Computer Education

 

Intro to Technology (Formerly Computer Applications) – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

In this introductory course, students will explore computer science concepts and business tools while learning to code and use a variety of software programs.  Students will learn about internet use, programming, web-design, word processing, spreadsheets, and how they can apply their skills moving forward.

The student will:

  • Learn basic programming concepts and be able to code simple programs using an introductory programming language
  • Learn basic HTML and CSS concepts and be able to create a simple website using HTML and CSS 
  • Learn basic word processing skills and be able to create professional documents using Microsoft Office Word
  • Learn basic spreadsheet application skills and be able to create a simple spreadsheet using Microsoft Office Excel
  • Demonstrate good digital citizenship
  •  Perform Internet searches using the advanced features of a search engine

Cyber Security
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Computer Applications/Intro to Tech 

As our world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, cybersecurity is a topic of growing importance. It is crucial that companies and individuals take precautions to protect themselves from the growing threat of cyber attacks. This course prepares students with crucial skills to be responsible citizens in a digital future. The Vigenère year-long version is designed for students with some exposure to computer science, but there are no specific course prerequisites. Students will learn foundational cybersecurity topics including digital citizenship and cyber hygiene, the basics of cryptography, software security, networking fundamentals, and basic system administration and all through the CodeHS web-based platform. Students will complete projects at the end of each module, and a culminating course project where they will complete a simulated hack walkthrough. This is not a coding intensive course, but students will learn basic SQL, and will utilize basic HTML and JavaScript within specific contexts and will be provided support within those contexts.

Intro to App Development & Design
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Intro to Tech (Recommended)

In Intro to App Development and Design, students will learn key computing concepts, building a solid foundation in Programming with Swift. Students will combine the technical skills of coding and programming with the collaborative skills of planning and designing. Students will learn about the impact of computing and apps on society, economy, and our culture while exploring iOS app development. Lessons take students through the app design process: brainstorming, planning, prototyping, and evaluating an app of their own. Students will learn core programming concepts through hands-on activities, Xcode Playgrounds, and app projects. Students will be able to follow along in the Develop in Swift: Explorations book to support their learning and will also have the opportunity to try their own code within the playground. Students will collaborate, create, and plan to consider how they might shape the apps in the App Store in the future to solve a problem in an innovative way.

Advanced Computer Applications
Offered to grades: 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Intro to Technology

This course will advance the skills learned in Computer Applications with a focus on business productivity tools.  Training is hands-on to learn applications vital in today’s business and industry.  The course will dive into advanced uses for the operating system, e-mail, Internet, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software applications with an emphasis on integration between the programs, decision-making and management of the software, and increased personal marketability.

The student will:

  • Plan and create professional word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation documents using the advanced features of an office software program.  The applications will address the needs of real-world scenarios.
  • Integrate word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of computer concepts related to operating systems, application software, computer hardware, Internet searches, and digital citizenship
  • Receive Microsoft Certification

Multimedia Applications
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Basic computer skills including keyboarding and working with files.

This is a hands-on course in which students will become familiar with a variety of photo editing, sound editing, and video production software programs to manipulate digital files and create multimedia presentations.  Students will also learn to use multimedia hardware.

The student will:

  • Convert digital file formats
  • Use multimedia hardware and software
  • Create major multimedia projects that incorporate video, audio, and graphics

Programming I
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to computer programming.  The student will learn how software programs communicate with the computer and its relationship with hardware. Students will then become familiar with the syntax of Python, and practice accepted programming methods.  Logic, problem solving, and mathematical knowledge will be required to solve programming problems using functions, loops, parameters, variables, and other control structures.

The student will:

  • Create code and write programs using proper syntax
  • Use control structures to more efficiently manage programs
  • Apply problem solving skills and use top-down design to create programs.
  • Understand the connection between hardware and software when a program is created.

Programming II – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Programming I

This course continues to grow student knowledge of computer programming by exploring the syntax of Java.  Students will then become familiar with the syntax of Java, and practice using proper programming methods in Java.  Logic, problem solving, and mathematical knowledge will be required to solve programming problems using functions, loops, parameters, variables, and other control structures.

The student will:

  • Create code and write programs using proper syntax in Java.
  • Use control structures to more efficiently manage programs.
  • Apply problem solving skills and use top-down design to create programs.

AP Computer Science Principles – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 2 Terms
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Programming I 

The content and objectives of AP Computer Science include the course objectives for AP Computer Science Principles as discussed in the AP Computer Science Course Description.  AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the field of computer science.  The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the internet, data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. 

Students will explore the following big ideas:

  • Creative Development: When developing computing innovations, developers can use a formal, iterative design process or a less rigid process of experimentation, and will encounter phases of investigating and reflecting, designing, prototyping, and testing. Collaboration is an important tool at any phase of development.
  • Data: Data are central to computing innovations because they communicate initial conditions to programs and represent new knowledge.
  • Algorithms and Programming: Programmers integrate algorithms and abstraction to create programs for creative purposes and to solve problems.
  • Computing Systems and Networks: Computer systems and networks are used to transfer data.
  • Impact of Computing: Computers and computing have revolutionized our lives. To use computing safely and responsibly, we need to be aware of privacy, security, and ethical issues.

Web Design I – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Basic computer skills including keyboarding and working with files.

In today’s world, web pages are the most common medium for sharing ideas and information. Learning to design websites is an incredibly useful skill for any career path. This Web Design I course is a project-based course that teaches the basic principles of website planning, design, and creation. Students will create their own live, original web pages using the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheet (CSS).  Students will also explore other online website design mediums. By the end of this course, students will be able to explain how web pages are developed and viewed on the Internet, analyze and fix errors in existing websites, and create their very own multi page websites. Students will learn the foundations of user interface design, rapid prototyping and user testing, and will work together to create professional, mobile responsive websites.

Web Design II – HYBRID
Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: 1 Term
Category: Elective
Prerequisite: Web Design I 

This course is a continuation of Web Design I.  Students will practice real world methods of planning and design to create web pages for business. They will become familiar with websites and organizations that support web page designers and use professional software to plan, design, and create web pages and web page graphics.

The student will:

  • Use web design principles to plan, design, create, and critique web pages 
  • Utilize organizations that support web page designers
  • Use professional software to create web pages and web page graphics
  • Use HTML to construct a web page
  • Use CSS to style web pages 
  • Use a WYSIWYG editor to construct a web page
  • Use validation tools to verify web pages are compliant and up to date with current guidelines