The Essential Coding Skills Courses
Apply block coding to develop Computational Thinking skills

Breaking down a problem into smaller parts;
Find a repeatable path - design the codes and test.
Arrange tasks in order of importance and sequence.
Simplify complex tasks into manageable representations.

Suitable ages: 6-8

prerequisite(s):

Suitable ages: 8-12

prerequisite(s):

CT-1

CT-2

CT-3

CT-4

Counting, Directions

Arithmetic Skills

CT-2

CT-3

Block coding, also known as visual coding, serves as a foundational step in the coding education journey. The block-based programming can help children learn and develop a range of skills, including:

Problem-solving skills: You will learn to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, and to think logically and systematically to create working programs.
Creativity: You could apply different ways to simplify, optimise or solve a problem with various approaches.
Computational thinking: Block-based programming helps children develop computational thinking skills, including algorithmic thinking, pattern recognition, and abstraction.

Collaboration: You could establish a small part out of a bigger project in a group. The practice of collaborating with others, and receiving feedback and encouragement will develop the teamwork spirit.

Persistence and Resilience: Block-based programming can be challenging, and children may need to experiment and try different approaches to solve problems and create working programs. This can help them develop persistence and resilience in the face of difficulties.

Communication skills: Block-based programming often requires children to communicate their ideas and thoughts clearly, whether through writing descriptions or creating visual representations of their programs.

Algorithmic Skills

An algorithm is a method to solve a problem that consists of exactly a list of rules with a well-defined sequence to follow to solve the problem. Algorithmic thinking consists of a pool of abilities: to analyse given problems, to specify a problem precisely, to find the basic actions that are adequate to the given problem, to construct a correct algorithm for a given problem using the workable actions, to think about all possible cases of a problem and to improve the efficiency of an algorithm.
In the module, algorithmic skills are added to a story context. The learners will apply their logical thinking skills to determine the correct directions for the mouse robot to travel from one point to another.

Module Prerequisites

Proficient in basic arithmetic: counting 1-20.
Knowledge of moving forward, backward, turning right & left .

Expected Learning Outcomes

Able to code the movement of the robots to travel from one point to another.
Able to suggest an alternative plan to the existing one.

This Module You Will Learn To

Read the mouse robot movement directions
Write the mouse robot movement directional sequence (6-box).
Learn to read the reversed movement directional sequence.
Introduction to the concept: Decomposition
Introduction to the idea: Pattern Recognition
Search the alternative routes
Study the duration of travel.

We can find sensors everywhere. Sensors translate measurements from the real world into data for the digital domain. The course will help learners to develop fluency in coding skills. They learn to connect sensors to collect data with the BBC micro: bit. It is a
physical computing device that bridges abstract concepts and tangible experiences. Some basic applications will also be introduced. Students can use micro: bit to build a wide range of tools like fitness trackers, autonomous vehicles, soil moisture and temperature sensors.

Module Prerequisites

Knowledge of basic arithmetic (+ , - , x, ÷, > & <).
Simple logical decision making in IF-THEN-ELSE.

This Module You Will Learn To

Numbers & Strings.
Variables & Inputs
Maths functions.
Turn on/off an external LED light, Photo Interrupter, and Light sensor.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Able to connect and operate sensors to a micro: Bit with a sensor shield.
Able to apply Micro: Bits and sensors to solve real-world problems: counter, automated LED light following the brightness.

If-then conditions, logical operands and loops can be difficult concepts for beginners to understand. To help them comprehend these logics, this module starts with some brain-teasing activities to apply the logics to situations in daily life. With the concepts of the logics, the learners can start to apply the coding skills with sensors and devices to solve some given tasks. This module promotes the mindset of learning through making. The maker education setting with coding and sensors can act as a provocation for inquiry, as well as modern technology and the setting to invent with. The learners can therefore move beyond consumption to creation.

Module Prerequisites

Prior knowledge to connect sensors to Micro: Bits is required.
Knowledge of read/write & digital/analog is recommended.
Knowledge in mathematical symbols <, >, or/and is also required.

This Module You Will Learn To

Assemble a robotic smart home with sensors.
If-Then-Else: with photo interrupter, LED and light sensor.
Apply "or"/"and" conditions to If-Then-Else.
Do-While condition.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Able to assemble the smart home with sensors.
Understand the individualised situation to design the solutions for a smart home and be able to find out the different parameters to customise the workable solutions.
Establish the tinkering characters in seeking the solution of the problem (continuously exploring a better solution after non-successful attempts).

The learners will learn how to apply the coding knowledge to solve problems by wirelessly controlling Micro: Bits that are connected to sensors. Wireless technology allows a set of interdependent sensors to form a network. They will auto-communicate with each other to maintain an automated system.

Module Prerequisites

Prior knowledge to connect sensors to Micro: Bits is required.
Knowledge of read/write & digital/analog is recommended.
Knowledge in mathematical symbols <, >, or/and is also required.

This Module You Will Learn To

Understand the functions of servo-motors and ultrasonics.
Assemble the Trash-Bot and understand the functions screws, bolt and nuts.
Understand the complications of coding with logical functions when the ultrasonics encounter various situations.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Able to assemble the Trash-Bot with sensors.
Understand how the ultrasonic functions with servo-motors.
Develop problem-solving skills to code when the servo motors detect the objects and turn on the LED light.