Amplify AP CS is a free, two-semester course for anyone interested in Java programming, and it’s aimed specifically toward high-school students who want to take the AP Computer Science Exam in Spring 2015.  It’s taught by Rebecca Dovi, a Google Trailblazer Fellow in computer science education, an education advisor to Code.org, and one of ten teachers selected nationwide to pilot the new AP CS Principles course.  The course requires about 5 to 7 hours per week for 16 weeks each semester (August 29-December 19 and January 2-May 7).  You can sign up now for Fall 2014.  Course highlights:

• Learn problem-solving strategies that can be applied to real-world problems.
• Design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running and debugging computer programs.
• Code fluently in Java using the standard Java library classes from the AP Java subset.
• Explore and use common algorithms and data structures to solve problems.
• Read, understand and manipulate large programs consisting of several classes and interacting objects.
• Recognize and consider ethical and social implications of computer use.

Amplify AP CS Plus extends this online course to provide high schools with training, support, and other resources to accredit and support students in this course.  The fee is $85 per student or $1750 per school.