AP Computer Science

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Advanced Placement series.
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Advanced Placement Computer Science (also called AP Comp Sci, APCS, or CSAP) consists of two Advanced Placement courses and two examinations offered by the College Board to high school students as an opportunity to earn college credit for a college-level computer science course. AP Computer Science A is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science. The AP Computer Science A exam tests students on their knowledge of Java.[1] AP Computer Science AB, which was equivalent to a full year, was discontinued following the May 2009 exam administration.[2] AP Computer Science Principles introduces the student to the foundations of computer science with a focus on how computing powers the world. AP Computer Science Principles is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science.[3]

AP Computer Science A

AP Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development. It also includes the study of data structures and abstraction, but these topics were not covered to the extent that they were covered in AP Computer Science AB. The Microsoft-sponsored program Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) aims to increase the number of students taking AP Computer Science classes.[4]

AP Computer Science AB (discontinued)

AP Computer Science AB included all the topics of AP Computer Science A, as well as a more formal and a more in-depth study of algorithms, data structures, and data abstraction. For example, binary trees were studied in AP Computer Science AB but not in AP Computer Science A. The use of recursive data structures and dynamically allocated structures were fundamental to AP Computer Science AB. Due to low numbers of students taking the AP Computer Science AB exam, it was discontinued after the 2008-2009 year.[5]

AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles encourages the application of creative processes while developing artifacts to solve problems. The course focuses on learning to create computational artifacts. Students enrolled in the course learn the role and impact of technology and programming in society. Students also develop an appreciation of programming and technology as a way to personally significant artifacts and an understanding of programming and technology as a way to create solutions to computational problems. The courses focuses on an iterative approach to creation of programmatic and digital artifacts similar to the processes used by professional engineers and computer scientists. AP Computer Science Principles is expressly designed to encourage participation in computer science by under represented student communities by allowing flexibility in instruction for the use of a variety of computing tools and languages. The course introduces students to a survey of computing topics and provides a comprehension of fundamental programming, the wide variety of applications of programming and programmings trans-formative potential for our global society.[6]

References

  1. ↑ AP Computer Science A Course Details, The College Board
  2. ↑ AP Computer Science AB Home Page
  3. ↑ AP Computer Science Principles Course Details, The College Board
  4. ↑ Bishop, Todd (2012-07-27). "Geek of the Week: Kevin Wang is putting computer scientists into high schools". GeekWire. Archived from the original on 2015-07-05. Retrieved 2015-07-05.
  5. ↑ Cech, Scott J., "College Board Intends to Drop AP Programs in Four Subjects", Education Week, 9 April 2008
  6. ↑ "College Board launches new AP Computer Science Principles course". National Science Foundation. National Science Foundation. 2014-12-08. Archived from the original on 2016-02-22. Retrieved 2016-02-22.

External links

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