Computational Literacy

Computational literacy fro modern careers

Course Description

In this 60-hour hands-on course trainees learn how computers think, how they operate, and how they can be used to solve problems. They find themselves utilizing new skills that they never imagined existed.

Prerequisites

Trainees must successfully complete a two-hour self-assessment to gain acceptance to this program.

Learning Outcomes

Trainees will be able to:

  • Concentrate and pay attention to detail
  • Understand and follow written instructions
  • Persevere and learn from failure
  • Understand the difference between algorithm and program
  • Type programs using simple commands
  • Understand basic syntax rules
  • Understand error messages
  • Identify repeating patterns
  • Use the counting loop
  • Use the conditional statement
  • Use the Boolean operators “and”, “or” and “not”
  • Use the conditional loop
  • Break complex problems into simpler ones
  • Define and use custom commands
  • Understand the purpose of variables
  • Count operations and assess program efficiency
  • Work with X and Y coordinates
  • Use comparison operators ==, !=, <, >, <= and >=
  • Use the keywords “True” and “False”
  • Work with random numbers
  • Calculate minimum and maximum of a sequence of numbers
  • Perform basic operations with lists

Equipment Requirements

Computer, laptop or tablet with Internet access, web browser, and email.

Program Structure and Length

This training program is self-paced, and trainees practice each skill and concept as they go. Automatic feedback is built into the program for both practices and quizzes.

The training program is divided into four Units, and each Unit is composed of five Sections. Each Section consists of 7 instructional/practice levels, a quiz, and a master (proficiency) level. Trainees can return to any level or quiz for review.

This table illustrates the program structure as units, sections, and levels.

Trainees need approximately 60 hands-on hours, based on their ability level, to complete this program. Since the program is self-paced, the completion time will vary from trainee to trainee. Trainees are responsible for learning both the tutorial content and the skills acquired through practice.