The first course that will be taught through T-PEP will be the "Computer Programming Fundamentals" course, which will teach the basics of computer programming using web development technologies. The course will also help students identify career opportunities and supplement their technical knowledge with professional development skills. The actual course will consist of 16 lessons taught over a period of 12 weeks.
A general overview of the topics covered in the course can be found below.
Technical Topics (HTML, CSS, and Javascript)
Since web programming has a lower barrier to entry than other technologies, T-PEP's first course will use web development as a medium for teaching general computer programming concepts. The curriculum will utilize HTML and CSS to teach web page formatting, and will use javascript to teach students how to add dynamic functionality to those webpages. Proficiency in these languages is highly vlaued in today's marketplace, so students will already be learning skills that could serve as a foundation for a future career. In addition, javascript syntax is very similar to the widely used Java programming language. Students who master Javascript wil be well positioned to learn Java or any other high level programming language.
Speficially, the "Computer Programming Fundamentals" couse will cover the following technical topics:
- Computer Programming Theory
- Web Page Formatting
- Variables
- Conditional Statements/Logical Operators
- Functions
- Loops
- Arrays
- Object Oriented Programming
- External web development libraries
Professional Development Topics
Learning about the practical application of technical skills is essential to understanding their value and providing opportunity for those who have them. To supplement the technical component of the curriculum, students will be taught about the career possibilities which exist for those with knowledge of computer programming. Futhermore, a focus of the curriculum will also be to instruct students on how to effecitvely craft a professional image to market those skills through resume writing and professional networking.