Intro to K-12 CS Education Microcredential
This microcredential will introduce you to the basic concepts of analysis, decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. You will experience how these concepts can be applied to any discipline and any grade level. Through creative assignments like the CS Autobiography you will be encouraged to reflect on your own experiences and views to help guide your further study.
Key elements of this course:
- Dip your toes into coding by creating a simple program in a block-based beginner’s environment of your choice.
- Learn about programming as well as debugging (fixing programs) without a computer through “unplugged” lessons.
- Explore lesson plans and resources to prepare you to bring Computer Science (CS) and Computational Thinking (CT) to your future or current classroom.
Spring 2026 session
Course begins: March 10, 2026.
Registration closes: March 4, 2026.
Current registration cost:
$60
Modules
Module 1: Intro to Algorithms
Learn to identify algorithms and examine some algorithm-related unplugged activities.
Module 2: Intro to Computational Thinking (CT)
Learn what Computational Thinking (CT) is and why it is important for all students.
Module 3: Intro to Coding
Learn about programming languages and get started coding in a block-based language.
Module 4: Debugging Your Code
Learn about debugging through a reflection on the coding experience in Module 3.
Module 5: Exploring CS Lessons
Synthesize the knowledge gained across all previous modules. Create a brief action plan for integrating the principles of Accessibility, UDL, and HLPs into K-12 CS instructional practice.
Module 6: Final Project
Use the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the course to evaluate aspects of a CS/CT lesson plan.
Statistics
States participating:
School districts participating:
Teachers enrolled since course launch:
Testimonials
As a special education teacher for middle school science, my perception has shifted from believing that basic accommodations were enough to realizing the importance of proactively designing lessons that address diverse needs. One specific strategy I plan to use is providing students with multiple ways to show their understanding—such as projects, presentations, or written responses—drawing from UDL guidelines. My biggest “aha!” moment was seeing how small, intentional changes in lesson structure can dramatically improve accessibility and engagement for all my students, not just those with IEPs.
This school year I started a Unified Robotics Club at my school, in partnership with Special Olympics and the FTC Robotics Club that I lead. As I engaged with this UDL Course, I was reflecting on how to continue to scaffold and improve the experiences of students in the Unified Robotics program. I currently push into a ‘self-contained’ class once a week with students from the FTC Robotics Club. We have done some engaging work through intentional instructional groupings, and scaffolded, gradual release type lessons; using tools like Sphero Indi and Sphero Mini robots. I am reflecting on how to continue to integrate physical computing devices into my classrooms and across the school community; and how to best build out curricula and materials for this work so that all students can perceive, operate, and understand the tools and engage in robust and powerful learning experiences.
Registration Information
For Districts
Empower your K-12 educators with our K-12 CS for Learners with Disabilities Microcredential Course! Districts can benefit from bulk purchasing options, a customized contract with payment deferred until course completion, and a dedicated online section exclusively for your staff. Elevate CS integration across your district!
Contact us to learn more: cseveryone@coe.ufl.edu.
For Individuals
Teachers! Ready to enhance your skills? Register now for our microcredential course!
Here are the steps to register a single teacher:
- Log into the course catalog system
- If you have an active Gatorlink (@ufl.edu email), use the top login.
- If not, use the Guest login and create an account. Complete the personal information, answering only mandatory questions. You will need to verify your email address by clicking a link sent to your email.
- Once you are logged in, find this course (#778019) in the course catalog (note: this course used to be named “Introduction to UDL, HLPs, and Accessibility in K-12 CS Ed” and still appears that way in the registration system)
- Click on the UDL-1-SPR2026 section title to view more details.
- Click Add to Cart.
- Checkout and complete payment.
Reach out to Dr. Leela Kumaran at lkumaran@coe.ufl.edu for any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a computer science background?
No. This is for anyone curious about bringing CS into their K-12 classrooms.
How much time does the microcredential take?
It will require about 20 hours of self-paced work.
Is this program for a specific grade level?
No. This microcredential is open to all preservice and in-service teachers who will be teaching elementary, middle or high school. There will be differentiation for activities to make it relevant to all grade levels.
What are the requirements to sign up?
This course is designed for both preservice and in-service K-12 teachers.
Will I receive University of Florida credits for this microcredential?
No. This microcredential is not a credit-accruing program. You will receive a University of Florida Credly badge and a certificate of completion to add to your resume, portfolio, and email signature.
(Note: The “Is there a fee?” and “When will the course take place?” FAQ items are disabled/hidden in the current build.)
