Our AP Computer Science Principles Course (AP CSP) is a year-long, project-based, advanced placement course taught at IMS by Jason Barillaro. This course is exclusively offered to ninth grade students and teaches the fundamentals of Python and the history and impact of computer science in our communities. During one of their final classes of the year, students had the opportunity to meet with esteemed Dr. Joshua Introne from the School of Information Sciences at Syracuse University to discuss his recent research on how social technology can influence the formation of peoples’ beliefs.

Students chose the topics for discussion and asked Dr. Introne about his research findings, his engaged scholarship in complex systems, and his experience working as a professor. Afterward, they said the discussion was “incredibly informative and inspiring” and expressed interest in pursuing computer science at a collegiate level. Dr. Introne said he was very impressed by our students’ curiosity for the subject and added “I wish my graduate students were as active and engaged as the IMS AP CSP students!” 

We are grateful to Dr. Introne for taking the time to meet with our class and look forward to further opportunities to engage our students’ love for learning.