Teaching AP Computer Science A is a Professional Development course that was launched in October of 2019. This course will prepare teachers to teach the AP Computer Science A course.
How do I enroll?
Simply get in touch here.
There are no applications to fill out, no enrollment limits, no start or end date. The Teaching Computer Science A PD course is open to all at any time.
Are there prerequisites for taking this PD course?
There are no prerequisites for this course. The Teaching Computer Science A PD course assumes no prior experience coding or teaching computer science.
This professional development course is designed for passionate teachers who are interested in teaching computer science, but do not necessarily have a background in programming. No experience is required to take the professional development course.
The course can also be for people who are experienced programmers but have not taught in the classroom before. The focus on the pedagogy of teaching computer science and leveraging the blended classroom format makes the online professional development an extremely helpful experience for new teachers.
How long is the course?
Teachers can expect approximately 30 hours of online self paced learning.
How long will I have access to the course?
The course does not expire, teachers will have access to course content at all times. You can always come back and review the course during the school year.
Where is the PD located?
The course is entirely web based. Teachers can take this course anywhere anytime.
What kind of support will I have as I work through the online PD?
CodeHS has a PD Team of former teachers, as well as a network of computer science undergraduate tutors, ready to support you as you work through the PD course.
Teachers will have a dedicated member of the CodeHS PD Team providing one on one support, answering questions, and grading teacher submissions as teachers work through the course. This support continues into the school year.
Teachers will also have access to the CodeHS Teacher Forum as they work through the PD course as well as during the school year. The Teacher Forum is a great resource for learning from other CodeHS teachers, sharing best practices, and getting questions answered.
What's covered in the PD course?
Here is an overview of the course units:
Welcome - This introductory module provides an overview of the Teaching AP CSA professional development course. Students learn about the big ideas behind the course, key principles for teaching AP CSA, access and equity in computer science, and goal planning and pacing.
What is AP CSA? Students learn about the 2019 AP Computer Science A course and College Board curriculum framework, how to go through the AP Course Audit, specific details about the new AP examination, and an overview of the CodeHS AP CSA curriculum which includes student recruitment strategies.
How CodeHS Works - In this module students will gain an understanding of what CodeHS is bringing to your classroom, and learn how to use the CodeHS website effectively.
Java Programming Basics Bootcamp - Students dive in and learn the basics of programming in Java by working through a condensed version of the first two student modules and key lessons from student course modules 3 and 4.
Java Programming Advanced Bootcamp - Students continue learning more about programming in Java by working through key student lessons on classes and data structures.
Debugging in Java - Finding and fixing errors in programs is a fundamental skill for new and experienced programmers to develop. This module introduces debugging, the art and science of fixing broken programs. Students learn techniques for finding common code errors and effective debugging strategies to share with students.
Teaching Programming in Java - Students practice teaching the basics of programming with Java. This module reviews key concepts of Java and object-oriented programming and ways to teach them the classroom. Students also practice grading and fixing student Java programs.
Leading a Blended Computer Science Class - Teachers learn what leading a blended classroom with both online and offline activities looks like, and learn helpful ideas and best practices for incorporating online learning into a traditional classroom.
After the AP Exam - This brief module explores how teachers can effectively use the planning and instructional time after the AP Exam.
For more information about the Teaching AP Computer Science A PD course, please visit the info page.
To sign up, please visit: codehs.com/learnmore