| Credits | Course Length in Weeks | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
1.0 |
Summer – 6 |
|
Foundations of Computer Science is available in webinar format. Webinar format consits of multiple mandatory one-hour online webinars. Specific web conference dates and times are listed on the registration form. Students are expected to attend the entirety of all webinars.
Note: Students may take the full A/B course, only semester A, or only semester B.
MCPS Course Description for Foundations of Computer Science (Course Code ITC2083A/ITC2083B)
Registering for the MCPS online course Foundations of Computer Science (FoCS) is a multi-step process. The Student Online Learning office provides information about the registration process below. For further information or clarification of a particular step, please contact the Student Online Learning office at eLearning@mcpsmd.org.
| Semester | Registration Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | CLOSED | Registration is closed as courses are full. Course schedules and important dates are on the Fall tab of this page. |
2023 Fall Schedule
| Fall Option | Course | Session Dates | Status | Dates of Webinars | Time of Webinars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FoCS A | 10/9 – 11/13 | - | 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 | 6:45PM - 8:15PM |
| 1 | FoCS B | 11/20 – 1/15 | - | 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15 | 6:45PM - 8:15PM |
2024 Spring Schedule
| Spring Session | Course | Session Dates | Dates of Webinars | Time of Webinars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FoCS A/B | 2/7 – 5/15 | 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/11, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 | 6:45PM - 8:15PM |
| FoCS A | 2/7 – 3/20 | 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 | 6:45PM - 8:15PM | |
| FoCS B | 4/3 – 5/15 | 4/3, 4/11, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 | 6:45PM - 8:15PM |
Class will not take place during spring break.
Students are eligible to take Foundations of Computer Science after completing Grade 8. Students currently in Grade 8 are eligible to register for the summer course when registration opens for summer courses.
Detailed information about enrollment is available on the Registration tab on this page.
Online courses use the same curriculum and learning outcomes as the courses taught in traditional school. They are designed to take advantage of the online format. Students who are most successful with online courses have good time management skills and are self-motivated.
The same grading and credit policies apply to online courses as to traditional courses offered in classrooms.
All classes are taught by highly qualified teachers who have been trained to teach in an online environment. MCPS online learning courses are taught by MCPS teachers.
The amount of time spent on each course will vary by student.
Students are required to attend all mandatory web conferences. All course work may be done at any time during the day.
Students may complete the online portion of the course wherever they can obtain a secure and reliable internet connection.
There are opportunities for a student to work ahead. If you want to complete work in advance of the class schedule, communicate with your teacher to develop a plan.
Instructors will have office hours when they can be reached online or by phone.
No, your online course grade will not appear on a report card. Check your transcript a few weeks after the class ends to verify that your grade has been placed on your transcript. If the grade is not recorded, immediately contact the Student Online Learning office.
Students need computer skills such as navigating websites, uploading and downloading files, using word processing software, using Google Drive and Google G Suite applications, formatting text and page layouts, using presentation software, using spreadsheet software, saving and updating files, locating files on a computer, and downloading and installing software.
Hardware: Any Windows computer running Microsoft-supported operating systems or Apple computer running MAC OS 10 (or higher) can access our online course content. Students need a reliable internet connection.
Software: The latest version of Google Chrome (preferred browser) or Mozilla Firefox will be needed to access course content. Students need access to a G Suite account or a word processing program that can open and save Microsoft Word format or Rich Text Format (RTF) files in order to open and complete assignments. The capability to work with PDF files (saving as, opening, etc.) may be necessary. Files submitted in Mac OS Pages (Apple) format will not be accepted.