Introduction to Software Technology
Introduction to Software Technology is the foundational course for Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Game Design, Internet of Things, Programming, Web and Digital Design, and Web Development pathways. This course is designed for high school students to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it impacts their personal life, society, and the business world. Exposure to foundational knowledge in programming languages, software development, app creation, and user interfacing applications are all taught in a computer lab with hands-on activities and project-focused tasks. Students will not only understand the concepts but apply their knowledge to situations and defend their actions, decisions, and/or choices through the knowledge and skills acquired in this course. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry. Competencies in the co-curricular student organizations are integral components of both the employability skills standards and content standards for this course. Various forms of technologies will be highlighted to expose students to the emerging technologies impacting the digital world. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are taught in this course as a foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and career ready. The knowledge and skills taught in this course build upon each other to form a comprehensive introduction to the digital world. Introduction to Software Technology is a course that is appropriate for all high school students. The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.
Computer Science Principles
Pre-requisite - Introduction to Digital Technology
How can computing change the world? What is computer science? Engage your creativity, demonstrate and build your problem solving ability all while connecting the relevance of computer science to the society! Computer Science (CS) Principles is an intellectually rich and engaging course that is focused on building a solid understanding and foundation in computer science. This course emphasizes the content, practices, thinking and skills central to the discipline of computer science. Through both its content and pedagogy, this course aims to appeal to a broad audience. The focus of this course will fall into these computational thinking practices: connecting computing, developing computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems and artifacts, communicating, and collaborating.
Various forms of technologies will be used to expose students to resources and application of computer science. Professional communication skills and practices, problem-solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are enhanced in this course to prepare students to be college and career ready. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry.
Computer Science Principles is the second course in the pathways Programming and Computer Science in the Information Technology Cluster. Students enrolled in this course should have successfully completed Introduction to Digital Technology.
AP Computer Science A
Instructor Approval Required
AP Computer Science A emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem-solving algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. It also includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. Students will learn to design, development, test, debug and document programs that solve problems. They will work both individually and in teams to simulate real world experiences.
AP Computer Science Principles
Instructor Approval Required
AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cyber-security concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.