Online Computer Science Education at Florida Virtual School
Bill Jordan, Computer Science Instructor [email protected] 850-668-2731
Amie Ross, Computer Science Instructor [email protected] 407-552-0049
Music by Dylan
FLVS History
Florida Virtual School was founded in 1997.
Vision: Transform education worldwide - one student at a time.
Mission: Deliver a high quality, technology-based education that provides the skills and knowledge students need for success.
FLVS was founded on the belief that every student is unique and learns at a different pace.
Performance-Based Model
http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Documents/Research/KeepingPaceK12_2010.pdf
• FLVS has more than 2,000 staff members
• Teachers comprise over half of the staff.
• FLVS serves students in all of Florida’s 67 districts.
• FLVS serves students in all 50 states
• FLVS serves students in 65 countries worldwide
• FLVS delivers more than 120 courses.
Where they come from……
70%
23%
7%
Public and Charter Home Educated Private
FLVS Course Listing
Core Courses
English English I English II English III English IV
Mathematics Algebra I
Liberal Arts Mathematics
Adv. Algebra w/ Financial Apps Geometry
Algebra II Pre-Calculus Calculus
Social Studies Economics
US Government US History
World History
World Languages Chinese I, II, III French I, II
Latin I, II, III Spanish I, II, III
Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
Science Biology Chemistry
Earth Space Science Marine Science Physical Science Physics
FLVS Course Listing
Electives
Computing for College and Careers Foundations of Web Design
Journalism I Psychology I Sociology
Forensic Science Law Studies
Parenting Skills
Personal and Family Finance Reading for College Success Leadership Skills Development Critical Thinking and Study Skills Driver Education/Traffic Safety
Music Appreciation Guitar I
Creative Photography I Art History & Criticism I
FLVS AP Course Listing
Advanced Placement Courses – 2012 : Number of Students/Course
AP Art History 403
AP Biology 202
AP Calculus AB 118
AP Calculus BC 117
AP Computer Science 153
AP English Language & Composition 256 AP English Literature & Composition 146 AP Environmental Science 186
AP Human Geography 118
AP Macroeconomics 557
AP Microeconomics 388
AP Psychology 24
AP Spanish 121
AP Statistics 293
AP U.S. Government & Politics 320
AP U.S. History 216
AP World History 20
Total 3638
FLVS outperforms Florida in 15 out of 17 courses in Qualifying Percentage
FLVS outperforms Florida in 13 out of 17 courses in Average Score.
CP 1 Seg 1 Continue CP 1 Seg 2 Continue APCS
Discontinue Discontinue
Online CS at FLVS
Pathways through FLVS Computer Science
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Computer Programming 1
• 2 semesters (16-18 wks per sem.)
• Three instructors with mixed loads
• ~ 150 students per teacher
• Prequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
• Language: Python and Java
• 20 programming projects per sem.
• Project based learning/ Sem. Exam
• Two Collaborative projects
• Based on IPRE and Media Computing
Segment 1 = Python
The Scribbler robot represents a programmable manipulative for visualizing the process of algorithmic thinking.
Segment 2 = Java
Graphics, images, and audio represent manipulative
objects for experimental algorithmic thinking.
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
AP Computer Science A
• Two semesters (16-18 weeks/semester)
• Three instructors with mixed loads (CP1 and APCS)
• 120 students per teacher
• Prerequisite: Alg I, Geo and Alg II
• Language: Java
• 40 Programs per semester
• Rigorous and Academic
• 21st Century Skills
• Covers Java subset defined by College Board course description
Online CS at FLVS
Segment 1
By solving real world problems, students learn Java basics and transitions into OOP.
Segment 2
Advanced topics and application Java basics
Skills develop in more advanced topic such as recursion, inheritance, and algorithms (searching and sorting).
The GridWorld Case Study is covered.
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
I Have A Dream
Online CS at FLVS
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Qual. Percent Florida 42% 40% 48% 45% 50% 43%
Nation 56% 57% 62% 65% 67% 62%
FLVS 87% 90% 85% 98% 93% 88%
Avg. Score Florida 2.33 2.38 2.58 2.49 2.59 2.39
Nation 2.83 2.87 3.03 3.14 3.10 3.04
FLVS 4.12 4.20 3.92 4.51 4.33 4.07
AP Computer Science Exam Results
FLVS students typically represent 10% - 13% of the Florida APCS test takers.
FLVS students typically score 30% - 35% of the 5s on the APCS exam.
