Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

High School Technology Electives

  • Coding 1a: Introduction to Programming

    Description

    Have you ever wanted to create your own web page or wondered how your favorite websites were built? Maybe you want to know more about how computers and technology are affecting the world around us. In Coding 1a: Introduction to Programming, you will explore the role technology plays in our lives as well as study the fundamentals of computer science, review hardware and software, and learn how the internet functions. You will also discover how to create and build your own website using HTML and CSS and learn basic and complex commands and sequences as you become familiar with programming languages like JavaScript and Python Programming. This course also covers data collection methods, access rights, protocols, and security.

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Our Digital Life
    • Unit 2: The Big Programming Picture
    • Unit 3: Let’s Do Some Programming
    • Unit 4: The Big Process Picture
    • Unit 5: The Big People Picture
    • Unit 6: Security, Privacy & Other Issues
    • Unit 7: Capstone Project Part I
    • Unit 8: Capstone Project Part II
  • Coding 1b: Programming

    Description

    Cultivate your understanding of programming languages and expand on your knowledge of website development. Learn the difference between web development and web application development as well as further explore Advanced Python, HTML, and JavaScript. You will also examine software engineering concepts, learn more about security, privacy, and ethics in technology, and explore the wide variety of careers in computing.

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Get the IDE(a)?
    • Unit 2: The Software—Human Interface
    • Unit 3: Coding Structures
    • Unit 4: Modular Programming
    • Unit 5: Data Security
    • Unit 6: Top-Notch Programming
    • Unit 7: Developing Web Solutions: Part 1
    • Unit 8: Developing Web Solutions: Part 2
  • Concepts of Engineering and Technology

    Description

    Each day, we are surrounded by technology and engineering projects. From our phones to the bridges we drive over, engineering and technology influence many parts of our lives. In Concepts of Engineering and Technology, you will learn more about engineering and technology careers and what skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed in these fields. You’ll explore innovative and cutting-edge projects that are changing the world we live in and examine the design and prototype development process. Concepts of Engineering and Technology will also help you understand the emerging issues in this exciting career field.

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 1.0
    Estimated Completion Time:

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Development and Understanding of Engineering
    • Unit 2: Intro to Engineering: Making Problems into Ideas
    • Unit 3: From Sketches to Products
    • Unit 4: Civil Engineering
    • Unit 5: Introduction to Engineering: Mechanical Engineering
    • Unit 6: Intro to Engineering: Chemical Engineering
    • Unit 7: Introduction to Engineering: Biological Engineering
    • Unit 8: “Impossible” Engineering (IE)
  • Cybersecurity 1a: Foundations

    Description

    We depend more and more on the technologies we interact with every day, and we put more and more of our personal data out there online. Can all of that data really be kept “secret”? We all need to know more about how to protect our personal information, especially given how much we rely on and use our network devices and media. You’ll learn about the various parts of your computer, how they work together, and how you can manipulate them to keep your data safe. You’ll also dive into the tools, technologies, and methods that will help protect you from an attack and discover the many opportunities in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment/ 16-18 weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Basics of Cybersecurity
    • Unit 2: Computers and Operating Systems
    • Unit 3: Networking Fundamentals
    • Unit 4: Network Security
    • Unit 5: Access Control
    • Unit 6: Mobile Devices and Cloud Computing
    • Unit 7: Protecting Data
    • Unit 8: Trends and Challenges
  • Cybersecurity 1b: Defense Against Cyber Threats

    Description

    Ever wonder what it’s like to be a hacker? Or think about who is trying to steal your passwords while you’re shopping online using the free Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop? Unmask the cybersecurity threats around you by understanding hackers and identifying weaknesses in your online behavior. Learn to avoid the various types of cyber attacks, including those to your social media accounts, and to predict the potential legal consequences of sharing or accessing information that you do not have rights to. Dig into these crimes in depth by taking a look at cyber forensics and other cybersecurity careers. In a world where such threats have no boundaries, cybersecurity will undoubtedly play an increasingly larger role in our personal and professional lives in the years to come.

    Pre-Requisites: Cybersecurity 1a
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 segment/ 16-18 weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Cybersecurity Threats
    • Unit 2: Laws, Ethics, and Digital Boundaries
    • Unit 3: Black Hats
    • Unit 4: Cyber Safety
    • Unit 5: Personal Cybersecurity Inventory
    • Unit 6: White Hat Hackers
    • Unit 7: Incident Response, Investigations, and Digital Forensics
    • Unit 8: Cybersecurity Careers
  • Digital Information Technology

    Description

    Dive into an exciting course that will provide you with the foundational skills needed for exciting careers like game development, military defense, web design, and software engineering! You will explore Microsoft Office online applications, web design, emerging technologies, operating systems, project management, communication methods, Information Technology careers, and much more in this course. Learn about your strengths and how they relate to different career paths.

    Pre-Requisites: NA
    Credits: 1.0
    Estimated Completion Time: 32-36 weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    Segment One

    Module One
    • Computer hardware
    • Software
    • Folder structure
    • File naming
    • Computer maintenance
    Module Two
    • Communication tools
    • Office Online applications
    • Keyboarding
    • Ergonomics
    • Email
    • Calendar
    • Contacts
    • Word Online features
    • Segment Two
    Module Three
    • Copyright laws
    • Ethical decision-making
    • Workplace Essentials
    • Personal and interpersonal skills
    • Emerging technologies and their impact on a global marketplace
    • Constructive criticism
    • Conflict resolution
    • Project management
    Module Four
    • Excel Online features, including entering data, creating formulas, using different functions, adding charts and tables, databases, and mail merge

    Segment Two

    Module Five
    • Web terminology
    • Basic GUI preferences
    • URL
    • Downloading files
    Module Six
    • Web pages
    • HTML
    • Color theory
    • Storyboarding
    • WYSIWYG software
    • Media/images on a web page
    Module Seven
    • PowerPoint Online, including creating a presentation; using different slide layouts, themes, images and videos; applying color theory, transitions, and animations in presentations
    Module Eight
    • Career opportunities in the business environment
    • Career plans and life goals
    • Personal strengths and weaknesses
    • Job-seeking skills
  • Foundations of Programming

    Description

    Foundations of Programming will teach students the fundamentals of programming using the computer language Python. The course provides students with the concepts, techniques, and processes associated with computer programming and software development.  Students will also explore the many programming career opportunities available in this high-demand field.

    Pre-Requisites: Digital Information Technology
    Credits: 1.0
    Estimated Completion Time: 2 segments / 32-36 weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    Segment 1

    Module 1: Introduction to Programming
    • Introduction to Python
    • Printing Strings
    • Processing Strings Values
    • String Input
    Module 2: Computing Numerical Data
    • Processing Numerical Information
    • Getting Numeric Information
    • The Math Module
    • The Software Development Life Cycle
    Module 3: Loops and Functions
    • Turtle Graphics
    • for Loops
    • while Loops
    • Creating Functions

    Segment 2

    Module 4: Logic in Programming
    • Decisions
    • More Decisions
    • The Logic of AND, OR, and NOT
    • Lists
    Module 5: Codes and Objects
    • Number Systems
    • Decoding ASCII
    • Object-Oriented Programming
    • Procedural Programming
    Module 6: Testing and Security
    • Software Testing
    • Security
    • Planning for a Programming Career
  • Game Design 1a: Introduction

    Description

    Are you a gamer? Do you enjoy playing video games or coding? Does the idea of creating and designing your own virtual world excite you? If so, this is the course for you! Tap into your creative and technical skills as you learn about the many aspects involved with designing video games. You will learn about video game software and hardware, various gaming platforms, necessary technical skills, troubleshooting and internet safety techniques, and even the history of gaming. And to top it all off, you’ll even have the opportunity to create your very own plan for a 2D video game! Turn your hobby into a potential career and go from simply being a player in a virtual world to actually creating one!

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: From Tut to Mario: A History of Gaming
    • Unit 2: What’s in a Game?
    • Unit 3: Game Pieces
    • Unit 4: Let’s Talk Shop About Game Mechanics!
    • Unit 5: Developing a Game Design Document
    • Unit 6: Narratology: Storytelling in Games
    • Unit 7: The Business of Video Game Design
    • Unit 8: Let’s Make a Game!
  • Game Design 1b: Building a Game

    Description

    We live in a technologically-advanced world where virtual reality and video games play a major role. Have you ever thought about designing your own video game? By signing up for Game Design 1b: Building a Game, you will learn the skills needed to conceptualize, design, and fully create your very own video game. Explore various video game software and hardware, sharpen your coding skills, learn about game storylines, player progression, and algorithmic decision making. Learn to analyze player goals, actions, rewards, and challenges, among many other gameplay components. Utilize the 21st-century skills of creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and technical expertise. When you sign up for Game Design 1b: Building a Game, you are putting yourself at the forefront of a future in technology!

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Get Artistic
    • Unit 2: Go 3D!
    • Unit 3: Enter Level One
    • Unit 4: Get Physical
    • Unit 5: Accept the Mission
    • Unit 6: Crank Up the Volume
    • Unit 7: Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3
    • Unit 8: The Future of Gaming
  • Introduction to Renewable Technologies

    Description

    Interested in transforming energy? With concerns about climate change and growing populations’ effects on traditional energy supplies, scientists, governments, and societies are increasingly turning to renewable and innovative energy sources. In the Introduction to Renewable Technologies course, you’ll learn all about the cutting-edge field of renewable energy and the exciting new technologies that are making it possible. You’ll explore new ways of generating energy and storing that energy, from biofuels to high-capacity batteries and smart electrical grids. You’ll also learn more about the environmental and social effects of renewable technologies and examine how people’s energy decisions impact policies.

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 1.0
    Estimated Completion Time:

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Introduction to Renewable Technologies
    • Unit 2: Climate Change and Energy Policies
    • Unit 3: The Electric Power System and Fossil Fuels
    • Unit 4: Nuclear Power
    • Unit 5: Solar Energy
    • Unit 6: Wind Energy
    • Unit 7: Biomass and Biofuels
    • Unit 8: Geothermal and Hydroelectric Energy
  • Learning in a Digital World: Strategies for Success

    Description

    The digital world seems to change every day, and touch more of our lives. We use technology to communicate with friends and family, find neverending entertainment options, follow our favorite sports teams and fashion trends, and do our school work. In Learning in a Digital World you will get the tools to navigate this exciting and always changing world. Learn about real-world issues and how to solve real-world problems through interactive and hands-on assignments. Discover what it means to be a responsible digital citizen, expand your digital literacy, and become a successful online student. Consider the best ways to find, create, and share information, learn to maximize information and communication technologies, and explore digital content creation, from emails and blogs to social media, videos, and podcasts.

    Pre-Requisites:
    Credits: 0.5
    Estimated Completion Time: 1 Segment/16-18 Weeks

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    • Unit 1: Digital Citizenship
    • Unit 2: Online Safety
    • Unit 3: Communication and Collaboration
    • Unit 4: Digital Literacy
    • Unit 5: Study Skills
    • Unit 6: Content & Copyright
    • Unit 7: Your Learning Process
    • Unit 8: Digital Well-being
  • Procedural Programming

    Description

    Procedural Programming(ProP) teaches advanced programming concepts using the computer language Python. You will learn techniques and processes associated with computer programming and software development. This course continues the study of computer programming concepts with a focus on the creation of software applications employing procedural programming techniques. After successful completion of Foundations of Programming and Procedural Programming, students will have met Occupational Completion Point B, Computer Programmer Assistant, SOC Code 15-1131. Follow the link below for the complete Department of Education description of this course: http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/18567/urlt/9007500-1819.rtf

    Pre-Requisites: Digital Information Technology and Foundations of Programming
    Credits: 1
    Estimated Completion Time: 32

     


    Major Topics and Concepts

    Procedural Programming continues the study of computer programming concepts with a focus on the creation of software applications employing procedural programming techniques. This is the third course in the Java
    Development and Programming program of study, after Digital Information Technology and Foundations of Programming. Students will write and develop programs using the Python programming language.