Algorithm – the soul of programming

Aruna Malapati and Tathagata Ray
Algorithms are the soul of programming. An algorithm is a sequence of operations or instructions executed to solve a problem or perform a task. While writing an algorithm for a computer, you have to be precise in your instructions and this is the challenge that lies before programmers. To do this, one needs to have critical thinking skills, and with proper training, this can be cultivated. Here is a list of some different tools and resources that can be used to teach algorithms and programming.

Fundamentals of Robotics

Dipankar Pal
This article argues that robotics is here to stay and grow as a prime 21st century skill. With many schools now finding space for robotics in their core curriculum, a change in perception is needed at various levels to view robotics as a multi- disciplinary learning.

Let’s build a robot!

Sudipta Saha
Robotics provides an opportunity to learn a wide variety of STEM concepts that are required by curricula around the world. By using the robot as a tool in a specific lesson plan, educators are able to actively engage and motivate their students, giving tangible representations of the concepts they are teaching. In addition to its direct use in the curriculum, robotics has also found its place as an extracurricular activity in lunchtime or after-school clubs.

Decoding the digital

Chintan Girish Modi
What is hate speech? Who decides what is hate speech? Why is the digital space filled with vitriol directed at communities, individuals and groups? How can students navigate through this in a fearless way? The author comes up with some activities that teachers can take up in the classroom. Read about it in this article.

Choosing the right flow

V. M. Dhivya
In computer programming, control structures are used to make decisions and alter the direction of program flow in the paths that are available. This article explains the concepts through some card games.

The machine in the human

Niveditha Purushothaman
How can computational thinking be taught in the classroom? It is every teacher’s concern that she must try and fit in this within the available time frame. The best way is to create opportunities for the students by integrating it into the curriculum. Here are a couple of activities that teachers can try out with their students.

Solving mysteries – the binary way

Abhijit Nandy
It is essential that subjects that are taught in schools have an impact on the everyday lives of the students. Students should be able to observe, interact with and impact their environment from what they are learning from textbooks and computers. Analytical thinking needs to be inculcated in the minds of the students irrespective of the subjects being taught. This way they would not need to memorise to arrive at an answer and they will learn to think logically. Analytical thinking and logic are skills that can be applied not only to mathematics or programming but to any subject. Being observant, consistent, getting results, actually having students interact with all that they are being taught, are very important aspects for the students to learn.

Is self-learning possible?

Arun Elassery
How can one learn to program and create live applications from the Internet? Are there open source projects available that any reasonably intelligent student can use and contribute to a project of his choice? Here are some resources listed in this article that any teacher can try out —free learning material and free development tools to create a real world application.

Computational thinking unplugged

Paul Curzon
Computational thinking is a powerful way to solve problems and this is centered around algorithms. Magic, games and puzzles are fun ways to explore the concepts of computational thinking and to develop the mental toolkit and skills. Here are some magic games and puzzles .