Many students enter my Computer Science Principles class at Ãļ§Ö±²¥ with the same concern: “I don’t know anything about computers, and I’m going to struggle in this class.â€�
Fortunately, that usually turns out not to be the case!
Just like any other subject, computer science isn’t something you’re born knowing. It’s a skill that develops through learning, practice, and a willingness to try something new. Throughout the semester, our cadets have already demonstrated just how much they can accomplish when they challenge themselves.
One of our first topics was learning to count in binary, something many students weren’t particularly excited about at first. However, they quickly caught on and passed with flying colors! Since then, cadets have learned how computers represent information using binary and explored the protocols that allow the internet to function.
Now, we’re taking the next exciting step: learning to program in JavaScript!
Many students will soon discover that programming isn’t nearly as complicated or intimidating as movies and television make it seem. However, it does require logical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to approach tasks in a step-by-step manner.
As the school year progresses, cadets will continue building their programming skills by learning how to use variables, conditionals, and other essential coding concepts. Eventually, they’ll begin creating their own applications, similar to those you might encounter on websites every day.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching computer science is watching students go from believing they can’t do something to realizing they absolutely can. At Ãļ§Ö±²¥, we encourage our cadets to embrace new challenges, develop confidence in their abilities, and discover skills they never knew they had.
– CPT Matthew Shields (Instructor CMA)
