Teaching with Physical Computing, Course 1: Introduction to Project-Based Learning (edX)

The course explores how Physical Computing devices – from BBC Micro:bit to Raspberry Pi and Arduino – can enable educators to apply a constructionist approach to computing in the classroom, using real-world contexts to engage and inspire learners to be creative with technology.

You will also learn about teaching approaches and how they relate to computational thinking.

This course is part of the Teaching with Physical Computing Professional Certificate.

What you'll learn

- A comprehensive introduction to Project-Based Learning and Physical Computing

- An understanding of the ‘big picture’ of Physical Computing, and why it’s essential to STEM & -Computing education

- An introduction to how the Arm School Program structures its PBL teaching and learning resources

- A deeper sense of the practices which underline Project-Based Learning, from teaching approach to learning theory

- Resources that help you to deliver an engaging, practical and inclusive class for your students

- Finish the course with a classroom investigation, which helps you put your learning into practice

Syllabus

Module 1 Introduction

Module 2 Required hardware and software (micro:bit, Arduino, Raspberry Pi)

Module 3 The big picture of physical computing

Module 4 Brief description of the orthodoxies

Module 5 The big picture of learning

Module 6 The ASP approach

Module 7 Comprehensive reflection on many learning theories

Module 8 Comprehensive reflection on many teaching approaches

Module 9 Computational thinking

Module 10 Classroom investigation