In an increasingly modern world, where technology is playing a more prominent role in our lives by the day, few courses cater to the future of humanity as much as AP Computer Science Principles. This is why in recent years it has become one of the most popular elective courses here at the TCS, with students all the way from 9th to 12th grade learning the art of computation. APCSP is not the most conventional of courses, as its unparalleled use of technology can make it a different experience from the regularity of most other AP classes, yet programming remains one of the most important skills, especially for the future.
In room 900B, next to the TCS maker space, lies a small yet modern classroom, where Computer Scientist Julian Zuñiga teaches both of his APCSA courses. “Computer science is a very interesting class; I think that it is one of the most important for our future, but it isn’t always easy, there are a lot of abstract concepts that can make the class sort of confusing,” claims Santiago Ramos, a former computer science principles student, and current computer science A student.
As students navigate the realm of computer science principles and the respective AP exam they must learn to understand the binary system, algorithmic understanding, and most importantly computational thinking to truly think like a programmer to utilize their understanding of simple logical principles to solve complex and often real-world problems. Perhaps it is due to this alternate form of complex computational thinking, that some students find this course rather challenging, as former APCSP student Teo Dominguez explains, “It is certainly not an easy course because you must learn to think interconnectedly, utilizing concepts from math, statistics, and sometimes even grammar to logically deconstruct problems and solve them analytically, like a computer.”
Although some students claim that this course can be challenging in some aspects they are certainly in good company, as they have a former software engineer and current leader of the FRC robotics team here at the school, Julian Zuñiga to guide them through the difficulties in the world of computer science. With years of experience in the field and fun and interactive teaching methods that teach students to solve real-world problems, Zuñiga is one of the most well-respected and generally appreciated mentors within the TCS community, a trend with correlates with the performance of his students on the AP exam wherein the average grade is approximately a 4. An excellent score for the AP exam which consists of a multiple choice portion as well as the CreatePT, a coding challenge that the students must work on outside of the exam.
Overall AP computer science principles is a mildly challenging yet more than worth it course, which more so than teaching any one topic is a gateway to the technological future of humanity in which computer science and its derivatives will play an increasing role in our lives. As technology continues to shape our lives this course becomes a fundamental requirement for those seeking to work in the technological and software industries which is why it is so beneficial for those who take the course to prepare for the future. In a school where students have a surplus of elective choices for next year’s classes computer science remains one of the most common and important electives that any student could take in their High School career, it is an interesting topic taught by a qualified and charismatic teacher which will help all of those who take the course have the basic skills necessary to traverse an increasingly technological world.
