Principles of Computing Semester 1

Enrollment Message

Not recommended for tablets and Chromebooks. See Required Course Materials

Course Description

Computer Programming is the Math of the 21st century and we all need to understand it. Take Principles of Computing Semester 1, to understand more about software development in a hands-on, practical way. See how far computing has come. Use the Python programming language to transform an idea into a program. Create apps that solve math problems, predict your fortune and use coding techniques to improve efficiency. Explore Object Oriented Programming. Take a dive into the world of professional software developers. 

What is software development? Sign on and find out!

• Counts as a directed elective or elective for all diplomas
• Counts as a quantitative reasoning course
• Fulfills a science requirement for all diploma types

Required Course Materials

• Python software (free download) Please note if you are using a Chromebook (not recommended), you must be able to install Linux

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• explain the early days of computing.
• state the key parts of computer programming that make a program work.
• identify what object-oriented programming is and how to use it.
• explain how modern software development teams coordinate massive software projects.
• make choices about your subsequent computer classes, and what areas are of greatest interest to you.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Next Level Programs of Study Competencies

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1 Overview of Computing and Logic (How are Computers Used?)
• Unit 2 How to Talk to a Computer and Get it to Answer (Introduction to Computer Programming)
• Unit 3 What Makes Code So Variable?
• Unit 4 Why Does Coding Have You in a Loop? (The Loop Construct)
• Unit 5 Decisions, Decisions….
• Unit 6 What’s Your Function? (How to Divide and Conquer)
• Unit 7 Now for Something Classy
• Unit 8 Has AI Got Rhythm? How to Develop a Plan for a Program

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the following assessments

• 31 Assignments
• 14 Quizzes

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.