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Unlocking the Mysteries of Code

Unlocking the Mysteries of Code

In 1815, Countess Ada Lovelace became the world’s first coder, but her mathematical contributions to early computer science went unrecognized until the 1950s. Meanwhile, computer programming continued to be dominated for years by only a few names, while the rest of the world carried on knowing nothing about the hazy mystery of “code.” In recent years, that veil has lifted as more laypersons become exposed to the fascinating world of programming languages.

21st-century students have grown up surrounded by technology and are inherently curious about it. They have never known a world without the Internet, computers, and devices, so there is far less “mystery” about code and certainly no fear of learning how to use it. Indeed, most youths are eager to discover new ways to engage with the tech they handle every day. Thus, students can benefit significantly in both their academic and personal lives through the development of general coding skills.

Educators, meanwhile, depend on every modern tool they can get their hands on, and coding is one such tool. It makes perfect sense, then, for teachers to brush up on coding! Armed with their newfound coding prowess, they can introduce exciting hands-on learning experiences in their classes and generate a participative environment of exploration.

That’s where the course offered by Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne, Unlocking the Mysteries of Code, enters the picture! 

 

Course Objectives for Unlocking the Mysteries of Code

Unlocking the Mysteries of Code features detailed yet straightforward instructions for creating fun, practical projects with a variety of basic coding languages. As you work through the material, you will quickly gain confidence and sufficient mastery to start putting your skills to use in your classroom. While most of your students will jump at the chance to study coding in class, a few might be reluctant. That is why this course also helps teachers explain to their students the reasons why the topic truly does apply to them.

Made to provide K-12 teachers with the latest information and best practices on coding, Unlocking the Mysteries of Code leads to countless tangible benefits such as:

• Understanding concepts like computational thinking (breaking down and solving problems like a computer) and computational participation (exploring ways students can share and use code in a creative, social manner).
• Recognize the reasons why coding made a "comeback".
• Exciting ways programming can be incorporated into your curriculum immediately.
• Learn modern approaches to teaching coding to tech-savvy students, from purposeful planning to teamwork.
• Learn about basic code blocks, sprites, and how to create realistic animations and sound effects.
• Learn how to shift from code to applications and from tools to communities.
• Understand ways to instill confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving in class and beyond.
• Learn organizational skills such as pre-planning, story outlining, and design sketching.
• Learn about the abstract concept visualization techniques.
• Demonstrate how coding relates to real-life decision-making (i.e., actions and consequences).
• Understand how to relate to students facing challenges, while fostering focus, patience, and resilience.

K-12 students often have latent, untapped skills when it comes to coding, so do not be surprised if they surpass your expertise as you share your knowledge with them. Instead, use their competence and enthusiasm as you teach the class about persistence, focus, organization, problem-solving, and team-building participatory skills that can be applied to numerous facets of their lives. Let Unlocking the Mysteries of Code, offered by Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne, pave the way for your brave new classroom! 

This course’s curriculum was tailor-made for the K-12 teachers who possess little-to-no coding exposure, yet is packed with enough practical exercises and ideas to enrich the classes of coding experts, too! All content is self-paced, written in user-friendly language, and can be completed in an online or via emailed PDF format.

 

Benefits of Taking Unlocking the Mysteries of Code

Successful completion of Unlocking the Mysteries of Code can install a lifelong curiosity for coding and technology for teachers and students of all ages. The new skills and graduate-level, semester credits received may also boost your professional career, qualifying you for potential promotions, pay increases, or license renewal/recertification.

This three-credit course counts towards the University of La Verne’s 15-credit certificate Integrating Technology into the Classroom. Other popular course options for this certificate include:

• A Practical Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
• Blended Learning: Empowering Students for Success in the Digital Age
• Creating a Google Apps Classroom
• Microsoft Word 2016
• Technologies, Social Media, and Society: Current Topics
• Tech Tools for the Classroom
• The Flipped Classroom(an instructional strategy where students review lecture material at home then do “homework” together via discussion and activities in class)
• Understanding and Teaching the Rewired Brain

Note, the University of La Verne is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Since requirements may vary, students should check with their school district or state department of education prior to enrolling.

 

How to Register

Unlocking the Mysteries of Code is offered online or via an emailed PDF format from Professional Development Courses at the University of La Verne. Like all of our courses, it is open for anyone to register at any time during an open semester. After completion, students earn graduate, non-degree semester credit from an accredited university, as reflected on their official transcript.

Registration is fast and simple and can be done online or over the phone. Courses are offered during three standard semesters, and you can begin whenever you are ready! Students may enroll in up to 15 credits each semester. The registration dates are:

• Fall: September 1 - January 31
• Spring: February 1 - May 31
• Summer: June 1 - August 31

Children are naturally curious about virtually everything and tend to be fearless when it comes to exploring new concepts. Rekindle your curiosity, and unlock the mysteries of code by registering today. A brave new world awaits you!