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Coursework

Tips for Success (PD - 1 hr)​

Read the Tips for Success and join a thread in your class Slack channel to discuss how you will apply them. Create the thread if nobody else has already done so.

HTML-CSS refresh (4 hours)​

During Fundamentals, we will be building a website with a block-based programming tool called CYF Blocks. The underlying code uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you have not done so already, prepare yourself now with this free crash course, to refresh and consolidate your learning from Intro to Digital.

→ HTML CSS Crash Course

Code.org (4 hours)​

Code.org is a website which teaches beginners how to code and gives them lots of practice. It uses block-based coding. Don't be put off by the simplicity: Harvard University teaches block-based coding.

As we will be doing most of our coding in CYF blocks, you only need to do up to Lesson 12, Farmer: While Loops. It's important to spend some time with these ideas to prepare yourself for CYF Blocks.

To get set up:

  • Use the account you made during your class preparation.
  • Start by clicking on item 1 from lesson "2. Maze". (Yes, you should skip lesson 1)
  • If you get stuck, come and talk in the class channel in Slack. Hitting blockers is normal in coding and talking through the problem is a good strategy.

Read the instructions carefully and complete all stages of these lessons:

  • Lesson 2 - Maze
  • Lesson 3 - Artist
  • Lesson 5 - Artist: Functions
  • Lesson 6 - Bee: Functions
  • Lesson 7 - Bee: Conditionals
  • Lesson 8 - Maze: Conditionals
  • Lesson 11 - Artist: Nested Loops
  • Lesson 12 - Farmer: While Loops

Skip all of the lessons starting with "Unplugged Activity".

Once you're finished, press submit in Google Classroom, and please add a comment mentioning your Code.org username.

CYF Blocks (6 hours)​

In this course, you will use block-based programming (CYF Blocks) to create JavaScript that changes the HTML on a web page. Work through the exercises in order, up to and including Buttons, inputs and clicks: a todo list.

You must at least attempt all those exercises before we meet. If you get stuck, don't worry. Come to the session with your questions and we will all discuss them together.

Once you're finished, share your solution to List of links in Google Classroom.

If you have extra time, complete one of the exercises in Buttons and Clicks: consolidation (or create something entirely new) and share it with your cohort in the Slack channel.

Write down some questions to bring up next week.

What is an algorithm?​

Programming is all about algorithms. But what is an algorithm?

  1. Read Introduction to Algorithms in the book the JS Way
  2. Watch The Exact Instructions Challenge😄

These show "algorithm recipes", and the video shows that you have to think carefully when building them. How does CYF Blocks help you build algorithms? Discuss this together in a Slack thread.

Reading in preparation​

Next week in class we will talk about Iteration and Blockers. Look over the syllabus and prepare by reading: