From Python to Java: Fundamentals of Programming

Since 2009, Google’s Computer Science for High School (CS4HS) programs have supported over 40,000 teachers across the globe in their efforts to gain confidence in their understanding of computer science and learn valuable skills for teaching CS to students. The CS4HS program provides funding to universities, colleges, and nonprofit organisations dedicated to providing exemplary computer science professional development for teachers.

The CPD will consist of a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) that introduces teachers to essential topics in computer programming, using Python and Java.

The course is divided in two parts:

• Part A: Programming in Python - emphasizes the basics of programming using Python. You'll also learn a little about graphics in Python using Turtle Graphics.
• Part B: Object Oriented Programming in Java - focuses on object-oriented programming design and problem solving. These techniques are useful for developing programming solutions for small and simple problems, which could be scaled up.

A certificate will be issued upon completion of each part.

The MOOC is self-paced, and does not require any prior knowledge of programming. It will start in November 2017. Click here to view the course page and register. The content is organised in 8 units (modules), which could be covered over 8 weeks. It is estimated that participants would need between 2 and 5 hours per week to complete each unit. Optional coding projects, which can be extended, are included.

Online guidance will be provided between November 2017 and January 2018, but the MOOC will be kept live until the end of June 2018.

This is the second year running that Google has awarded funding to the School of Mathematics & Computer Science at the University of Wolverhampton. More details on the planned CPD will be available in due course. Please contact Dr. Patricia Davies for more information.