• Intro to Java: students were introduced to Greenfoot as an alternate and “fun” approach to writing code for loops, counters, and boolean operators. The use of classes, methods, and objects was also introduced through this application.
• AP Java and Intro to Java: students were able to use free online Java practice problems for the updated version of javaBat.com – codingBat.com, focusing on methods including basic logic, strings, loops, arrays, recursion, and AP Exam practice. Immediate feedback was provided.
• Mrs. Nastasi and Mr. Dunn attended the Greenfoot Workshop offered at Drew University, in preparation of implementing Greenfoot at the Computer Programming 1 level.
• A representative from NJIT gave a presentation to all computer science classes on “Computer Science as a Career.”
• For the first time, AP Java students were given a final project specifically related to a “gaming” type of approach to object oriented programming. Students incorporated the Java language using the Greenfoot application. Students then presented their project to the class.
• A newer version of the question and answer, multiple choice and free response study guide was used for AP Java was used to prepare for the AP Exam. The book provides more questions and a section on GridWorld.
• Computer Programming 1 students created final projects that included but were not limited to: Cash Cab, 7 Card Draw Poker, Texas Holdem, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Family Feud, Jeopardy, and various trivia games. In each project, graphics were used to enhance visual effectiveness and the user is graded on his or her performance on the trivia game.
• In Multimedia Design class, each student found an online Photoshop tutorial that explained various new techniques. Students then presented/taught the rest of the class the concept. Tutorials included simple animations, text effects, photo effects, and special effects.
• In Multimedia Design students used basic scripting to create a quiz-type game that asked questions and kept score.
• In Multimedia Design students created a Final Teachable Moment project in Director that is intended to have the students use all techniques/skills learned throughout the year in one final project. Students incorporated images, sounds, and video from sources such as the Internet, digital camera, scanner, and/or digital video camera. They used all applications such as: Director, Photoshop, iMovie, and GarageBand.