Information management technologies are powerful tools that extend our mental abilities just as mechanical and other electrical tools extend our physical abilities. The Computer Science and Information Technology curriculum emphasizes learning to use various technologies to extend our ability to solve problems, keep track of information and control complex phenomena. Solving problems and managing information with technology provide our students with additional tools to reach learning objectives in all areas of the curriculum. The applied technology courses, both required and elective, focus on information management applications. Assignments in these courses integrate with other areas of the curriculum so that learning is meaningful and students develop an understanding of how technology can be used to achieve learning objectives in academic areas such as math, science, and foreign language. Programming courses focus on the computer as a problem-solving tool and provide students with the basis for the Advanced Placement computer programming course and college level study in computer science, engineering, or other technical fields. The Computer Science and Information Technology Department continuously calibrates its curriculum to account for the growing computer literacy of our students and the development of new applications and technology.
Computer Applications/Programming—Grade 9
The primary objectives of this required course are to introduce students to an array of technologies that will assist in organizing, analyzing and presenting information and to instruct them about the fundamentals of computer programming. Projects and assignments from other areas of the curriculum provide the context for using various technologies. Students work on exercises and projects designed to develop the spreadsheet, graphing, Internet and desktop publishing skills learned in previous years. Instructors work with students who require skill building in these areas. Topics include programming languages, operating systems, networking fundamentals and computer applications.
Computer Operations and Programming—Grades 11 and 12
Programming is an elective course that builds on the concepts and skills developed in Computer Applications/Programming to develop programming skills fully. Students sharpen their programming and problem-solving techniques. Programming structures include input and output commands, control structures, looping techniques, functions and introduction to object-oriented concepts and classes.
Web Developer—Grades 11 and 12
This year-long course, which students may enter in any trimester, introduces the student to Web design, development and Internet programming. This course is designed to equip students with the skills to use various technologies as effective learning and communication tools. This course goes beyond the basics necessary for the achievement of learning objectives and targets the student with a keen interest in more advanced computer applications and technologies.
HTML Programming—Trimester One
This course will cover basic web programming and good practices using programming skills such as tables, hyperlinks and use of graphics on web pages. Students are introduced to basic HTML programming, XHTML standards, and JavaScript. Students understand the anatomy of the Web, how the Internet works and how Web sites are built.
Dreamweaver Web Development—Trimester Two
Students learn to use Dreamweaver, a WYSIWYG editor, to design and maintain a Web site. Students gain a beginning knowledge of Fireworks (a graphic editing tool) and cascading style sheets. Students will create a web site project.
Flash Animation—Trimester Three
Students continue to use Fireworks for graphic creation and editing. Students are introduced to Flash (an interactive web site design tool) in creating animated clips. Students create a flash project.
Advanced Placement Computer Science A —Grade 12
The Advanced Placement outline provided by the College Board provides the backbone of this course. The major emphasis is on programming methodology and algorithms using a variety of data types and structures. The object-oriented programming language Java provides the context for treating these subjects. Applications develop students’ awareness of the need for particular algorithms, data types, and structures, as well as provide topics for programming assignments requiring students to apply this knowledge. The instructor is available for an additional period per week to assist students on an individual basis. In order to do well on the AP exam, students should expect to program at least three hours per week in addition to programming time during scheduled class periods.
Engineering Science Honors—Grade 11 or 12
The Engineering Science course combines math, science (mostly Physics) and technology into a hands-on lab-based curriculum. The goal of this digital engineering course is to “fuel a love for engineering and technology.” It emphasizes problem solving and independent exploration through topics such as: music, the Internet, encryption, compression, digital imaging and video. All labs are implemented with LabVIEW software from National Instruments. Examples of some of the labs are: a motion detector, a voice recognition system, “blue screen” video and a digital imaging morphing system. This course would suit students who are interested in pursuing science or math and is an alternative to biological-based science courses.