Why Learn Java
Why learn Java? Java is the most popular and widely used computer programming languages. This Java class is for students with no prior Java exposure, or have taken some java classes but not systematically or not with a solid foundation. Upon completion, students will have grasped the fundamental Java key concepts to:
- Take on the APCS course
- Take on the USACO Bronze class to get into USACO competition
Does student need to know Java to attend this class?
No. This class is for students with no prior Java exposure, or have taken some java classes but not having a solid foundation. Upon completion, students will have grasped the fundamental Java key concepts to be ready for the more advanced course next in their learning path.
Course plan
The class will follow a rigorous Java language curriculum, check out the scope and topics that will be covered at course plan. We thoughtfully designed the curriculum so that the sequence of concepts makes the most sense and also develops spirally, and allow students to have more opportunities to practice previously learned knowledge to build a solid foundation.
Textbook
We compared a few CollegeBoard listed textbooks and decided to use the combination of an online textbook and Barron’s AP Computer Science A (8th edition).
The online textbook is very well organized , follows the official CollegeBoard APCS curriculum and contains lots of interactive problem-solving practices that will be much more interesting and engaging to do, than plain question-and-answer exercises, I believe they will prove to be very effective for the students.
Class Structure
There will be lecture time as well as hands-on practice time in class.
Homework
Yes. There will be homework, of various length. In the beginning of the class, materials will be pretty easy and homework will also not take long, but the class will develop into much more complex materials and it will take some brain power and homework time between classes.
Required Equipments
Yes, students need to bring own laptop (and charger 🙂 to class, and have JRE and IDE installed. Students should try to complete the setup per instruction here prior to the first class.
Will student be ready to take APCS test upon completion of this class?
NO. At completion of this class, students need to proceed to take an AP Computer Science A course either at local high school or at Ascende Learning to obtain the full scope of APCS required Java knowledge and skills.
Where is this course in your ascending path?
This is the most fundamental course that students should take first to set a solid foundation. After this course, students can choose different paths based on their interests and availability. Some common paths are:
- Intermediate Java -> USACO Bronze
- Intermediate Java -> APCS
- USACO Bronze
- APCS
Many students pursue both paths (USACO and APCS) at different times or even concurrently.