Computational Thinking in Python

Event code: 18FTF4OCT17

This workshop is for teachers who already have a grasp of some basic programming concepts: variables, iteration (loops) and conditionals (if-else statements).

It is targeted at teachers of Years 7-10.

In this workshop, attendees will learn how to teach computational problem solving using Python as a tool.

Outcomes:

Participants will tackle 3 computational thinking problems. By the end of the workshop, they should be able to:

• Describe computational problems in terms of clearly defined inputs and outputs (abstraction).
  
• Describe the solution to it a sequence of simple steps (decomposition).
• Define those steps in the form of a flow chart.
• Write the solutions using Python code.
• Evaluate the solutions based on the criteria of simplicity, readability and efficiency.
  

Python is an interpreted text based general purpose programming language and is also the only professional programming language that was designed with beginners in mind; it is intuitive and easy to use.

About the presenter 

Sanjin Dedić has a B.Eng in Mechatronic Systems majoring in Robotics and Computer Vision and spent several years working industry as an Engineer. He then retrained as a teacher and taught Systems Engineering and Digital Technologies at a secondary level. Recently he has been developing a series of technology programs for G.A.T.E.WAYS (gifted and talented education) covering everything from coding, robotics, applied mathematics and microcontrollers. These programs have been delivered to students in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Queensland. As a head of eLearning at Techxellent he has combined his technological expertise with his educational experience to create innovative teacher training programs and resources.