Representing algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode

CO420 Online course

Improve your knowledge of algorithms to the level appropriate for GCSE teaching. Become confident in using the key building blocks of sequence, selection and iteration, and learn to apply algorithmic thinking.

Algorithmic thinking Programming Key stage 3 Key stage 4

Free online course 6 hours

An understanding of algorithms is vital for success in computer science. Students need to know how algorithms are designed to solve a problem, and how these designs are represented to other humans.

Improve your knowledge of algorithms to the level appropriate for up to GCSE teaching. Become confident in using the key building blocks of sequence, selection and iteration, and learn to apply algorithmic thinking. Explore how to construct or trace pseudocode and flowchart representations of algorithms.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for teachers of KS3 and KS4 computing.

Topics covered

Core concepts – get to grips with the fundamentals of algorithms by exploring sequencing, selection, iteration.
Algorithms – building upon the previous session, you’ll examine how the core concepts can be implemented within an algorithm.
Flowcharts – during this session you’ll learn how to read and write flowcharts, which are one mechanism that can be used to represent an algorithm. You’ll get to grips with understanding each of the flowchart symbols and how they’re used in computing.
Developing flowcharts – during this session you’ll build upon your knowledge from the previous session, you’ll decompose and create your own algorithms, based upon given problems, representing your solution as flowcharts.
Pseudocode – during this session you’ll extend your knowledge further by exploring pseudocode. You’ll learn how to read and write pseudocode, before creating your own algorithmic solutions using pseudocode.

How long is this course?

This course is approximately 6 hours of self directed learning.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking.