Technology
Introductory Course:
Computers & Information Management
This is a required introductory semester course which focuses on managing information through in-depth studies of spreadsheets and database software features. This class focuses on developing proper keyboarding techniques including form, speed, and accuracy. Along with keyboarding, the class will begin with an overview of the Windows operating system. Students will look at the Internet and the social and ethical implications of computing. Microsoft Office Suite software will be the software used in this class. An in-depth study of online learning, through Nesa Blackboard.
Text: A Guide to Microsoft Office 2007 Professional, Lawrenceville Press
Credits: .5
Grades: 9 – 10 (9th grade preferred)
Prerequisite: None
Computer Applications Focus:
Desk Top Publishing/Media Technology
This semester long course will provide students with the knowledge to develop technical and critical thinking skills necessary to understand and create effective communications. While developing basic media literacy skills that will make them aware of how media affects societies and individuals, students will create media projects such as brochures, slide shows, manuals, and advertisements. They will possibly delve into other electronic media to meet the needs of the high school.
Students will explore different design options for layout in print and electronic presentation while developing their abilities to match their choice of software with their audience, purpose, and content. Our primary tools will be computers, printers, scanners, digital cameras and projectors along with software such as Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Movie Maker. Inevitably, the dynamics of this class will change in response to the evolving world of media technology.
Text: None
Credits: .5
Grades: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Computers and Information Management
Web Page Design/Networks
This semester long course seeks to balance classroom activities and academic training with practical experience. Students will explore web design applications and basic network concepts. They will work on individual and group projects like creating web pages for the school’s Intranet, maintaining the school’s web site for the Internet and fulfilling other various network media needs of the Dhahran High School. Students will utilize web page design programs such as Microsoft Front Page, Microsoft Web Expression and Macromedia Dreamweaver. They may use additional programs such as word processing, photo-imaging or graphic enhancement to add to their websites.
Text: None
Credits: .5
Grades: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Computers and Information Management
Computer Aided Design
This semester elective course is an introduction to the implementation of computer graphics and drafting skills in general. Two dimensional (2D) will cover different applications in monochrome patterns, control and mix of colors, graphics and layout, and scanning.
Three dimensional (3D) addresses computer software for architectural drafting, with its application in drafting of plans, sections, elevations, and details as well as applications in 3D modeling.
Students are provided with digital tools for drafting and project management that can be applied in design courses. Architectural, engineering, and interior design majors will benefit from participation in this course.
Text: No Text; Software is AutoCAD Version 16
Credits: .5
Grades: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: Computers and Information Management
Photo In Design
This one semester course will introduce the students to editing digital photos, create professional publishing documents. Through this course the students will learn the basic Photoshop tools. Designing publishing documents using InDesign; such as books, brochures and newsletter. This is an interactive course where students are asked to take pictures, edit them, and then use them to design a publishing document. By the end of the semester the students get to visit a publisher and print their documents.
Text: None
Credits: .5 (May count for technology or elective credit)
Grade: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Computers and Information Management
Computer Science Focus:
Programming I
This semester-long course is an introduction to structured programming through Visual Basic. Students will learn how to write application programs while developing a fundamental understanding of a structured approach to problem solving through programming. In addition to learning the Integrated Development Environment of Microsoft Visual Basic software, students will learn the syntax of the language and good programming style. The class will cover variables, constants, decision and looping structures, procedures and functions. The specific programming skills introduced are transferable between different languages and systems.
Text: A Guide to Microsoft Visual Basic 2008, Lawrenceville Press
Credits: .5
Grades: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Computers and Information Management and Algebra II, or taking concurrently
Programming II
In this semester-long course students will continue to develop their structured programming skills using Visual Basic. In addition, students in this class may work together to complete a major class project using a team-oriented approach. Application programs will necessarily require more in-depth development through studies of arrays, sequential and random access files, classes, sorting and searching, menus, dialogs and multiple forms. Instruction may also cover integrating program applications with other applications as well as graphics, color and sound.
Text: A Guide to Microsoft Visual Basic 2008, Lawrenceville Press
Credits: .5
Grades: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Programming I: Visual Basic and Computer and Information Management
Advanced Placement Computer Science A: Java
This year-long course will prepare students for the AP Computer Science A exam using Java. AP Computer Science emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. This class also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable and reusable and the study of abstraction and data structures. In addition, an understanding of basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are parts of this course.
Students should have a strong foundation of mathematical reasoning and should be comfortable with functions and the concepts often found in the uses of function notation.
Text: A Guide to Programming in Java, Lawrenceville Press
Credits: 1
Grades: 11 - 12
Prerequisite: See AP/Honors Addendum
