Summer Introduction to Computer Science

All-Gender Course; Full-year course credit
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The goal of this course is to introduce students to some of the major areas of computer science as well as to develop their programming skills to produce useful solutions and creative artifacts. Students 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 ecommerce. 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 programming language that incorporates an electronic sketchbook with graphics, animation, and object-oriented programming concepts, while utilizing a more traditional, text-based coding methodology. The first four weeks of this course are designed as an introduction to computer science and programming; the second four weeks build students’ coding skills in Processing, which prepares students well for AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles.  

Summer courses are for-credit opportunities for ambitious students to get a jump on the next academic year. Students participating in these courses should plan to devote 20 hours per week for eight weeks to their course. Students will receive grades and comments in these classes, which are the equivalent of year-long, high-school level courses. Because of the pacing and intensity of for-credit summer courses, there is little flexibility; students must be available and have internet access for all eight weeks of the course. 
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

“I am so glad that I took this course. It has really prepared me with the basics of computer science!”

"I love the teacher! She’s great, very helpful."

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
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Create a variety of artifacts such as infographics, videos, and drawings about computer architectures, text, image, and number representation, computer networks, and emerging technologies.
  • Design and develop programs such as Creative Art Piece, Dance Party, Mad Libs, Race Cars, Quantity Converter, Jitterbugs, and Favorite Place.
  • Learn about influential women in technology and investigate interesting computer careers.​
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. 
Evelyn Zayas
she/her/hers
Computer Science Teacher
BA Thomas Edison State College
MS Monmouth University
PhD Nova Southeastern University