AP Computer Science successful in its first year

AP Computer Science teacher Mr. Sarkar poses with a Barron?s test preparation book, with which his students are encouraged to study.

Computer Science. Some find the subject daunting and far too difficult for their capabilities as high school students. ?At Westhill, however, computer science is nothing to be intimidated by. In fact, Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science and Algebra 2 teacher Mr. Sarkar encourages as many people as he can to sign up for the AP course.

AP Computer Science focuses on teaching students with little or no programming experience how to work with the Java computer program. Even students with limited knowledge about computers are easily be able to comprehend programming within a matter of months of taking this course.

This was the first year that AP Computer Science was offered at Westhill. The class will be offered again in the 2013-14 school year, to be taught by Mr. Sarkar.

?The class has been useful to many of my classmates and it is good for getting a first dive into programming. I enjoy the class because it is completely different from standard subjects taught in school [and is] very different from the other math courses,? junior?Jonathan?Xu said.

?[AP Computer Science] has made me aware of the time and effort that goes into programming our compters and an understanding of how the computer works,? junior Kryzstof Mazur said.

Considering that the 21^st?century is fast-paced and geared toward technology, exposing students to fields like computer science and programming can better prepare them for the years to come.?Learning the concepts that go along with computer science can also prove beneficial for students in search of summer jobs.

?There is a shortage of programmers in the country as of now.??Computer programming is a skill you can sell, and you can generate quite a profit when working during the summer months. It looks great when applying to colleges when the time comes,? ?Mr. Sarkar said.

The course will be offered next year to Westhill students who are looking for a challenge and wish to venture into the world of computer science. According to Mr. Sarkar, students who take AP Computer Science should have time management skills and strong work ethics.

?I would say that the workload in this class is much higher than most classes, even most AP courses. The projects are long-dated, so those who manage their time well get great grades.?Procrastination results in students struggling with keeping up with the course,? Mr. Sarkar said.

As of right now, there are 18 students signed up for next year?s AP Computer Science course. The class can enroll a maximum of 24 students.

Photo by Tara Sarkar

Source: http://thewestwordonline.com/ap-computer-science-successful-in-its-first-year/

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