Java A Course Outline
Java A topics
AP test coverage
How class works
How to use in a school
Syllabus
Our syllabus approved by the College Board: OSC_AP_CompSci_A_Syllabus.pdf
Java Methods A & AB: Object-Oriented Programming
Litvin and Litvin. Skylight Publishing. ISBN 0-9727055-7-0
Software
Java Compiler: (Any) We use Javac Version 1.4 Available at java.sun.com
OS: Any that can use
Browser: IE v 6.0
Prerequisites
No programming experience needed.
Knowledge of Algebra and familiarity with internet and good computer understanding strongly desired.
Time Requirements
Enrollment good for 12 months. Self-paced study.
Two Semesters: equivalent to 60 hour course.
Advance Placement
See how our Java course matches up with the AP subset for the AP test.
Chapter Topic
Evaluated Assignment AP Covered
Topics Covered
Chapter 1 Intro to Hardware, Software and Internet
No required assignment N/A
CPU, Memory, I/O, Internet Protocols, Storage, Number representation
Chapter 2 Designing Web Pages
Basic HTML Page N/A
HTML, layout, tables, applets
Chapter 3 Intro to Software Development
Java Greetings Program A
Algorithms, flowcharts, compiling, OOP
Chapter 4 Java Classes, Objects and Events
Simple Java Applet A
Source files, instances, fields, methods
Chapter 5 Java Syntax and Style
No required assignment A
Comments, Reserved words, Naming
Chapter 6 Data Types, Variables and Arithmetic
Find the Avg Program A
Fields, local vars, constants, scope
Chapter 7 If-Else and Boolean Expressions
Poem Console Application A
Nested if-else, switch, relational operators
Chapter 8 Methods, Constructors and Fields
Coin Calculation Program A
Overloaded, public, private, static, non-static
Chapter 9 Strings
String Names Program A
Literal, immutability, methods, converting
Chapter 10 Arrays
Arrays Java Program A
1D, 2D, accessing elements
Chapter 11 Iterative Statements
Creating Tic-Tac-Toe Game A
While, for, do-while, break
Chapter 12 Searching and Sorting
Algorithm Java Program A
Sequential and binary searches; selection, insertion and merge sorts.
Chapter 13 Files and Streams
Q&A File I/O Program A
Console I/O and File I/O
Chapter 14 Graphics
Simple Graphics N/A
Paint, coordinates, shapes, text
Chapter 15 GUI Components and Events
Adding GUI to ch13 Program N/A
Swing, JPanel, JFrame
Chapter 16 Mouse, Keyboard, Sounds and Images Paper/Rock/Scissors Game A & AB
Implementing interfaces
Chapter 17 OOP Concepts and Design
GUI for P/R/S Java
Inheritance, Encapsulation, Polymorphism
After enrollment, course functionality falls into the following categories:
Assignments: Most lessons require a correctly working submission of a given programming assignment. These are evaluated personally by the Online School Classroom instructors, complete with grading scale, criteria fullfillment, and commented feedback.
Tests: Each chapter has a cumulative test covering the material in the book text. Tests are 40 questions in length, all multiple-choice, multiple select and true/false. Grading is immediate and gives feedback of missed questions. Tests can be taken multiple times.
Learning Studios : The chapters are divide into different studio question and answer forums. Here students can ask questions to the Online School Classroom staff, other students, and teachers for additional help. These forums are moderated and quite useful.
Lectures: Audio/Visual lectures have been created for further comprehension of the material. These lectures give a more personal grasp using real world examples, given by an experienced classroom teacher.
Reading Guides: The guides are created to help in preparing for the tests. They contain section questions, keywords and objectives to comprehend.
Course Guide: This syllabus is to help direct students with a course of action for learning each chapter. Includes what to focus on and practice examples to try.
FAQ: An area of the course that answers some of the most common questions in a course.
Using within a classroom:
A facilitator can organize any number of students easily. The course can be customized with class sections, testing preferences, and an online gradebook. Facilitators can see each student's progress individually to help them and monitor their success. Facilitators and students can also communicate within a mailbox message system.