Collaborative Activities#
The first group of collaborative activities give students opportunities to apply foundational Python concepts, using a madlib generator, a coin change calculator, and an ASCII Art program.
The second set of activities introduce the BBC Microbit, a cost-effective physical computing device that includes an online block editor and Python libraries. Using the Microbit, students can build on their foundational programming knowledge to be better-equipped for the introduction of new programming concepts.
Group Roles
Note Taker: Primary notetaker in a shared space
Illustrator: Primary person/people responsible for developing concept maps, wireframes, or other visual material
Driver: Primary person responsible for testing things on a computer and sharing their screen with the group
Navigator: Primary person responsible for translating and communicating instructors for the group
Reporter: Primary person responsible for sharing highlights with the larger group & submitting the group’s work
Time Keeper: Primary person responsible for keeping an eye on the clock and keeping the group on task
Discuss
In a previous chapter, we worked with HTML/CSS, and in this chapter we’re working in Python. As we’re starting more programming-intensive work, spend some time in your group, thinking about….
How are folks experiencing programming so far? What is rewarding? What is challenging?
What strategies or problem-solving approaches are folks finding helpful when you run into obstacles?
Any preliminary thoughts on how different approaches to debugging and troubleshooting (including starting with pseudocode) might prove helpful?