Competency Activity

Please create a single, word processed, document (either .doc or .pdf) that answers the following questions.

  1. In FOP I taught functions as one of the final of the six fundamental concepts in our unit on Scratch.
    • Why do you think I did that?  What is the advantage of teaching it last in the sequence?

     

  2. In FOP I taught functions as one of the first of the six fundamental concepts in our unit on Python.
    • Why do you think I do that?  What is the advantage of teaching it early in the sequence?
    • Many Python textbooks and faculty teach functions as one of the LAST topics.  Make a case for why this is equally appropriate compared to what I did.

     

  3. Consider the following three fundamentals of programming. Which order would you teach these in and why?  What prerequisite knowledge is gained by placing the first ones earlier than the later ones? [Note, you do not need to parrot back my ordering from FOP if you feel there are advantages of other orderings. There ARE multiple ways to do this. Pick one and explain!] Do you think that your target grade level (elementary, middle school, high school) has any bearing on your decision?
    1. data with actions (mathematical operations)
    2. selecting actions (conditionals)
    3. sequencing actions (creating an algorithm)

     

  4. Consider the concept of data/variable. 
    • Do you think this fundamental would be easier to teach in a block-based language (such as Scratch) or a text-based language (such as Python)?  Why?
    • Do you think that your target grade level (elementary, middle school, high school) has any bearing on your decision?
    • Give a specific example you could use to demonstrate this concept.

     

  5. Consider the concept of selection statements. 
    • Do you think this fundamental would be easier to teach in a block-based language (such as Scratch) or a text-based language (such as Python)?  Why?
    • Do you think that your target grade level (elementary, middle school, high school) has any bearing on your decision?
    • Give a specific example you could use to demonstrate this concept

     

  6. Consider the concept of loop statements. 
    • Do you think this fundamental would be easier to teach in a block-based language (such as Scratch) or a text-based language (such as Python)?  Why?
    • Do you think that your target grade level (elementary, middle school, high school) has any bearing on your decision?
    • Give a specific example you could use to demonstrate this concept

 

 

Submission

This counts as a competency demo in the course. In other words, each question will be assigned a score of 0-4 and an overall grade for the activity will be assigned.

While these questions are somewhat a matter of opinion - that is, they have multiple "right answers" - they can still be graded for competence based on how well you explain and defend your answer(s). Recognize that the degree to which you do so will have an impact on your grade.

Please submit this via Blackboard by the end of the week.