Secondary ADST offerings may differ significantly from school to school. IT9, Web Development 10, Computer Studies 10, Computer Programming 11/12, and Computer Science 11/12 are the main course offerings from the Ministry of Education but some schools also offer Computer Science AP or other locally developed courses that feature elements of video game design or other programming concepts.
SD61 Secondary Coding Resources
Each Secondary school received the following resources:
MicroBit Quick Start Guide for Teachers
How to Code: A Step by Step Guide to Computer Coding
Micro:Bit Club Pack x 3 (2 class sets)
Alligator Clips x 60
Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student
Some potential pathways for secondary coding may include but are not limited to:
Blockly is library that adds a visual code editor to web and Android apps. The Blockly editor uses interlocking, graphical blocks to represent code concepts like variables, logical expressions, loops, and more. It allows users to apply programming principles without having to worry about syntax or the intimidation of a blinking cursor on the command line.
From a user’s perspective, Blockly is an intuitive, visual way to build code. From a developer’s perspective, Blockly is essentially a text box that contains syntactically correct user-generated code. Blockly can export blocks to many languages, including these popular options:
- JavaScript
- Python
- PHP
- Lua
- Dart
Greenfoot – A Java based program that allows for both block-based coding and text-based coding. Makes an ideal transition tool from middle school to secondary.
Greenroom – Greenfoot Educator’s Community
Greenfoot – Getting Started Tutorial
Greenfoot in 4 Hours – Quick Start Guide
SD61 Micro:Bit Quick Start Guide for Teachers
Micro:Bit Python – Programmable mini-computers that can be used to create large numbers of interesting cross-curricular experiments and tools.
MicroPython in 60 Minutes Guide: Even if you’ve never programmed in Python before
Micro:Bit Cookbook: Using the Code Kingdoms JavaScript editor
Getting Started with the Micro:Bit (PDF E-Book)
Twine – An HTML / CSS & JavaScript tool to create interactive stories. Cross-curricular connections to any subject area where writing and creative / critical thinking overlap.
Social Studies 10 Example: Immigration to BC
HTML, CSS & JavaScript – The building blocks of websites.
Python – Open-source, highly accessible programming language.
MIT App Inventor is an intuitive, visual programming environment that allows everyone – even children – to build fully functional apps for smartphones and tablets. Those new to MIT App Inventor can have a simple first app up and running in less than 30 minutes. And what’s more, our blocks-based tool facilitates the creation of complex, high-impact apps in significantly less time than traditional programming environments.