Topic: Introduction to Computer Programming
Time Duration: 1 hour class discussion and participation time
Grades: K-5th
This class began by discussing what a computer program does. The instructor explained a
computer program as a set of directions for the computer to follow in order to perform a
task. The instructor asked the class to explain " How to make a Peanut Butter and Jelly
sandwich." The instructor pointed out some important ideas about programming, while the
class went through a discussion. The instructor explained that when you create a program the
instructions have to be complete ideas. For example, when a person tells the computer to
pick up a knife to use the knife, the computer needs to be told to put the knife down. After
the class completed the directions on the board, the instructor explained the concepts of
variables and environments.
Next, the class began with an introduction of Computer Programming with Alice. The
instructor opened a blank world in Alice and the students helped add items to it. The
students began by adding environment items like buildings and plants. The students then
added characters to the program like a zombie and the character Alice. The students learned
about comment tags and what they are used for during this process of creating the program.
Everyone worked together to create a short program with the characters talking and moving
around. Even the horse was created to talk. The students were able to see their program in
action. It was like creating an animation from scratch!