Okay, this is probably going to come across as very strange, so I'll give you a little background.
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Instrumental Music Education in 2004 and proceeded to take on a band directing job for my first year of teaching. I passed my residency, but due to some administrative shifts, I lost my job and have recently taken on a new job.
The strange part? I teach Computer Applications. Something that has absolutely nothing to do with my degree. Unless I taught them Sibelius or Finale *shrugs*
Anyhow, right now all I have is beginning computer app. This I can handle--basic typing, Microsoft Office applications, building simple websites using Publisher, and using the Internet efficiently. This is plenty to fill a semester.
Next semester, however, I am required to teach Advanced Computer applications. I think I have a whopping 5 students in that class (it's a small charter school) Several of them have approached me with a desire to learn C++ but I have never used it.
What books would be useful for me, and what software would I need? I would have to put it on enough computers to support the class...however, the school is young and has room to grow so I might need more in the future. What kind of cost would I be looking at? How long should it take me to learn how to use this (I am a quick learner)? And finally, is it really worth the time to teach high schoolers this program? I teach in a college prep school so these kids are no strangers to a little hard work, but would there be another programming option that I could teach them?
I could also use more information on html and the more difficult options when it comes to website building, but I know this really isn't the forum. If anyone can direct me to a better place, I'd appreciate it!
I'd love to continue teaching this class as I find it much more fun than what I was doing (I still love what I did last year but this isn't quite as stressful) so any input would be appreciated!
Thanks!
