With three new computer science classes arriving at Skyline—Cyber Security, AP Computer Science Principles, and Video Game Design—and growing concerns about the future of tech jobs, course registration may feel daunting. Luckily, programming skills and understanding how computers work are valuable in any industry according to IB Computer Science teachers Mr. Brown and Ms. Sakthikumar who have over a decade of experience in the field.
AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) is open to all grade levels and teaches programming fundamentals. The course is beginner-friendly; Mr. Brown suggests students have “basic math and spelling skills.” With the addition of AP classes at Skyline, students can take AP tests to waive college credits. Since AP CSP is a yearlong course, students should consider their interest level before enrolling.
Video Game Design, available to sophomores through seniors, teaches Unity and the C# programming language. Students will explore different game genres and learn to create them from documentation to programming. Mr. Brown recommends taking a text-based programming class, like Intro to Python, or having a strong programming background. Mr. Brown is most excited to teach Video Game Design because it is a class where students can really “be creative and show him what they can do and what they are interested in.”
Cyber Security, also for sophomores through seniors, covers system and cloud design, cyberattack protection, data recovery, and online threat resolution. The class offers an exam for Cyber Security certification through Certiport. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, over 5,000 Washington residents work in cybersecurity roles such as database administrator and architect.
To students pursuing CS, do not let the grim media scare you. Like all professions, broadening one’s knowledge in the field to adapt to the changing environment is essential. Ms. Sakthikumar wants students in CS not to think about AI replacing them: computer science is not just “coding or programming. It’s also how to make your tasks for a computer to understand, irrespective of any specific programming language or technology.”
