Free Level 1 Programming Course. Study online at your own pace, fitting learning around your schedule. This is a free programming course for adults who are comfortable using a computer for everyday tasks like email and web browsing. It covers how computers work and how programmers build apps and websites, using tools including Scratch and Google applications. The course takes around 48 hours to complete. It is not suitable for complete beginners, so you should be confident with general computer use before you start.
Who this course is for
Have you ever wondered how computers work, what makes them tick or want to know how programmers create apps and websites? Or perhaps you are thinking of a change of career, want to help the children with their homework or just want to do something different with your computer? Are you a teacher using Scratch in the classroom? If so, this course is the course for you!
Entry requirements
This is a level one course and is not suitable for beginners. You should be comfortable using a desktop computer or laptop for general tasks such as email and word processing. You must have experience of using a web browser to access multiple websites as the course software is all accessed through a website. Previous experience with Google products such as Docs and Draw will be helpful, but you will be shown how to use these during the course if you have not used them before
What you will learn
You'll understand how computers process and execute instructions
You'll explore how programmers create apps and websites
You'll write basic programs using Scratch
You'll use Google Docs and Google Draw as part of your programming work
You'll navigate course software through a web browser
You'll develop logical thinking and problem-solving through coding tasks
How you will learn
You study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. All software is accessed through a web browser. Assessment is through the tasks and activities set within the course. You'll have a skills check before you start to confirm this is the right level for you.
What you will need to bring
You'll need a desktop computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection and an up-to-date web browser. All course software is accessed online, so no additional downloads are required. Devon Adult Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Software Developer: entry-level role building apps and websites
Junior Web Developer: creating and maintaining web pages
IT Support Technician: helping users with technical problems
Digital Content Creator: producing online content using digital tools
Data Entry Clerk: working with digital systems and databases
IT Administrator: managing systems and software in an organisation
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (ITQ) - broadens your practical IT skills across a range of software and systems.
Level 2 Award or Certificate in Programming - takes your coding knowledge further and strengthens your programming qualification.
Level 3 Certificate in IT - a step toward more technical or developer roles.
BTEC Level 3 in Computing - a recognised route toward higher education or a career in software development.
