Our Pedagogy

We use project-based learning to provide learners with the opportunity to apply and consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Design is an important but overlooked aspect of computing. Our courses focus on key projects that you will create and add to your portfolio! We use project-based learning activities that enable students to apply and consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Design is an important, often overlooked aspect of computing. Students can consider how to develop an application for a particular user or function and truly embrace innovation through invention!

We teach new concepts by first unpacking complex terms and ideas. There are several technical terms that have precise technical meanings in the world of computing. In several of our programs we explore these ideas first in unplugged and familiar contexts, then repacking this new understanding into the original concept. This approach also known as semantic waves can help learners develop a secure understanding of complex concepts.

For computing to be relevant, engaging, and accessible to all, a lot of thought is put in our curriculum, materials, and teaching practices. Students find learning to be highly interactive and enjoyable when they are able to personally relate and apply their interests and experiences to the projects they build. Our instructors will draw on the breadth of students’ experiences and cultural knowledge, facilitate projects that have personal meaning for learners, and discuss issues or problems that students find most passionate about!

Exploring the world of computing and technology can be intimidating especially when things begin to become technical. As a result we often use the “Big Word Alert!” which support students' acquisition of knowledge, through the use of BIG key concepts, terms, and vocabulary. We distill concepts by first identifying and then breaking down concepts or theories into fundamental learning components and then provide opportunities for students to build their understanding from there. Glossaries with concept maps, and regular recall and revision will support this approach.

Our lessons focus on not just learning many things on a surface level but truly diving in depth in core topics. We strive to make our programs as wide and deep as possible by providing learning activities with different levels of direction, scaffolding, and support that promote learning. But most importantly we begin by getting students to ask and understand the “why?”. Why are they learning the things they do and why things are the way they are? By adding additional context for example historical background learners will be better engaged and encouraged for greater independence in learning.

Every individual is unique with different learning preferences and habits. Therefore instead of trying to conform students into a rigid curriculum or lesson plan we try to customize and adapt learning outcomes according to one's ability and progress. For instance when teaching programming we would focus first on code 'reading' activities, before code writing. The rate at which new concepts are introduced is dependent on a student's ability to review and interpret code. Learning follows a methodical approach from reading, tracing, explaining and finally writing code.