AP Computer Science Principles

Grade 9
Computing Innovation…
• Computing technology is constantly - and rapidly - evolving, and
new innovations can sometimes yield unexpected outcomes.

• A computing innovation is an innovation that includes a computer

or program code as an internal part of its functionality.

• Computer artifacts any thing created by a person using a

computer, these includes: Apps, Games, Videos, Audio file, 3D printed
objects and websites.
Computing Innovation
• Computer innovation can be:
• Physical device, such as GPS
• Virtual one such as MapQuest or Google Earth
Computing Innovation and their Purpose
• The purpose of a computing innovation is what it's designed to
do.
• Solving problems is one of the major purposes of computing
innovations.
• For example, text messaging and video-chat platforms solve the
problem of needing to communicate quickly over long distances.
• This doesn't have to be a complicated problem

• A computing innovation can also be a form of creative

expression.
• For example, making a video game, or creating a program that draws
squares on a screen, are examples of designing a computing innovation as a
form of creative expression.
• Having a clear purpose for a computing innovation is like having
a good thesis for an essay. It focuses the work of creating the
innovation and establishes what the goals of the innovation are.
In short, it strengthens the coder's ability to make the thing
they want to make.
Hardware Vs. Software
• Hardware: is the physical components of computing device.
• Software: is the instructions in a programming language to the computing device.
Hardware Vs. Software
• A computing innovation can have HW components.
• However, the computing innovation is about the SW.

• HW has gotten smaller and more powerful over the years.

Hardware Vs. Software

Software Hardware

Operating Systems Motherboard

Driverless Vehicle SW to avoid crashes Self-driving car

Dual-monitor programs for Windows Monitor

Compiler Transistor

Graphics card driver Graphics card

Collaboration
• Collaboration helps people learn from each other.
• While a lot of code-writing is independent by nature, the computer science field has a
lot more collaboration in it than you'd think.
• Programmers of all sorts have to work with coworkers and bosses when dealing with
large projects.
• They also have to work with their clients to make sure what they're coding meets client
needs.
• Collaboration that includes diverse perspectives helps to avoid bias in the development of
computing innovation.
• Programming companies often hire people who not only are good programmers but also
have interpersonal skills needed to collaborate effectively.
Collaboration…
• people have different backgrounds, and ways of thinking. Ways such diversity is
helpful when creating a computing innovation:
• More hands working on a project can sometimes get it done faster than one person can alone.
• Thanks to the multiple perspectives more discoveries can be made.
• Biases can be avoided during the development process, creating a more inclusive innovation.
• Working with users and clients specifically during the development process can ensure that the finished product is
one everyone is happy with, saving both time and energy.
• Of course, collaboration only works to its fullest when the final product represents all the different
ideas and contributions of the people that produced it.
Collaboration…
• Collaboration is a learned skill, that includes but is not limited to:
• Communication
• Consensus building
• Conflict resolution
• Negotiation

• Collaboration is not limited by location.

• Computing tools allow people in different physical locations to share data.
• Online collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Zoom, Slack,…