Computers are a part of our everyday lives.   Success in the 21st Century will depend upon an understanding of, and the capability to use, current and emerging technology and media.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technology will account for eight of the ten fastest growing occupations, as measured by percentage increase, in the 2000-2010 time period.  Computers offer many challenging and exciting career opportunities.  The demand for computer-skilled employees is very high, with millions of information technology jobs remaining unfilled, and it is projected to remain that way for some time. There are very valuable courses available in the areas of computer applications, programming, desktop publishing, and computer maintenance. The computer science department attempts to meet the needs of several types of students:  the student who intends to enter the work force directly out of high school, the student who plans to attend a trade or technical school, and the college bound student.
 
Students will receive a thorough fundamental computer background by taking Introduction to Computers, preparing themselves in a wide range of marketable skills. Desktop Publishing provides increased experience with computer software and hardware at a level that is both challenging and fun.

Practical  Applications and Computer Animations gives students in-depth exposure to Microsoft Office 2003. State-of-the-art software and hardware will be used in working with digital images and sounds from various sources into their projects.  Students will create a variety of multimedia effects such as flash animations, digital sound editing, and video editing.

The introductory and advanced programming courses in Visual BASIC, Java and Visual C# provide an invaluable opportunity to learn problem solving skills. They also prepare the student for immediate employment or college/technical school programs in the Information Technology field. These courses incorporate the current industry standards. Upon successful completion of Advanced Java, students may elect to take the AP exam, earning advanced college credits.

The computer “tekkie” will find the ideal course in A+ Computer Maintenance and Repair. This hands-on course deals with all facets of computers, and will prepare the students for the optional A+ Certification Test.

INTRODUCTION  TO  COMPUTERS - No. 561
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12

Introduction to Computers meets the Computer Science/Math/Science credit requirement.

This one semester course is a general survey of computers and computing. It is designed to give students a hands-on overview of the main computer concepts of today: current applications software, hardware, programming, graphics, and digitizing equipment.  In addition, the social and moral impact associated with computer use, as well as computer safety, history, and purchasing a computer, will be addressed.

INTRODUCTION  TO  WEB  SITE  DESIGN - No. 563
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Introduction to Computers

The growth of the Internet and technology has generated a variety of occupations related to the design, development, and maintenance of the Internet.  Introduction to Web Site Design is a one semester course that will allow students to explore the creation and design of Web pages.  Students will design a variety of web sites that will include digital animations, animated graphics, and video clips.    New web design techniques and concepts are included in the class.

DESKTOP  PUBLISHING - No. 562
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12

Desktop Publishing does not meet the Computer Science/Math/Science credit requirement.

Desktop Publishing is a one semester course that will allow students to create professional looking publications on the computer.  The students will use the elements of good design to create a variety of publications such as newsletters, CD covers, business cards, and brochures.  Students will be working with scanners, digital cameras, and other digitizing equipment to produce enhanced documents in Microsoft Publisher and Adobe In Design CS2.  Students will receive a general literacy of computers and computing.

VISUAL  BASIC - No. 564
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Introduction to Computers

Visual Basic is a one semester course that provides an introduction to computer programming.  Students will be introduced to basic programming structures and current programming practices.  They will use these skills to design and write their own programs in Visual Basic, a simple, interactive programming language.  Visual Basic is fundamental in today's programming environment.  This is an excellent introductory programming course and is a prerequisite for all other programming courses.

ADVANCED  VISUAL  BASIC - No. 566
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Visual Basic

Students will extend the concepts presented  in  first semester Visual Basic. Searching and sorting algorithms, data structures, and control structures will be explored.  In addition, integration with Microsoft Office will be covered.  Upon completion of this course, students will have skills that will increase their life options beyond high school.

JAVA - No. 570
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Visual Basic
Java is an object-oriented programming language that is tightly tied to web  page development.  Students will become familiar with command-line code and an integrated development environment.  The course covers the central programming concepts of variables, input, output, decision-making structures, loops, methods, and classes.  Stand alone programs, as well as applets, will be created.  An introduction to game design and development will also be addressed.
Java will not be offered during the 2008-2009 school year.  It will be offered during the 2009-2010 school year on a rotating basis with Java.

Visual C# is the current language of choice in the educational and professional computing world. Students will be exposed to current programming practices and structures.  Students will become familiar with the C# language and the Visual C# development environment.  Topics covered include the use of variables, input and output, decision making, loops, functions, structures, and data file basics.  An introduction to game design and development will also be addressed.

ADVANCED  VISUAL C# - No. 569
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Visual C#

Advanced Visual C# will review and extend the concepts of the first semester of Visual C#. A discussion of object oriented programming, class structure, arrays, linked lists, other data structures, and searching and sorting algorithms in Visual C# will be included.  Game design and development will be further expanded upon.  This course will prepare students for technical colleges, four year universities, or direct employment in the computer industry.

*A+ Computer   Maintenance   and  Repair
No. 577
1 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
2 Hour block for 1 semester
Prerequisite - Introduction to Computers
Students are required to purchase a $50 textbook which they may keep at the conclusion of the course.

Having a technical foundation is critical in today's society.  A+ will provide a strong technical background that studies computer hardware and software.   Students will receive instruction and hands-on experience in the areas of:  PC hardware, computer safety,  peripheral hardware devices, operating systems-Windows and Linux, preventive maintenance, and customer service.  This course allows students to build and maintain their own computer and culminates with a student built computer network that includes a LAN game.

This course is appropriate for students planning to enter the workforce, technical school, or a four year university.  This course will prepare students to take the prestigious A+  certification, but does not guarantee the student will pass the exam.  Articulation agreements have been set up with post secondary institutions to offer college credit for successful completion of this class.

PRACTICAL COMPUTER APPLICATIONS - No. 573
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite - Introduction to Computers

Practical Computer Applications is a one semester course to expand your knowledge of computers and build confidence in dealing with new technology and software. State of the art software in the Windows and Office 2007 environment are used to enhance the student's ability to work with digital animations, digital sound manipulations, and digital video editing. Student developed projects and software exploration of a personal nature are encouraged in this class.

STUDENT  HELP  DESK  - No. 578 
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades  11, 12
Prerequisite - Practical Applications & Computer Animations or A+ Maintenance and Repair or Teacher Consent.

The growth of technology and the integral role it has played in education has generated a variety of problems related to maintenance and deployment of computer services.  Student Help Desk is a one semester course that will allow students an option to enhance communication skills by completing a full hands-on technical analysis of hardware and software problems.  Students will receive a service request from a staff member and take the appropriate actions to resolve the issue.  This program will provide real simulations to common problems faced in today's business world.  The students will also have the option to study and obtain post-secondary information technology certifications.