. Learn how JavaScript supports the framework of Django. Django is a Python web framework that encourages fast development and a clean, pragmatic design. This comprehensive course will introduce you to the JavaScript language, and will show you how it supports Django’s framework.

Feb 22nd 2021
5-12 Weeks
Get ready for a Masters in Data Science and AI (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Coventry University

Get ready for a Masters in Data Science and AI (FutureLearn)

Identify whether you’re ready for Master’s study, improve your data science skills, and get to grips with the basics of Python. Get a taste of life as a Data Science and AI Master's student. On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the disciplines involved in a Master’s degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Apr 17th 2023
2 Weeks
Fortran for Scientific Computing (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe - PRACE,Vlaams Supercomputer Centre

Fortran for Scientific Computing (FutureLearn)

Learn how to program in Fortran. Use object-oriented programming to design efficient and maintainable code. Discover the power of Fortran for scientific programming. Fortran is a programming language that has been designed for scientific computing, allowing users to naturally express numerical problems. On this course, you’ll discover how to express your numerical problems as a Fortran program, exploring the power and versatility of this popular programming language.

Sep 27th 2021
5-12 Weeks
Programming Applications with Python: Working with Files (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
FutureLearn

Programming Applications with Python: Working with Files (FutureLearn)

Discover how to read and create files and directories in Python, and how Python is used for data collection and exploration. Learn how to use Python create applications. On this course, you’ll start to develop the knowledge and skills needed to successfully launch a career in programming or software development, learning how to program applications using Python. You’ll study alongside industry experts at Github, giving you the confidence and competitive advantage to work in or manage development teams.

May 23rd 2022
4 Weeks
Introduction to VR Programming, Design, and Unity (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
VR Voom

Introduction to VR Programming, Design, and Unity (FutureLearn)

Step into the world of VR game development, learn the basics of programming language, and even create your own 2D game. Learn how to design, program, and create your very own VR games. The gaming industry has grown exponentially, outperforming both movies and sports combined in 2020. And VR is the newest, exciting innovation taking the industry by storm.

Jun 27th 2022
5-12 Weeks
Programming Essentials with Python: Cloud Technology and SaaS (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
FutureLearn

Programming Essentials with Python: Cloud Technology and SaaS (FutureLearn)

Launch your career in programming with this course on the fundamentals of Python and other programming languages. Develop your knowledge of cloud infrastructure and cloud technologies. What’s powering the architecture of cloud computing, and how does it rely on Python programming? Take a deep dive into the cloud and look at different types of cloud architecture and learn to articulate the benefits, challenges, and opportunities they offer.

May 23rd 2022
4 Weeks
Programming Applications with Python: Graphics User Interface (GUI) (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
FutureLearn

Programming Applications with Python: Graphics User Interface (GUI) (FutureLearn)

Discover how to create a GUI using Python and start to explore creating APIs. Make a GUI application in Python. On this course, you’ll explore a common use for Python – how to create a successful GUI. GUIs are a crucial aspect of any web service, and knowing how to create one is a vital skill for furthering your career in programming.

May 23rd 2022
4 Weeks
Robotics With Raspberry Pi: Build and Program Your First Robot Buggy (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Raspberry Pi Foundation,National Centre for Computing Education

Robotics With Raspberry Pi: Build and Program Your First Robot Buggy (FutureLearn)

Build and program your first robot buggy using a Raspberry Pi, learning how to connect motors, add sensors and write algorithms. Learn robotics by building a robot buggy and controlling it with a Raspberry Pi. On this course from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, you’ll build a robot buggy controlled by a Raspberry Pi.

Jan 2nd 2023
3 Weeks
Object-oriented Programming in Python: Create Your Own Adventure Game (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Raspberry Pi Foundation,National Centre for Computing Education

Object-oriented Programming in Python: Create Your Own Adventure Game (FutureLearn)

Learn object-oriented programming principles by creating your own text-based adventure game in Python. Object-oriented programming is a programming paradigm based on objects and data rather than actions and logic. This online course will introduce you to the principles of object-oriented programming in Python, showing you how to create objects, functions, methods, and classes.

Jan 2nd 2023
4 Weeks