What is new in the
2008-2009 A+ material packages?

  • Syllabi / Materials -  The A+ syllabi have been expanded and are now provided with detailed instructions on how to use the A+ materials if teaching an introductory non-ap computer science class, pre/AP followed by CS AP A, CS AP A in isolation, and CS AP A followed by CS AP AB.  The new syllabi also include information on how to incorporate Alice and Jeroo with the A+ Computer Science curriculum.  The A+ Computer Science materials will continue to reflect current and upcoming changes made to the AP Computer Science topic list. 
     
  • More AP CS GridWorld - The new AP Computer Science GridWorld case study works best if it is used throughout the year.  I have created GridWorld units throughout the year in the A course and the AB course.  GridWorld is an awesome teaching tool that can and should be used to introduce and reinforce programming concepts throughout the year.  The graphical nature of GridWorld helps students see concepts more easily than using just plain text.

    There are many GridWorld programming assignments and activities that expand beyond the provided AP GridWorld student manual.  The labs vary in concept and in difficulty level.  Some of the GridWorld labs involve creating games, including an interactive TIC TAC TOE.  GridWorld works very well as a game project platform.  The labs are intended to be used all year long in an incremental manner, but could be delayed and used at one time if preferred.   

    GridWorld lab assingments, worksheets, activities, quizzes, and tests are provided.  There are tons of really cool AP CS GridWorld materials in the new A+ release, allowing students to work with the case study often in order to understand its purpose and to gain mastery.
     
  • Slides / Examples -  All slides have been expanded with a notes pages added for each slide.   Each slide will have an explanation included that explains the slide and intended purpose for each particular slide.   The updated slides can be easily printed out in a book form that can be copied and provided for student reference.  More Java examples have been added in as well to further demonstrate each topic.
     
  • Tests / Quizzes / Worksheets -  ExamView versions of all AP A and AP AB tests will be included.  ExamView will generate multiple versions of tests and will allow assessments to be given in a networked setting.  ExamView versions of quizzes and worksheets will be included where applicable.
     
  • Game Projects  - Pong, BlackJack, and StarFighter have been expanded.  These projects have more steps included so that is easier for the students to build the projects and test them incrementally.  Interfaces, Abstract Classes, and inheritance now play a larger part of these projects.  Also, there are now more extensions included for these game projects and other game projects as well.  Pong can be easily expanded into a BreakOut type game, AirHockey, or even FooseBall.  BlackJack can be easily expanded into a Solitaire type game, Poker, or a Video Poker game.  StarFighter can easily be expanded into a Space Invaders style game.

 

If you have questions or comments, please send me an email at     stacey.armstrong@apluscompsci.com    author information