Online Computer Science Education
at Florida Virtual School
Bill Jordan, Computer Science Instructor
bjordan@flvs.net 850-668-2731
Amie Ross, Computer Science Instructor
aross@flvs.net 407-552-0049
Music by Dylan
FLVS History
Florida Virtual School was founded in 1997.
FLVS was founded on the belief that every student is unique
and learns at a different pace.
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.
Performance-Based Model
•
•
•
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.
•
•
FLVS has more than 2,000 staff members
Teachers comprise over half of the staff.
http://www.flvs.net/areas/aboutus/Documents/Research/KeepingPaceK12_2010.pdf
Where they come from……
7%
Public and Charter
23%
Home Educated
70%
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
World Languages
Chinese I, II, III
French I, II
Latin I, II, III
Spanish I, II, III
Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
Social Studies
Economics
US Government
US History
World History
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Space Science
Marine Science
Physical Science
Physics
FLVS Course Listing
Electives
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
Computing for College and Careers
Foundations of Web Design
Journalism I
Psychology I
Sociology
Forensic Science
Law Studies
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.
Online CS at FLVS
Pathways through FLVS Computer Science
CP 1 Seg 1
Continue
Discontinue
CP 1 Seg 2
Continue
Discontinue
APCS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Online CS at FLVS
Computer Programming 1
Segment 1 = Python
• 2 semesters (16-18 wks per sem.)
The Scribbler robot represents
a programmable manipulative
for visualizing the process of
algorithmic thinking.
• 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 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
Java basics
By solving real world problems, students learn
Java basics and transitions into OOP.
Segment 2
Advanced topics and application
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
Online CS at FLVS
I Have A Dream
Online CS at FLVS
AP Computer Science Exam Results
Qual. Percent
Avg. Score
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Florida
42%
40%
48%
45%
50%
43%
Nation
56%
57%
62%
65%
67%
62%
FLVS
87%
90%
85%
98%
93%
88%
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
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.
Online CS at FLVS
The Future?
A Neat FLVS Legislative Project
THANK YOU!