The Computing Ideas course is a first year computer science course introducing the basics of programming with Karel the Dog, the basics of designing a web page, and how information is represented digitally and sent over the Internet. Students will learn to code using blocks to drag and drop, but they can switch between blocks and text as desired. Students will create a personal portfolio website showing projects they build throughout the course. With a unique focus on creativity, problem solving and project based learning, Computing Ideas gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity to develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.
By the Numbers
Units
| Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Programming with Karel the Dog: Students explore the fundamentals of programming by giving commands to Karel the dog. Students learn about JavaScript syntax, functions, control structures, and proper programming formatting. | |
| What is Computing?: Students review a history of computing and learn about the various parts that make up modern computers. Students also explore the impact computing has had on today's world, and consider the impacts computing could potentially have in the future. | |
| Project: Computer Models: Students create a short presentation about a specific model of a computer. It could be an early computer model or a computer model that is still being developed. Students may pick any technology where a computer is the main component -- this includes phones, robots, drones, etc. | |
| Web Design: Students learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and the processes involved in viewing web pages on the internet. Students create several simple web pages using the CodeHS online editor to gain practice using the various features of HTML and CSS. | |
| Project: Your First Website: In this project, students make their own homepage, hosted at your own custom URL! | |
| Digital Information: Students learn about the various ways we represent information digitally. Topics covered include number systems, encoding data, programmatically creating pixel images, comparing data encodings, compressing and encrypting data. | |
| The Internet: Students explore the structure and design of the internet, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy. | |
| Project: The Effects of the Internet: In this project, students choose an innovation that was enabled by the Internet and explore the effects of this innovation. | |
| Digital Citizenship and Cyber Hygiene: Students learn about Internet etiquette and how to stay safe on the world wide web. Students explore the potential effects of our digital footprints, how to protect information from online risks, and the implications of cyberbullying. Finally, students learn how to find and cite quality resources online. | |
| Project: Public Service Announcement: For this project, students create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to teach their peers about digital citizenship and cyber hygiene. Students can select any of the topics covered in this unit. |
Resources
Here are a few examples of teacher resources and materials to use in the Computing Ideas (Lovelace) course
Format of Course
The entirely web-based curriculum is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the fundamentals of programming, web design, and how information is represented digitally and sent over the internet. Each module is made up of short video tutorials, quizzes, programming examples, programming exercises, and challenge problems. The course is designed for a year long class that meets 5 days per week, though schools implement it in a variety of ways.
Who is it for?
The Computing Ideas course is designed for complete beginners with no previous background in computer science. The course is highly visual, dynamic, and interactive. There are no prerequisites for this course, and the course is recommended for middle school students.
Demos
Students learn foundational progamming concepts in JavaScript as they give Karel commands to solve problems. Students can use either blocks or text.
Students learn the basics of HTML and CSS as they create their own webpages.
Students learn how data is represented visually and explore the relationships between number systems.
Students learn about internet security and strategies to engage on the Internet in an ethical and secure way.
Interested?
Interested in teaching the Computing Ideas course with CodeHS? Get in touch, so we can help you bring CodeHS to your school!
Bring to My SchoolStandards
Computing Ideas (Lovelace) is aligned with the following standards
Professional Development
Teaching Computing Ideas
Computing Ideas is a first year course that introduces students to the foundational ideas of computer science. With the CodeHS online Professional Development course, we'll train teachers at your school to teach an excellent Computing Ideas course. No programming experience is required. Teachers will gain the skills, pedagogical knowledge, resources, and confidence to lead a great introductory computer science class with CodeHS.