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DHS Computer Science In a Nutshell. Year one: ap computer science Year two: advanced cs topics Year three: I.S. in CS topics Steve svetlik , mscs. Computer Science on the Whole. Consistently ranked one of the top 10 most rewarding career paths
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DHS Computer ScienceIn a Nutshell Year one: ap computer science Year two: advanced cs topics Year three: I.S. in CS topics Steve svetlik, mscs
Computer Science on the Whole Consistently ranked one of the top 10 most rewarding career paths http://www.cnbc.com/id/46994473/The_Best_Jobs_for_2012?slide=11 http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45mkkh/no-1-software-developers-applications-and-systems-software/ Greater likelihood of obtaining a (lucrative) job out of college Truly cutting edge (Java <20 years old) Relevant (kids get computers) Slowly starting to gain recognition in high schools as an essential discipline (ultimate problem solving course) http://svetlik.weebly.com
AP Computer Science College Board sets the curriculum (http://apcentral.collegeboard.org) Focus on Object-Oriented Programming and Design Language of focus is Java… … BUT, course is NOT exclusively a “Java course” Algorithms, simple data structures, coding style all shared emphases through Q1 and Q2 and 1/3 of Q3 Major-scale Q3 project (guided) Q4: Prep for AP Test, then independent project
AP Computer Science (Continued) • Grading: • 60% HW (Primarily programming projects) • 30% Tests and Quizzes • 10% Employability (Conduct and Teamwork) • NOT a course for students who are “iffy” about getting homework done on a regular basis • Easy access to a computer at home essential • Plenty of online resources (including me) • Senior Teachers and 2nd and 3rd year students available inside/outside of building
Advanced CS Topics (Year Two) • Semester One • Quarter One – Java Review and Light Exposure to new languages (primarily Clojure) • Quarter Two – Data Structures Introduction and Major-Scale Project (Exposure to AI development, Advanced OO design) • Quarter Three and First Half of Quarter Four – IIT Data Structures Course (Optional, but popular) Dual Enrollment • Remainder of Quarter Four – “Fun Project” Using Data Structures
Advanced CS Topics (Year Two) Continued.. • Grading: • Semester One: 90% HW, 10% Employability • Semester Two: Same as Sem One OR IIT Course Grade • More flexibility in choosing areas of interest • Increased emphasis on helping year one students • IIT course is highly encouraged but is not required
Independent Study in CS (Year Three) • Student-chosen focus • New programming languages (C++, Racket, Scala, Clojure) • Increased focus on hardware • Student-driven assignment schedule • Grading • 90% project work • 10% employability • Students serve partially as resource to Year One students. • Often intertwined with Senior Teaching • Excellent opportunity to broaden knowledge base in CS and develop ability to transfer to other areas of interest