Computer Technology
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Priority will be given to seniors, then juniors, then sophomores, then freshmen, based on the availability of equipment and instructors.
The first Computer Technology course a student takes counts as a computer credit for graduation. Additional Computer Technology courses count as practical art credits.
Technology Classes.movVideo of Computer Technology Department Overview
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
1 Semester
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art
Grade: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Critical Thinking
Leadership & Business House
It is strongly recommended students take Computer Technology to satisfy their ½ credit of technology to graduate. In this course, you will improve your keyboarding skills and learn how to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). You will learn how to format research papers and personal business letters using Word and how to create and format spreadsheets in Excel. You will also learn how to create effective PowerPoint presentations by adhering to design concepts and guidelines. The skills learned in this course will help you in your other academic classes and in your personal life beyond high school. This course can be used towards earning the state Technology seal.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
1 Semester
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Highly Recommended Computer Technology
Communication & Collaboration
Leadership & Business House
If you like to work on the computer AND be creative, then this project-based course is for you! Communication is an important part of life and any career! You will learn about the various components of the communication process so that you can creatively and effectively communicate messages in various forms. Explore graphic design, website creation, and creating videos. This course can be used towards earning the state Technology seal.
DIGITAL EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Formerly Desktop Publishing
1 Semester
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Critical Thinking
STEM House
Digital Experience Design focuses on the uses of Adobe XD for digital document layout and design. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to integrate text, graphics, and photographs to create a variety of professional quality finished digital experiences for personal and business use. You will have the chance to create digital interfaces for a variety of applications. You’ll also design interactive Apps. Take this class and master the use of User Experience software. This course can be used towards earning the state Technology seal. In this course, students have the opportunity to earn an Industry Recognized Credential. Please see the Industry Recognized Credential section of the curriculum guide for details.
VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT I
1 Semester
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Critical Thinking
STEM House
Students will learn state-of-the art video game design and development using the latest in industry standard and game engine software. Some of the topics students will learn in this class above and beyond the primary units of study include an introduction to game engines, indoor level design, volumes, visual scripting, outdoor level design, level streaming, lighting, audio, textures, decals, materials, particle systems, static meshes, character and animation basics, cinematics, artificial intelligence, physics,
post-process effects, and much more! This course can be used towards earning the state Technology seal. In this course, students have the opportunity to earn an Industry Recognized Credential. Please see the Industry Recognized Credential section of the curriculum guide for details.
VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT II
1 Semester
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Video Game Development I
Critical Thinking
STEM House
Semester two of Game Design allows student to work with a cross class collaborative group to plan, developm, and publish a video game to one of three industry gaming platforms. This additional work is designed to focus skill obtained in semester 1, and preparet students for the Unity certification exam and/or industry employment. This course can be used towards earning the state Technology seal. In this course, students have the opportunity to earn an Industry Recognized Credential. Please see the Industry Recognized Credential section of the curriculum guide for details.
ADVANCED VIDEO GAME DESIGN
1 Semester or year long
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art per semester
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Completion of Video Game Development II with a B or higher grade
Critical Thinking
Leadership & Business House
This course allows students to continue to develop their game development skills. Students will spend 1 or 2 semesters concurrently working with a team to develop a game as they did in Game Design 2. However, they will now add additional skills in sound, lighting, particle effects, and motion-captured animation. Students who complete both semesters should be ready to take the Unity Professional certification exam. This course can be used towards earning the state Technology seal. In this course, students have the opportunity to earn an Industry Recognized Credential. Please see the Industry Recognized Credential section of the curriculum guide for details.
COMMERCIAL DRONE PILOTING
1 Semester
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: 15.5 Years of age (priority given to upperclassmen)
Critical Thinking
STEM House
In this one-semester course, students will learn the necessary information to pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test for UASs (Drones). Passage of this test provides the taker with an FAA License to fly drones commercially, i.e., for profit. In addition to the course, students will receive approximately 60 hours of flight training on Industry Standard Drones.
AI ON WHEELS
1 Semester or year long
Credit: 0.50 Computer/Practical Art per semester
Grade: 10-12
Prerequisite: Completing Algebra I with a B or better. Or Completion of Game Development 1 with a B or higher.
Critical Thinking
Leadership & Business House
Students will learn to utilize AI and Machine Learning tools to program vehicles to travel autonomously. This will be a combination of computer simulation and hands-on development of a 1/10-scale vehicles capable of traveling through city streets and racing other vehicles autonomously on a scale racetrack. This course can be taken as a semester or year-long course. Students interested in competing in team-based autonomous vehicle competitions should take the year-long version.