Courses for Teachers: Learn to Teach Coding and Robotics

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Why Teachers Need Coding and Robotics Training

The CAPS Coding and Robotics curriculum requires teachers to facilitate learning in programming, robotics, and computational thinking from the Foundation Phase through to the Senior Phase. Many teachers are new to these subjects and need targeted professional development to teach them confidently.

The courses below cover coding, robotics, and physical computing. Some are free, others paid. Before enrolling, check that the course is currently available and that the content aligns with your grade and phase requirements.

Coding Courses for Teachers

Scratch Teacher Training (ScratchEd)

  • Provider: ScratchEd / Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Content: Using Scratch to teach coding concepts through creative projects. Covers the Scratch interface, project-based learning approaches, and classroom integration strategies
  • CAPS relevance: Scratch is widely used in South African schools for Coding and Robotics in the Intermediate and Senior Phases
  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Cost: Free

Teaching Physical Computing with Raspberry Pi and Python (FutureLearn)

  • Provider: Raspberry Pi Foundation via FutureLearn
  • Content: Using Raspberry Pi and Python for physical computing projects with sensors and LEDs
  • CAPS relevance: Supports the robotics and physical computing components of the Senior Phase curriculum
  • Format: Online, 4 weeks
  • Cost: Free (certificate upgrade available)

Code.org Teacher Training

  • Provider: Code.org
  • Content: Comprehensive curriculum for teaching computer science from primary to high school, including block-based and text-based programming
  • CAPS relevance: Provides scaffolded coding activities suitable for Foundation through Senior Phase
  • Format: Online, self-paced workshops
  • Cost: Free

Robotics Courses for Teachers

Introduction to Robotics (edX)

  • Provider: edX
  • Content: Overview of robotics including robot architecture, sensing and control, and motion planning
  • CAPS relevance: Provides foundational robotics knowledge for teachers new to the Coding and Robotics curriculum
  • Format: Online, 6 weeks
  • Cost: Free (certificate upgrade available)

VEX Robotics Certification

  • Provider: VEX Robotics
  • Content: Certification in VEX Robotics covering robot building, programming, and competition preparation
  • CAPS relevance: VEX is used in some South African schools. The certification demonstrates competency in facilitating robotics learning
  • Format: Online
  • Cost: Varies

Robotics for K-12 Educators (Carnegie Mellon)

  • Provider: Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
  • Content: Fundamentals of robotics including sensors, actuators, and programming, with hands-on activities
  • CAPS relevance: Comprehensive introduction suitable for teachers with no prior robotics experience
  • Format: Online, self-paced
  • Cost: Paid

South African Resources

In addition to international courses, South African teachers can access local support:

  • WCED Coding and Robotics support: The Western Cape Education Department runs workshops and provides resources for CAPS Coding and Robotics teachers
  • DBE training programmes: The Department of Basic Education periodically offers Coding and Robotics orientation sessions for teachers
  • Provincial teacher development centres: Contact your district office for locally available training opportunities

Note: Course availability and pricing may change. Verify details on the provider’s website before enrolling.