Information Technology
EC Introduction to Esports
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Students will be introducted to the business aspects of the relatively new industry of esports. Students will learn about the history of esports as well as take an active part in learning through gaming and being taught the “behind the scenes” rules and regulations for various leagues. Students will learn about how esports teams are organized and managed. Students will look into esports related careers and college majors. This class is articulated with Southern Connecticut State University through its Early College (EC) program. Students have the opportunity to earn three SCSU credits for SMT185: Introduction to Esports. Students must complete registration through SCSU to be eligible and a registration fee may apply.
Gaming Concepts 1.0
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Gaming Concepts 1.0 is an introductory course that puts you into the esports scene, giving you the basic tools to begin pursuing a position in one of the fastest-growing career paths. This course will include an overview of esports and esports norms, OBS and streaming, shoutcasting, gaming hardware and software, and much more. This is the entry-level overview course required for many other esports courses in the series. While this course includes time for purposeful play, coursework is required.
Digital Shoutcasting
Open to: All
Prerequisite: Gaming Concepts 1.0
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Game Plan's "Shoutcasting" and "Digital Streaming" are like being a sports commentator for the digital world, where every play-by-play is a chance to entertain and engage audiences around the globe. With a focus on the fast-paced world of esports, Shoutcasting teaches students the art of esports commentating, where they'll learn how to bring matches to life with their commentary and analysis. Digital Streaming offers an exciting opportunity to explore the advanced career skills needed to create content, personal and professional brands, and digital broadcasts. Whether you are a gamer looking to expand your skillset or a fan of esports looking to become a part of the action, Digital Shoutcasting is an exciting and dynamic journey that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Gaming Concepts 2.0
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Gaming Concepts 1.0
Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit
Level: Standard
Gaming Concepts 2.0 takes your skills from GC1.0 to the next level! Topics will include interactive media, 2D and 3D design, storyboarding, basic esports marketing, website design, gamer communication, and much more. This is the course to take when you are ready to advance your digital esports skills and further your career goals!
Gaming Concepts 3.0: Games Design
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Algebra I & Gaming Concepts 1.0; Gaming Concepts 2.0 preferred
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Dive into the immersive world of game creation with "Imaginative Game Design: Storytelling Meets Unreal Engine," a groundbreaking course where narrative prowess unites with technological wizardry. In a virtual odyssey that blurs the line between reality and fiction, you'll learn to wield the power of the written word, crafting compelling narrative arcs and constructing vibrant worlds that pulse with life. Your journey will lead you to master the Unreal Engine - the world-renowned platform where your stories will leap off the page ad into the realm of interactive experience. As you bridge the gap between storytelling and mechanics, you'll unlock the secrets of engaging players emotionally, narratively, and through gameplay. Whether you dream of creating otherworldly adventures, heart-pounding action, or heartwarming tales, this course will equip you with the tools and techniques of narrative design artistry while navigating the rich capabilities of Unreal Engine. Get ready to level up your creativity - your story awaits your command!
Computer Animation
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Computer animation using Maya is like being a magician, conjuring up vibrant and lifelike characters, creatures, and worlds from nothing but a blank screen. With its intuitive interface and vast array of tools, Maya allows artists to create anything they can imagine, from epic battle scenes to heartwarming moments of human connection. It's a thrilling process that requires equal parts technical expertise and artistic flair, as animators meticulously craft each movement and expression to bring their characters to life. Whether you are working on a blockbuster film or an indie game, using Maya to create stunning visual effects and memorable characters is a challenging and endlessly rewarding experience.
Introduction to Cyber Security v1.0
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Cyber security is like a thrilling game of cat and mouse, with hackers constantly devising new ways to break into computer systems and defenders tirelessly working to protect them. This first part of the course series is designated in providing a sound foundation for understanding what cyber security is all about. It's a high-stakes battle where one mistake could lead to a devastating breach, but the satisfaction of thwarting an attack can be incredibly rewarding. With an ever-evolving landscape of threats and new technologies emerging all the time, it's a field that never gets boring. With an ever-evolving landscape of threats and new technologies emerging all of the time, it is a field that never gets boring. This class will teach you concepts through class discussions, diagnosing actual case studies, and learning about foundations of code. This course leads into Introduction to Cyber Security v2.0.
Introduction to Cyber Security v2.0
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Introduction to Cyber Security v1.0
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Students will build upon content learned in Cyber Security v1.0 with understanding concepts of coding and applying this knowledge to see how cyber attacks and defense materialize. Through hands-on lab activities, added coding, further pursuit of knowledge through discussions in class, and diving in further with additional case study analysis, students will have a full rounded perspective and appreciation of what cyber security is all about. Students will also analyze how cyber security can lead to rewarding careers in both the public and private sectors.
Introduction to Drone Technology
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Embark on a thrilling journey through the skies with our brand-new course: "Introduction to Drone Technology." As you unfurl the wings of knowledge, you'll soar into a comprehensive exploration of these marvels of modern engineering. This captivating course is designed to propel novices and enthusiasts alike into the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Discover the aerodynamics that allow drones to hover and dart with precision, the intricate electronics that give them life, and the sophisticated software that pilots them with just a tap on your screen. From learning the essentials of safe drone operation to unlocking the vast potential of aerial photography, mapping, and innovative commercial applications, your foray into this cutting-edge technology will not only elevate your understanding but could launch your passion into a sky-high career. Ignite your creativity and let your ambitions take flight with "Introduction to Drone Technology" – where the possibilities are as limitless as the horizon. Students will begin to learn on simulators, and upon learning the needed skills, will graduate into using drones in the classroom.
Coding with Python
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit
Level: Standard
Python is a versatile coding language, capable of transforming complex ideas into elegant lines of code. With its user-friendly syntax and expansive library of modules, Python empowers developers to create everything from simple scripts to sophisticated web applications and machine learning models. It's a thrilling experience to watch your code come to life, as you harness the power of Python to automate mundane tasks, analyze large data sets, or build cutting-edge software. Whether you're a beginner just starting to explore the world of coding, or a seasoned programmer pushing the limits of what is possible, Python is an endlessly fascinating and rewarding language that is sure to unlock your creativity and imagination.
EC Honors Mobile Computer Science Principles
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit
Level: Honors
Mobile Computer Science Principles (CSP) uses the App Inventor coding language to build amazing apps with just a few clicks. App Inventor's intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows anyone, regardless of their coding experience, to create fully functional mobile applications that can do everything from playing music to controlling smart home devices. With App Inventor, you can explore the endless possibilities of mobile app development and bring your creative ideas to life. It's a thrilling experience to see your app come together, and the satisfaction of sharing it with the world is second to none. Whether you're a student just starting to learn about computer science or a seasoned developer looking for a fast and easy way to build mobile apps, Mobile CSP using App Inventor is an exciting and rewarding journey that's sure to spark your imagination. This class is articulated with Southern Connecticut State University through its Early College (EC) program. Students have the opportunity to earn three SCSU credits for CSC101: Introduction to Mobile Computer Applications. Students must complete registration through SCSU to be eligible and a registration fee may apply.