5 Steps to a 5: AP Computer Science Principles 2024 - Sway J.S. 2023

Preface

Welcome to the future! Your future, that is. It will be filled with technology because technology is well integrated into many aspects of our lives. The good news is that computer science is not that hard! You’ve just had little, if any, experience with it and this course exposes you to several key aspects in the field. Even if you do not become a programmer, data analyst, or network engineer, the more you understand about how these skills work, the more valuable you will be to a future employer or the more prepared you will be as a future business owner.

This review book is designed to help you prepare for the AP Computer Science Principles exam and performance task. Reviewing the concepts helps you confirm those you are confident about and identifies those you need to better understand before the exam. This book also guides you through preparing your project and written response for the performance task to earn as many points as possible. Let’s get started!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Sway serves as the technology department chair and education technology and innovation director at Brookstone School, a 3K—12 independent school, and serves as an AP reader for Computer Science Principles. During her career, she has worked for Coca-Cola USA, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola GesmbH in Vienna, Austria, and Southwest Airlines as a software developer, project manager, auditor, and software quality assurance manager. While her experience in the business world provides insight into the skills and knowledge needed by introductory programmers, she is thankful she discovered the joy of teaching computer science to students and helping teachers integrate technology. She has previously worked as an instructional technologist, technology director, and classroom teacher. She is the founder of EdCamp Columbus, GA, and the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Technology Competition. She has presented at GISA and GaETC conferences on a variety of topics and helps evaluate applications for the Innovation grants awarded by GaETC. Julie earned her BS in Computer Science from UNC Chapel Hill and an MBA from Georgia State University. She has completed coursework toward a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from St. Joseph’s University.

Julie wants to thank her three children, Michael, Kathleen, and Elyse, for always providing inspiration and her husband, Richard, for his support.