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

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