Students at Carroll High School (CHS) have the chance to take a new math credit this coming fall, but it is not math in the traditional sense. Computer Principles teaches students computer skills and programming language. Karen Raymond is the instructor for the course and saw success using programming with her math students.
A bill in the Iowa House is being put forward that requires high schools to provide some sort of computer science class for students. CHS Principal, Tammie McKenzie, says younger students are already getting computer training in the district, and they had plans to provide the class regardless of state requirements.
Students taking the course will be eased into programming using a simple teaching tool called Karel. Once students understand the core principles, they will move onto Java, advanced Java and beyond. The class is available for the first time in the Fall 2017 semester.
