This course teaches computer science in a practical, hands-on way, helping educators and students understand programming while creating fun and useful apps. Learn to use Apple’s Swift to develop apps that can be applied across a variety of learning situations, enhance classroom resources, and improve communication with parents.
Note: Intended for middle and high school teachers; no prior programming experience is required.
Technical Requirements
To complete this course, you can use either an Apple Macintosh computer or an iPad. The Swift Playgrounds software is free and available for download from the Apple App Store.
Mac OS
Swift Playgrounds 4.1 or later (requires macOS 12.4 or later)
Hardware Supported:
- MacBook Pro 2015 and later
- MacBook Air 2015 and later
- MacBook 2016 and later
- iMac 2015 and later
- Mac Mini 2014 and later
- Mac Studio
- Mac Pro
iPad
Swift Playgrounds 4.1 or later (requires iOS 15.5 or later)
Files App (needed to download ZIP files)
Hardware Supported:
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (5th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
Alternative software: You can also follow this course on an Apple Mac with Xcode 14.
Learn with TCEA?
- Our courses are streamlined for efficient and lasting learning.
- We share ideas and resources that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
- We also offer ideas and techniques based on years of experience in professional development, integrating educator feedback to always meet the needs of course participants.
Self-Paced Online Course
Swift Programming is a self-paced, online program. Participants can begin anytime and go at their own speed throughout the program.
Upon enrollment, you will receive a program invitation email from TCEA’s learning management system that will give you access to the self-paced course. Within the course, you will find modules that must be moved through in sequential order.
Course Modules
Introduction to Swift: Understand the basics of Swift programming and its applications in education.
Swift Playgrounds: Learn how to use Apple’s Swift Playgrounds to teach coding concepts in an engaging, interactive way.
Fundamentals of App Development: Explore the basic principles of iOS app development using Swift.
Teaching Coding Concepts: Discover strategies for teaching programming concepts like variables, functions, and control structures using Swift.
Swift Across the Curriculum: Learn how to integrate Swift programming activities into various subject areas to enhance learning.