Computing Ideas

Introduction to computing ideas

The Computing Ideas course is a first computer science course introducing the basics of programming, the basics of designing a web page, and how information and images are represented with computers.Students will learn to code using blocks to drag and drop, but they can switch between blocks and text as desired. Students will create a portfolio on the web of projects they build throughout the course. With a unique focus on creativity, problem solving and project based learning, Computing Ideas gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity and develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.

Format of course

The entirely web-based curriculum is made up of a series of learning modules that cover the fundamentals of web design and the Internet. Each module is made up of short video tutorials, example programs, quizzes, programming exercises, challenge problems, and unit tests. Students write and run programs in the browser.

• Learning Environment :

The course utilizes a blended classroom approach. The content is a mix of web-based and physical activities. Students will write and run code in the browser, create websites and digital presentations, and engage in in-person collaborative exercises with classmates. Teachers utilize tools and resources provided by Lights Innovation Labs LLC to leverage time in the classroom and give focused 1-on-1 attention to students.

• Programming Environment :

Students write and run programs in the browser . Students will be able to write both text based and block based programs. They will also create webpages using HTML and CSS. These webpages will be hosted so that they can keep a running portfolio of their creative projects, and easily share their programs with the world. Students gain programming experience early on in the course that will enable them to explore the rest of the course topics through computational thinking practices.

Who is it for?

This course is meant to be a first time introduction to computer science, and does not require students to come in with any computer programming experience.

What do you Learn?   Syllabus

Below is a summary of the material covered in each unit:

• Basic Prograaming

  Lesson - 1

  Teaches what it means to "program" and allows students to focus on solving problems using code, rather than getting bogged down in syntax. Students solve problems by moving around the grid.

• What is a Computer? What is Computer Science

  Lesson - 2

  This unit teaches students what a computer is. Students will explore the different types of computers and how they affect their everyday lives and discuss relevant applications of computing.

• Web Design

  Lesson - 3

  Introduces HTML, CSS, and the processes involved in viewing web pages on the Internet. Students create several simple web pages using the online editor, including their own website about themselves, hosted on their own custom codehs.me URL. This personal website will serve as a running portfolio of each creative project they create.

• Digital Information

  Lesson - 4

  Teaches the various ways we represent information digitally. Students learn about pixels, binary, hexadecimal, colors, and digital image representations.

• The Internet

  Lesson - 5

  Explores the structure and design of the internet, the security of data, and personal privacy. Students will learn about the social and ethical implications of the internet.

Interactive Tools

Students will learn and explore concepts around programming and computing. See a few of the ways that students will learn about these concepts.

Students will learn the basics of programming. Students can program in blocks or text.



Students will learn ideas around abstraction, digital information and encodings. Here you can see how students will explore black and white pixel images interactively.

Interested ?

Interested to learn more about computing ideas with Lights Innovation Labs LLC? Tell us more by requesting a quote or write to us at info@lightsinnovationlabs.com and we'll get in touch at the earliest!