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What is the length of the classes?
All classes except for AP Computer Science are designed to be semester classes, which means that they would typically take about 16 weeks to complete. However, my classes are designed to be as flexible as possible, to best meet the needs of the individual students. Students may work at their own pace and complete these classes in fewer than or more than 16 weeks.
AP Computer Science A is a year-long class that takes approximately 32 weeks to complete. This class follows a more traditional September-May fixed schedule, because it is designed to prepare students for the AP Computer Science exam in early May. Students may work ahead of the schedule, but should not fall behind.
AP Computer Science AB is also a year-long class in 2007-2008. Ordinarily, we can offer AB in a semester format, but the 2008 exam includes a new case study, so it will take a full year to best prepare students for the 2008 AB exam. Beginning in Fall, 2008, the semester length option will again be available for APCS AB.
Do classes begin and end on set schedules?
My classes are designed to be as flexible as possible, in order to best meet the needs of the individual students. All classes except AP Computer Science courses may begin and end at any time. AP Computer Science courses are designed around a more traditional September-May schedule, in order to prepare students for the AP exam in early May.
What are the costs?
Semester-length classes completed within 20 weeks cost $250 each.
Semester-length classes completed within 40 weeks cost $350 each.
AP Computer Science A and AB (year-long) completed within 40 weeks: $500.
You may register for any semester-length class for $250. If the student has not completed the class within 20 weeks, you may pay the additional $100 later to extend the amount of time to 40 weeks.
All costs are in US dollars. I accept PayPal.
All classes use free software. AP Computer Science requires one book: Be Prepared for the AP Computer Science Exam in Java, 3rd edition, by Maria Litvin. This book is available for under $20 at www.skylit.com. No texts are required for the other courses.
Do classes meet at specific days and times?
No; students complete assignments on a regular basis, but they may complete their work at times that fit their schedules.
Are there any prerequisites?
Introduction to Computer Science (or a similar Java programming course) is the prerequisite to AP Computer Science A.
AP Computer Science A is the prerequisite to AP Computer Science AB.
Other courses do not have prerequisites. Younger students may benefit from taking Programming for Kids prior to Introduction to Computer Science, but this is not required.
How much time will this class take each week?
It depends on the abilities and needs of the individual student. An average student who is willing and able to spend one hour per day, 4-5 days per week, should be able to successfully complete any of my semester courses within 20 weeks. A busy student or a student with special learning needs may need more time (either more hours per week, or longer than 20 weeks). An above average students should be able to complete the course faster (either fewer hours per week, or fewer than 20 weeks).
Students who complete all course work in a single 4-hour session each week may not learn the material as well.
What do students typically do in these classes?
In each unit, students will typically read a lesson, and apply what they've read by creating one or more programming or web design projects. A short quiz is included in each unit to check for understanding.
Additionally, Advanced Placement courses involve regular tests, in order to prepare for the AP exam. The tests include both multiple choice and free response questions, just as on the AP exam.
What help is available to the student?
You don't have to be a computer expert in order for your child to successfully complete these classes. That's what I'm here for! Students can get help from the instructor in a number of ways:
- Email
- Instant messaging
- Video conference
- Remote PC access, through which I can access your computer and see your screen
Are these courses interactive?
All courses are highly engaging, and students have a great deal of interaction with the content and with the instructor. The classes are project-based, and students will primarily be learning through hands-on activities, such as designing web sites and writing computer programs.
Students do not typically interact with other students in these classes, however. Here is the rationale for this:
- I prefer to differentiate the courses in terms of pace and schedule, because I think that it helps the greatest number of students learn this material to their greatest potential. This flexibility means that students do not progress through the material on the same schedules. A downside of this is the lack of meaningful interactivity that can occur.
- Computer science courses do not lend themselves to interactivity as naturally as other courses (e.g., government or speech).
- Many homeschool families do not want their students interacting online with strangers.
Is high school or college credit available?
High school credit is not available, but all courses include instructor-graded projects and tests. Parents can add the course to their own transcript, or request independent study credit through another institution.
College credit can be earned for AP Computer Science courses by earning a passing score on one or both AP Computer Science exams. Each college handles AP credit differently; please ask your college of interest what score students need to earn on the AP exam, and how much credit is granted for that score.
What are the system requirements?
Students need:
- A Windows PC with XP or Vista, or a Macintosh with OS X
- 512 MB of RAM or more
- A reliable internet connection
- An email account
- Basic computer skills, such as opening browsers, navigating websites, sending and receiving email, and installing software according to given directions
I'm not a computer person, and the topics listed aren't meaningful to me. Can you explain them in layman's terms?
Yes! Please contact me with your questions.
How do I register?
Use the contact form to sign up for a class.
What if my question is not on this page?
Please contact me with any specific questions you might have. I'll get back to you right away with answers for you.
