Intro to Computer Science

Grades

Class Rules

This course, along with Digital Photography is the introduction to multimedia and media creation. You will learn the basics of many skills that you will need to do well in next year's Video Production class and in your senior year, Advanced Computer Science/Senior Project.

Most projects will be completed step by step with a short lesson at the beginning of the period and then work time for you to go through the steps of the lesson to complete the assignment. Many days build on each other to become a larger project.

Skills Learned in Intro to Computer Science:

1. Video camera usage and control. It is essential to know your camera and how to operate it. Bad amateurish video results from a point and shoot mentality. SLAM has a large variety of cameras from small check-out cameras to large studio cameras. You will learn how to use all of these.

2. Video Editing. Once the video is shot, you must import it into an editor program and edit it well to make it as professional as possible. SLAM uses Final Cut Pro X to edit.

3. Sound. 50% of a movie is sound. You will learn how to capture great sound for your videos as well as create musical scores for your work. You will record voiceovers and sound effects in our two sound studios and use these in your projects. SLAM uses Garage Band and Final Cut Pro X for most audio work.

4. Visual Effects. Interesting visual effects can enhance your work. You will learn simple effects such as green screen compositing, making someone disappear, compositing video, images, and animation together, motion tracking, creating and animating light sabers, flashes of light, and explosions. SLAM students use After Effects and Final Cut Pro X for visual effects.

5. Photoshop. Manipulating and compositing images and graphics together is an important skill for media creators. You will learn how to use Photoshop to do many things.

6. Presentation. Media creators must show off their work. Many times the media you create will be included in presentations. SLAM student use Keynote, Google Slides, and Prezi to create media rich presentations.

7. Website Creation. Publishing your work to the world also requires a website. SLAM Sophomores start a website that will show their work throughout their years in SLAM. We use Google Sites for our websites.

8. Programming. SLAM Sophomores learn to write computer programs and games using Codecademy.