Introduction to Computer Science

Girls-Only & ​All-Gender Course; Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The goal of this course is to introduce students to some of the major areas of computer science as well as develop their programming skills to produce useful solutions and creative artifacts. Throughout the course, students conduct research and investigate current issues and innovations enabled by the application of computer science, such as virtual reality, robotics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and e-commerce. Students learn fundamental computer programming concepts using a simple but powerful block-based programming language to implement methods, functions, parameters, arguments, if-else statements, and loops in a creative and animated environment. Students then explore a Java-like language that incorporates an electronic sketchbook with graphics, animation, and object-oriented programming concepts, while utilizing a more traditional, text-based coding methodology. This course prepares students for all other One Schoolhouse computer science courses.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

“I wish the course would go on for longer! My teacher was so helpful and always very present when in need. I got to connect much more with the One Schoolhouse community as time went on. Departing from this class is like leaving a little world. I will definitely keep learning about computer programming in the years to come.”

"I love this course so much and has helped me find my passion which is programming. I am thinking about majoring in computer science in college."

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
​The course includes two key components, students study fundamental computer science concepts alongside an investigation of current issues and innovations in computer science.  A few sample assignments are: 
  • Team Programming: Students work in teams to collaboratively create an informative website about a topic of their choice.  The styled websites contained several common features, including JavaScript event handlers, hyperlinks, and lists.  Students learn the importance of creating notes within code and how to navigate code created by others.
  • Internship Project: Students research internships and the role of these in career exploration and experience in computer science.  Students then engaged in a discussion about the role of internships in their own lives, sharing when and what they might do in the future, as well as sharing their experiences with any internships they had already experienced.
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by the NCAA. 

One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025; we are an approved online publisher for the University of California. 
Gillian Thomas
Science Teacher
BS University of California, Santa Cruz