I'm a new teacher at a high school where I teach programming to students aged 15-17, but here's the catch: I only have 40 minutes a week with no homework or assignments allowed outside of class hours. I initially learned programming using Unity and C#, and I think game development could be a fun and engaging way for my students to learn, but last year it was too complex for them. I've got a projector coming in, so that's a plus, but I'm worried that my initial plan might still be too ambitious given the time constraints.
I want to teach them the basics of C#—things like variables, conditionals, functions, arrays, and loops, alongside basic Unity concepts like sprites and GUIs. No object-oriented programming or 3D elements for now. But with the limited class time and varying student interest in programming, I'm open to suggestions on how to make the class more engaging and effective. I'm not restricted to Unity or game development if there are better alternatives that are interactive and graphical. Any tips or insights you have about teaching programming under these conditions would be really appreciated!
6 Answers
You might want to consider using Scratch if you're looking for something more visual while staying simple. It has basic concepts, and it's graphical enough to keep their interest without overwhelming them. Let them build simple projects in class, and they might surprise you with how much they can learn in this format!
And later on, if they’re interested, you could show them how those concepts relate to real coding and even Unity programming.
What about introducing them to programming logic through robotics or simple game development tools? Even working with simple problems on paper could help them understand algorithms and flow without needing computers.
Honestly, given the constraints of just 40 minutes a week and no homework, I think you’re better off focusing on teaching them about programming and computing concepts rather than trying to teach them actual programming. Introduce them to the world of IT, different programming languages, and how to search for information online. You could cover things like Boolean logic and maybe even give a fun overview of jobs in the tech world. That way, they learn something relevant without the stress of coding every week.
I totally agree! It's more realistic to expose them to the basics and the concepts behind programming rather than overload them with syntax. Maybe some interactive discussions or guest speakers would help too!
Exactly! Plus, using a survey to gauge their interests might help you tailor future lessons to keep them engaged.
You’re aiming way too high with Unity. Stick with Python and focus on fundamental programming concepts like variables, loops, and functions. You can introduce something like Tkinter towards the end just to show them something visually appealing, but don’t push too hard on it—let them enjoy the process. Maybe have them create a small text-based game first to keep it fun and engaging!
A text-based game sounds perfect! Something simple like a number guessing game could really hook their interest.
For sure! Plus, if they grasp the basics in Python, it’ll make transitioning to something like Unity much easier in the future.
True! Scratch can help demystify logic and programming principles in a playful way. It’s accessible and fun.