Getting Started in Computer Science: How to Delve into Computer Science in High School
High School is a wonderful time to explore different fields and find your passion. Whether it is computer science, medicine, or law, high school is the time to dabble in different areas until you find something you enjoy and are passionate about.
There are many different ways to explore computer science such as taking classes in school or online, joining a coding club, working on your own coding project, and looking at a plethora of other resources.
Classes to Explore Computer Science in High School
There are several classes out there to help you learn more about computer science in high school. Classes such as AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A help you learn how to code and PLTW classes can help you understand engineering concepts and certain elements of computer science. You can also take free courses online if your school does not offer these courses.
AP CSP and AP CSA
In AP Computer Science Principles you learn about the main elements of the internet and how to code. You create several coding projects throughout the course. AP Computer Science is a more in depth and vigorous computer science course.
Joining a Coding Club
To learn more about computer science in high school, you can join a coding club. You will get to collaborate with other like-minded students and complete fun projects that you are passionate about.
If your school does not have an existing coding club, consider starting one. Not only do you get to pursue your interest in computer science in high school, but starting a club can also be a great resume booster!
Developing Your Own Coding Project
If you don’t want to take any formal pathway of exploring computer science in high school, another opportunity is to pursue your own coding passion project. You get a lot of creative freedom and you get to code exactly what YOU want.
If you run into roadblocks, there are a plethora of online resources that you can use. There are many YouTube channels dedicated to helping people understand coding and there are many other websites that exist as well.
Other Opportunities/Resources
Other resources exist as well. InspiritAI is a live online program taught by Stanford and MIT graduates that teaches people about artificial intelligence and its impacts. Students are instructed by instructors in small groups (5:1 student to instructor ratio) where they not only learn about AI concepts, but also develop a socially impactful project. InspiritAI is a wonderful opportunity!
Furthermore, there are many coding competitions/hackathons you can participate in to gain knowledge in computer science in high school. You can participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge, VEX Robotics Competition, etc.
If you're looking for computer science resources to help you in high school, there are many options available to you. Here are some resources that can be helpful:
Inspirit AI: Inspirit AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. Learn more here: https://www.inspiritai.com/liveonline
Codecademy: Codecademy is a free online platform that offers interactive coding lessons in various programming languages. It's a great resource for beginners and advanced coders alike.
Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free online courses in a variety of subjects, including computer science. Their computer science courses cover topics like programming, algorithms, and web development.
Udacity: Udacity is an online learning platform that offers courses in computer science and related fields. They have both free and paid courses, and offer certifications and nanodegrees.
MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT OpenCourseWare provides free access to course materials from MIT courses, including computer science. This is a great resource for advanced students who are interested in taking college-level courses.
GitHub: GitHub is a platform for version control and collaboration on software projects. It's a great resource for high school students who want to practice collaborating on coding projects and building their portfolios.
Local Libraries: Local libraries are a great resource for free books and online courses in computer science. Some libraries even offer coding clubs and workshops.
These are just a few of the many resources available to high school students interested in computer science. Remember, the key is to keep practicing and seeking out new opportunities to learn and grow your skills. Good luck!
Closing
In conclusion, exploring computer science in high school can be a valuable experience that can lead to exciting opportunities and career paths. By taking computer science classes, joining coding clubs, participating in coding competitions and looking into other opportunities, and working on personal coding projects, you can develop your skills and interests in this field. Remember, learning computer science takes time and effort, but the rewards can be immense. With dedication and hard work, you can build a strong foundation in computer science and set yourself up for success in the future.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
