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 and Typing Master Pro will be the software used in this class. An in-depth study of online learning, through Moodle.

Text: A Guide to Microsoft Office 2010 Professional, Lawrenceville Press
Credits: 0.5
Grade Level:  9 – 10 (9th grade preferred)
Prerequisite: None

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, students will learn the best techniques to create media projects that have influence on individuals and societies. Students will create media projects such as: websites, brochures, posters, flyers, advertisements and music video clips.  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. Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Movie Maker and Sony Vegas will be the primary software used. They may use any digital tool, additional programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, photo imaging or graphic enhancement to add to their media projects.

Text: None
Credits:  0.5
Grade Level: 10 -12
Prerequisite:  Computers and Information Management

Web Page Design

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:  0.5
Grade Level: 10 -12
Prerequisite:  Computers and Information Management

Photo In Design

Text: Photoshop CS5 Digital Classroom, AQUENT and InDesign CS5 Digital Classroom, AQUENT
Credits:  0.5
Grades: 10 - 12
Prerequisite:  Computers and Information Management

Yearbook

This yearlong elective course is a hands-on experience class in which students design and produce the yearbook.  Computers are used extensively in constructing the yearbook. Adobe In Design is used for designing the layout and Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are used to for editing photos. Advertising, selling and book promotion will also be emphasized.

Text: N/A
Credits: 1 (May count for technology or other elective credit)
Grade level:  11 – 12 (May repeat for credit)
Prerequisite:  Permission of Instructor

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: 0.5
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: 0.5
Grades: 10 - 12
Prerequisite:  Programming I: Visual Basic and Computer 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.

Text:  A Guide to Programming in Java, Lawrenceville Press
Credits: 1
Grade level:  11 - 12
Prerequisite:  See AP/Honors Addendum