KS2 PROGRAMMING VOCABULARY
As we move
closer to the implementation of the new computing curriculum at KS2, several
issues come to light. One of which is that there is a new vocabulary for
teachers and children to master. We know that children can cope with terms like
“split vowel digraph” so, no excuses, let’s use programming terminology
consistently and accurately to avoid confusion and develop an increasingly literate
cohort.
Decomposing: Splitting problems into smaller parts
Programs: a set of instructions that are written and
sequenced to achieve a specific goal
Algorithms: a step by step guide to achieving something
Logical reasoning: the systematic application of rules to a
problem
Programming language: this converts the algorithm into code.
It takes care of the details like where data is stored and how it is
manipulated.
Syntax: the rules of the programming language
Select: highlighting, or otherwise, the right section of the
program to edit it. In Kodu this might involve clicking on a line number before
being able to edit it.
Indent: it is customary to use the tab key, or similar, to
move lines of a program in to show that they are linked to other lines. As in
Kodu.
Testing: Running the program in lots of different ways to
make sure that it always does what is anticipated and required.
Bug: an error in a program. It might be a spelling mistake
or, more likely, a fault in the logical reasoning resulting in the program
doing the wrong thing.
Debugging: removing errors from the program
Sequence: making sure that the lines of program are in the
right order to carry out the algorithm.
Repetition: a programming structure that allows certain lines
of a program to be executed more than once
Selection: what the program does depends on what conditions are
met
Variables: the way programs store data like a name or a
score. A bit like boxes in which data is put and changed.
You may find these links useful for more explanations:
