When schools decide to offer computer science courses, a common concern is whether students will actually enroll. However, in every new school where we’ve introduced these classes, they’ve quickly filled up. Across the United States, parents and communities are realizing how important computer science is and are eager to have it available in their schools. They want more opportunities for students to learn these valuable skills.
Many students are having such a positive experience with computer science classes that they want to continue learning more. They often share their enthusiasm with friends, encouraging them to join as well. Having friends in the class can make the learning process more enjoyable and easier to grasp.
The Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles course is designed to cover a wide range of topics within computer science. It’s created with the idea of fairness and accessibility, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can succeed. The course is structured to be approachable, making it possible for anyone to take it and do well.
For a school to successfully offer computer science, it needs teachers who are willing to teach these principles and engage in professional learning to master the content. The professional development that teachers receive is crucial. It not only helps them understand the material better but also inspires them to bring that knowledge back to the classroom.
When a school starts teaching computer science principles, it attracts a lot of attention. This initiative opens up many new opportunities for students that they might not have had before. As students gain confidence, they begin to see future possibilities they hadn’t considered. There’s a growing interest in learning about computer science, and it’s important to find ways to support this interest. By equipping students with the skills they need, we can encourage them to innovate and create new things.
Research various career opportunities in computer science. Create a presentation or poster that highlights different roles, required skills, and potential career paths. Share your findings with the class to inspire others about the possibilities in this field.
Pair up with a classmate and take turns teaching each other a concept from the AP Computer Science Principles course. This will help reinforce your understanding and improve your communication skills. Discuss any challenges you encounter and how you overcame them.
Work individually or in small groups to create a simple coding project, such as a basic game or a useful app. Use online resources and tools to help you. Present your project to the class, explaining the process and any challenges you faced.
Conduct an interview with someone working in the computer science field. Prepare questions about their job, the skills they use, and their career journey. Share the insights you gain with your classmates to provide real-world context to your studies.
Join a coding challenge or hackathon event, either online or in your community. These events are a great way to apply what you’ve learned, collaborate with others, and solve real-world problems. Reflect on your experience and what you learned from it.
[Music] When districts take the leap of offering computer science, a common question is whether students will sign up. Wherever we’ve offered this in new schools, our classes are filling up. Parents and communities across the United States are recognizing the importance of computer science; they want it in their schools and are seeking more opportunities for their students.
I’m having such a good experience this year that I might want to continue next year. I tell my friends about this class and encourage them to take it. When you have friends in the class, it makes it much easier to understand the material.
The Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles course covers a wide variety of topics in computer science and is designed with equity in mind. It’s structured to help students from all backgrounds succeed. The way the course is set up makes it more approachable and accessible to everyone, which is fantastic—anyone can take the curriculum and be successful.
A school needs to have teachers who are willing to teach computer science principles and engage in professional learning to master the content. The professional development our teachers have received has been a game changer. It helps them understand the material and fosters a desire to return to the classroom.
When a school implements computer science principles, it garners a lot of attention. It opens up numerous doors for students that were previously closed. Their confidence is growing, and they are beginning to see opportunities for the future that they may not have considered before. Students want to learn about computer science, so we need to find ways to support them. Let’s equip them to succeed and encourage them to innovate and create.
Computer – An electronic device that processes data and performs tasks according to a set of instructions called a program. – Example sentence: The computer executed the code flawlessly, displaying the correct output on the screen.
Science – The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. – Example sentence: Computer science involves understanding algorithms and data structures to solve complex problems.
Students – Individuals who are enrolled in an educational institution to learn and acquire knowledge. – Example sentence: The students collaborated on a group project to develop a new mobile application.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Example sentence: Learning to code in Python has become an essential skill for many high school students.
Teachers – Individuals who provide education and guidance to students, helping them understand and apply new concepts. – Example sentence: The teachers introduced the students to the basics of programming using interactive tools.
Principles – Fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. – Example sentence: Understanding the principles of object-oriented programming is crucial for software development.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. – Example sentence: Education in computer science opens up numerous career paths in technology and innovation.
Skills – The ability to do something well, usually gained through training or experience. – Example sentence: Developing coding skills can significantly enhance a student’s problem-solving capabilities.
Opportunities – Situations or conditions favorable for attaining a goal or achieving success. – Example sentence: The tech industry offers many opportunities for those skilled in computer programming.
Development – The process of creating, designing, and maintaining software applications or systems. – Example sentence: Web development involves using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build interactive websites.
