New Interactive Digital Textbooks

New Interactive Digital Textbooks

Free digital computer science textbooks with interactive programming examples are now available on CodeHS

CodeHS is now offering free digital textbooks in the most popular programming languages! Accessible on any device, teachers and students can view textbooks on desktop, mobile, and even Chromebooks.

Our new digital textbooks offer much more than just reading about coding concepts. Each chapter starts out with detailed descriptions of the programming concept being covered, along with code examples. With these programming concepts, students have access to interactive examples within the textbook to test the concepts in real-time with an embedded IDE. Concepts within a chapter also feature checks for understanding and exercises to refine the concepts that have been covered!

5 Strategies to use Digital Textbooks Effectively in your Classroom

1. Use textbooks as a supplement with CodeHS curriculum and other materials.
2. Introduce topics by having students scan relevant chapters and pay close attention to bolded terms and code graphics.
3. Assign students pre-class reading assignments to increase learner comprehension and recollections of more abstract concepts.
4. Refer students to textbook sections to help unblock them from bugs when completing exercises and projects.
5. A guide for more visual and text learners.

Digital Textbooks Available

Introduction to JavaScript

This digital textbook provides an introduction to programming in JavaScript. It teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on logical thinking and problem-solving skills. We recommend teachers use this digital textbook as a supplemental resource in their classrooms if they are teaching Intro to JavaScript, Video Game Design in JavaScript, or AP CSP in JavaScript.

Introduction to Python

This digital textbook provides an introduction to programming in Python. It teaches the fundamental concepts in the Python 3 language, with an emphasis on logical thinking and problem-solving skills. We recommend teachers use this digital textbook as a supplemental resource in their classrooms if they are teaching Introduction to Computer Science in Python 3 or AP CSP in Python.

AP Computer Science A

This digital textbook follows the unit structure laid out by the College Board, and it will help prepare students for the AP CSA exam. It teaches the basics of object-oriented programming with a focus on problem-solving and algorithm development. We recommend teachers use this digital textbook as a supplemental resource in their classrooms if they are teaching Introduction to Computer Science in Java or AP CSA.

“By supplementing traditional chapters with multimedia content and assessments, our digital textbooks encourage deeper comprehension and retention of the material taught in our courses. In each chapter, students are given detailed language specific information, but also space to put new knowledge to work using the embedded examples and exercises. With more interactions, comes more inquisition, and more engagement from learners.”

Joi Anderson, CodeHS Curriculum Developer