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Algorithms

Algorithms

This microcredential will provide a foundation of algorithms. This is #4 of the K-12 Computer Science credential.

MICROCREDENTIAL ID: ETEC-KCS-0014
CREDENTIAL: K-12 Computer Science
CREDITS: 1.0 CEU (10 hours)
AUTHOR: Dr. Emily Baumgartner

 

Licensure Disclosure: EHHS Credentials and Microcredentials do not lead to an Ohio Department of Education (ODE) recognized licensure and/or endorsement preparation program. 

Registration

 

How to Earn This Microcredential

Participants will need to submit a set of evidence demonstrating their understanding of algorithms and how these topics will be implemented in the curriculum. Additionally, participants will also complete a short written reflection analysis.

Fees

Participants submitting this microcredential for review will be assessed an administrative fee of $50. Participants who successfully complete the microcredential will receive a certificate showing completion of 1.0 CEU.

 Why Get This Microcredential?

 

This microcredential is part of the K-12 Computer Science credential. This microcredential will help the educator understand what an algorithm is and how they are created. This credential must be completed sequentially starting with Microcredential #1 in the K-12 Computer Science credential. First, the educator gains background on computer and networking systems and how data gets stored. Next, the educator will gain experience in algorithms, which is an essential component prior to programming. The next microcredential will explore basic programming, which can be translated to many different activities in the classroom. Finally, the impacts of computing are explored in the last microcredential.

Important Terms
  • Algorithm - A list set of instructions, used to solve problems or perform tasks, based on the understanding of available alternatives.
  • Pseudocode - Pseudocode acts as an intermittent step before developing the actual code. It helps programmers prepare the organization and sequence of an algorithm.
  • Flowchart - A flowchart is a type of diagrammatic representation using shapes and flow lines to illustrate a computer program, an algorithm, or a process. The process symbol used in a flow chart includes ovals, rectangles, diamonds, flow lines, and more to indicate various types of steps.

  Benefits of this Microcredential

 

Algorithms are the building blocks of programs. Without understanding how an algorithm works, it becomes difficult to understand programming and how to develop a program, no matter the size. Thinking about a computer program as a list of instructions with a certain flow can help map out how a program should be written. However, algorithms are in our everyday lives. They are utilized in recipes, driving to a destination, and more recently are utilized heavily in machine learning.

Standards

Ohio Learning Standards: Computer Science
  • ATP.A - Algorithmic thinking and programming algorithms
  • ATP.VDR - Variables and Data Representation
  • ATP.CS - Control Structures
  • ATP.M - Modularity
    • Note: standards for Computer Science are categorized by grade level
CSTA Standards
  • CSTA Standards:
    • Specific standards are listed by grade level here:
      • Ie. Develop programs and interpret algorithms
      • 3a. Pursue targeted professional development
      • 4a. Analyze CS curricula
      • 4b. Develop standards-aligned learning experiences

 Evidence Review

 

Candidates interested in earning this microcredential must submit three pieces of evidence: one piece related to learning, one related to implementing, and one related to reflecting.

When you are ready for your evidence review, submit your pieces of evidence for feedback from a qualified instructor. 

Learning

Required Resources

  • The following resources help to explore what algorithms are.
    • Watch “Computer Science Basics - Algorithms” video (2:29)
    • Read Algorithms for Kids
    • Watch “Crash Course” video (11:43)
    • Read Examples of Algorithms
      • .
  • Read flowcharts in programming

Additional Resources

  • A System to help teaching and learning algorithms
  • Full course (5 hours) on algorithms
  • Machine Learning in education
  • Article on modular design

Required Evidence

  • Create a flowchart (using Word, Visio, Canva, or whatever program necessary) to demonstrate an algorithm in everyday life. This should have at least 5 steps. . Insert the screenshot, as a separate page, into the document required below.
  • Submit a 1-2 page explaining what an algorithm is and provide 3-4 examples of an algorithm in everyday life.
    • Formatting – One to two pages maximum; double-spaced, no smaller than 11pt font.
    • Use references to support your claims. References do not count towards the 1-2 page minimum/maximum. Any format for references is allowed but APA is preferred.

Evidence Review Criteria

  • Criterion 1: Educator understands the definition and can provide examples of algorithms.
  • Criterion 2: Educator can create a flowchart using the proper symbols for an algorithm in everyday life.
Implementing

Required Resources

  • There are no required resources; however, you are encouraged to visit at least one additional resource.

Additional Resources

  • Instructional strategies for CS:
  • INFOhio Curriculum ideas:
  • Code.org
  • Computer Science lesson plans:
  • Computer science unit plans:
  • Teaching algorithms for high school students:
  • Presentation tips
  • PowerPoint Alternatives

Required Evidence

  • Create a PowerPoint (or PowerPoint alternative) introducing algorithms to your students with appropriate material related to their grade level.
    • Be sure to incorporate the standards into your presentation.
      • Ohio:
      • CSTA:
    • There is no minimum number of slides. However, future participants listening to the presentation should be able to clearly learn from the slides presented.
    • Slide notes should be included as either a transcript of what will be said or a list of key ideas that will be covered on the slide.
  • Create an activity for students to complete where they are making an algorithm (submit worksheet or a paragraph describing the activity). Implement this in the classroom.
  • Submit both pieces of required evidence as one document.

Evidence Review Criteria

  • Evidence of preparation and planning
    • Criterion 1: Evidence demonstrates instructor applies applicable lesson to corresponding standard.
    • Criterion 2: Evidence demonstrates appropriate assessment for corresponding standard.
  • Evidence of Implementing
    • Criterion 1: Evidence demonstrates student understanding of corresponding standards.
Reflecting

Required Resources

  • If you are new to writing reflections, or this is your first microcredential, then please visit at least one of the additional resources.

Additional Resources

  • EduBirdie -
  • Trent University –

Required Evidence

  • Submit a document that considers these two questions:
    • What improvements could be made to the lesson plan previously implemented in this section?
    • What other aspects of algorithms could be explored in other subject areas in the curricula?
  • Formatting – One to two pages maximum; double-spaced, no smaller than 11pt font.
  • No references are required.

Evidence Review Criteria

  • Criterion 1: The reflective analysis indicates the educator continually learns and increases their knowledge base.
  • Criterion 2: The reflective analysis identifies other appropriate areas for integration of CS curricula.
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