In this AP® Computer Science A course, the content is organized into four units:
Unit 1: Using Objects and Methods: fundamentals of Java programming language, including using reference data to represent real-world objects in a digital world and how to use methods to perform complex operations.
Unit 2: Selection and Iteration: fundamentals of algorithms to perform complex operations, including conditionals to solve problems and control results and iteration for repetition.
Unit 3: Class Creation: explore how real-world interactions can be expressed digitally by organizing behaviors and attributes into classes.
Unit 4: Data Collections: explore techniques and algorithms to work with collections of data, known as data structures, as well as arrays, ArrayList of objects and 2D arrays to dive deeper into data sets.
AP® Computer Science A is a course designed to awaken and support students’ problem-solving skills. The course will introduce the Java programming language while emphasizing universal language techniques like syntax, semantics, and readability. While Java is the official AP® CS A language, the concepts taught are applicable to any industry standard language such as Python, C++, C#, and JavaScript. Students will gain mastery in programming concepts by using a subset of Java features that are covered when needed throughout the course content. This allows the student to understand and master important concepts that will apply to programming problems in many additional languages.
VHS Learning students will learn complex algorithms using industry standard tools for software development such as the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment and JUnit Java testing framework. These tools make learning easier by providing students with multiple opportunities to complete tasks with instant feedback on the functionality of their code. Programming assignments are carefully scaffolded to move students progressively toward better understanding and greater independence as programmers.
Students will be expected to enroll in My AP Classroom through their VHS Learning AP course and will be guided to complete review work in My AP Classroom throughout the year. My AP Classroom resources include AP Daily Videos and unit-based Personal Progress Checks, which include AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Students enrolled in VHS Learning Advanced Placement courses with a passing grade are expected to take the AP Exam. Students register for AP exams through their local school or testing site as “Exam Only” students. AP exam scores will be reported to VHS Learning through My AP Classroom; exam results will not affect the student's VHS Learning grade or future enrollment in VHS Learning courses.
About the Self-Paced Course Model
Self-Paced courses are comprehensive, self-paced courses designed for students who need or desire more flexibility in their academic schedule. VHS Learning teachers will regularly interact with students in asynchronous discussions, will host weekly office hours, and will invite students to monthly 1-on-1 progress meetings. Teachers will support students, answer questions, and provide feedback on work. Students will work independently on course activities; the course does not include class discussion assignments or other collaborative work.
Students may start this course on any Wednesday from September through the first Wednesday in December. Students must maintain enrollment for a minimum of 20 weeks and have until mid-June to complete all assignments in the course. It is expected that students will work for approximately 330 hours to complete this course, though the amount of time may vary depending on a student’s work habits and comfort with the material.