Scratch: Programming for Teachers

Please note that this MOOC is archived. The MOOC is outdated, and not up-to-date with the current Scratch version

Programming is becoming a more and more important skill to have. Childhood is a great time to start learning programming and to develop computational thinking, creativity, and problem- solving skills. In this course you will learn the basics of programming and how to teach it yourself as a primary or secondary school teacher.

This MOOC teaches programming in Scratch through fun videos which explain programming in an inspiring and clear way. These videos are accompanied by assignments which let kids practice programming and create programs they will like to use themselves!

Every week you build a different Scratch project yourself: a flappy bird game, a virtual pet or a Mondriaan like artwork. Also weekly, new programming blocks are taught and together we’re working on ways to improve your written code. In addition, you will learn how you can integrate the same programming lessons in your class for both primary and secondary education.

Many programming principles covered in Scratch also apply to other programming languages such as JavaScript and Python. An introduction to Python as well as hardware such as robotics and a micro:bit are a part of this online course should you want to broaden your scope.

The content of this course is based on a course that was used in primary schools in The Netherlands with great success. The material follows the educational curriculum for programming in primary education of The Netherlands.

Week 1: What is programming?
And your first concepts, namely a “what-if” and a loop.

Week 2: timing & looks
Communication between sprites.

Week 3: signals
Working unplugged (without computer) and plugged (with computer).

Week 4: lists & randomness
And tips & tricks how to copy and paste in Scratch.

Week 5: variables
Variables and an in-depth class about repetition.

Week 6: repetition of concepts & algorithms
Tips & tricks on how to write clean code.

Week 7: input/output and more
How to use unplugged- and plugged working in class.

Week 8: robots & electronics
How to apply these in class.