Please note: Wooster’s educational philosophy is centered on teaching children not course material.  Thus, while the topics of instruction included in these documents represent the best estimate of the faculty about what subjects will be explored in each class, some additions, subtractions, and changes are likely to occur each year based on the interests and aptitudes of the unique group of children who are being taught.

 

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and intended solely for the use of current and prospective members of the Wooster community

to better understand and anticipate course content.

Reuse, resale, or reproduction of this material outside of Wooster School is prohibited.

 

Copyright Wooster School 2005

 

 

Information Technology

 

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General

In today's society, technology is a part of everyday life.  From an educational perspective, most people need to become proficient users of technology and information.   Consequently, we believe technology should play a role in all areas of instruction.  Technology can enhance the learning environment and provide a means of facilitating education.

 

In 1995, the Panel on Education Technology was organized to conduct a study of K-12 technology education in the United States and provide independent advice to the President on the application of a variety of technologies.  The first recommendation made was "Focus on learning with technology, not about technology."  The Panel suggests, "…it is important to distinguish between technology as a subject area and the use of technology to facilitate learning about any subject area" (Panel on Educational Technology, 1997, p. 128).  They promote the meaningful integration of computer technology throughout K-12 education while maintaining the importance of computer education courses that teach basic computer skills and technology.

 

Computers are used ubiquitously in a wide range of activities at Wooster and can greatly facilitate learning.  Wooster students need to become competent users of information technologies and to understand the impact of computer technology on society in our information-rich world.

 

Wooster School does not focus on teaching about computers or require students to learn programming.  Instead, the school uses computers to facilitate instruction and enhance the learning environment.  The use of technology is integrated throughout the school rather than isolated in one project or specific area of study.

 

GOALS

The following competency goals have been adopted, K-12, to provide a framework for technology integration into the curriculum.  These goals serve to guide development of age-appropriate activities across all disciplines. 

Wooster students will understand the important issues of a technological society.           

Wooster students will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of information technology.

Wooster students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in using information technology. 

Wooster students will use information technology to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information

 

 

Lower School

Wooster's Lower School provides for contemporary developments in technology.  Lower School students have access to computers in their classrooms as well as in the Computer Lab.  All computers on campus provide access to the student server, Internet, and CD-Rom programs.

 

The computer is seen as a tool for learning and, as such, students meet weekly in the computer lab to use technology to support their core curriculum.  Except for keyboarding, which is instructed primarily outside the lab, the computer competency skills expected at each grade level are taught through projects established jointly by the classroom teachers and the computer teacher.  The Lower School computer teacher provides the technological content, and the classroom teachers provide the context for these projects.  In previous years, for example, second grade students toured a virtual Inuit classroom using the Internet and developed slide show presentations illustrating what they had learned during a unit on the Inuit.  In another example, Third graders learned to access and interpret information through web quests and applied their research skills in Power Point presentations about rain forest animals.  During units on simple machines and Ancient Greece, students created Power Point presentations. They then collected data on endangered species and prepared their own database or word search using Excel. The fifth graders applied their knowledge of Microsoft Office applications to produce slide shows about their ancestors, journals describing life during the Middle Ages, and Excel spreadsheets and charts reflecting information gathered from student surveys. 

 

Kindergarten

TOPICS INTRODUCED

 Basic Operations and Concepts                                                                              

                        Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Operate computer - on/off       

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

 Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                           

                        Equipment and work area maintenance

 Technology Communications Tools                                                                        

                        Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)

 

1st Grade

TOPICS INTRODUCED

            Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Hardware, software and connectivity    

                        Saving and retrieving files

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                            

            Respect the work and files of others

Technology Productivity Tools                                                                                 

                        Word Processing         

            Desktop Publishing      

Technology Communications Tools                                                             

                        Word Processing                                                                     

            Desktop Publishing

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools                        

Hardware, software and connectivity

            Storage formats

 

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations and Concepts                                                                               

                        Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

 Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                           

                        Equipment and work area maintenance

 Technology Communications Tools                                                                        

                        Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)


TOPICS MASTERED

Basic Operations and Concepts                                                                               

                        Operate computer - on/off       

             

2nd Grade     

TOPICS INTRODUCED

Technology Research Tools                                                                         

                        Use appropriate resources to solve problems                                       

                        Navigate Internet sites for find information                                            

                        Gather, evaluate and organize information

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools            

                        File management

 

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

Hardware, software and connectivity    

                        Saving and retrieving files

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                

            Equipment and work area maintenance

Respect the work and files of others

Technology Productivity Tools                     

                        Word Processing         

            Desktop Publishing      

Technology Communications Tools 

                        Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)

Word Processing                                                                     

            Desktop Publishing

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

Hardware, software and connectivity

            Storage formats

 

3rd Grade

TOPICS INTRODUCED

Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Log on/off network      

                        Printing correctly and efficiently

Social, Ethical and Human Issues

Network access and use                                  

                        Appropriate use and productivity                     

                        Efficient use of resources                      

                        Copyright and plagiarism issues            

                        Netiquette and safety issues

Technology Productivity Tools                     

                        Multimedia and on-line resources         

                        Design applications

                        Problem solving applications

                        Spreadsheet

Technology Communications Tools                                                 

                        Presentations   

                        Digital imaging (cameras, scanners, etc.)

Technology Research Tools

Search engines and on-line resources   

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

                        Systems and operation

Peripherals

 

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

Hardware, software and connectivity    

                        Saving and retrieving files

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                

            Equipment and work area maintenance

Respect the work and files of others

Technology Productivity Tools                     

                        Word Processing         

            Desktop Publishing      

Technology Communications Tools 

                        Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)

Word Processing                                                                     

            Desktop Publishing

Technology Research Tools                                                                         

                        Use appropriate resources to solve problems                                       

                        Navigate Internet sites for find information                                            

                        Gather, evaluate and organize information

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

Hardware, software and connectivity

            Storage formats

File management

 

4th Grade

TOPICS INTRODUCED

Technology Productivity Tools                     

                        Database

Technology Research Tools                         

                        Use citation for sources

 

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Log on/off network      

                        Printing correctly and efficiently

Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

Hardware, software and connectivity    

                        Saving and retrieving files

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                

            Network access and use                                  

                        Appropriate use and productivity                     

                        Efficient use of resources                      

                        Copyright and plagiarism issues            

                        Netiquette and safety issues

Equipment and work area maintenance

Respect the work and files of others

Technology Productivity Tools                     

Word Processing         

                        Desktop Publishing

Multimedia and on-line resources

                        Design applications

                        Problem solving applications

                        Spreadsheet

Technology Communications Tools 

Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)

Word Processing                                                                     

                        Desktop Publishing

Presentations   

            Digital imaging (cameras, scanners, etc.)

Technology Research Tools                                                                         

                        Use appropriate resources to solve problems                                       

                        Navigate Internet sites for find information                                            

                        Gather, evaluate and organize information

Search engines and on-line resources

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

Hardware, software and connectivity

            Storage formats

File management

Systems and operation

Peripherals


TOPICS MASTERED

Basic Operations and Concepts       

                        Open, use, and quit programs

 

5th Grade

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations and Concepts

                        Log on/off network      

                        Printing correctly and efficiently

Communicate using computer terminology        

                        Open, use, and quit programs                                      

                        Use and care for media                                                

                        Keyboarding and mouse skills

Hardware, software and connectivity    

                        Saving and retrieving files

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                

            Network access and use                                  

                        Appropriate use and productivity                     

                        Efficient use of resources                      

                        Copyright and plagiarism issues            

                        Netiquette and safety issues

Equipment and work area maintenance

Respect the work and files of others

Technology Productivity Tools                     

Word Processing         

                        Desktop Publishing

Multimedia and on-line resources

                        Design applications

                        Problem solving applications

                        Spreadsheet

                        Database

Technology Communications Tools 

Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)

Word Processing                                                                     

                        Desktop Publishing

Presentations   

            Digital imaging (cameras, scanners, etc.)

Technology Research Tools                                                                         

                        Use appropriate resources to solve problems                                       

                        Navigate Internet sites for find information                                            

                        Gather, evaluate and organize information

Search engines and on-line resources

Use citation for sources

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools

Hardware, software and connectivity

            Storage formats

File management

Systems and operation

Peripherals


TOPICS MASTERED

Basic Operations and Concepts       

                        Saving and retrieving files

      

Middle School

Wooster's Middle School offers both formal technology instruction in computer classes and technology integration in the regular classroom.  The middle school computer classes integrate technology with Technology- Integrated Units (TIUs) in the five major disciplines.  In TIUs, students gain practical skills in using computers to retrieve, produce, organize, synthesize, and analyze information, and develop solutions to different types of problems.  Word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet skills are emphasized.  These TIUs are developed and taught jointly by the technology department and the academic discipline teacher.

 

Students also have an opportunity to use related technology such as CD-ROMs, digital cameras, and scanners.  Computers are available to students at various times throughout the day, after school, and on Saturday mornings.

 

The Middle School teachers post assignments and quiz information on the Internet at schoolnotes.com.  In addition, students occasionally submit work electronically using email and/or the school network.

      

 

6th Grade

TOPICS INTRODUCED

 Basic Operations And Concepts                                                     

                        File management          

                        Network operations     

                        Copy, transfer and convert files

                        Extensions and file formats       

 Technology Productivity Tools                                                                    

                        Templates and wizards             

 Technology Communications Tools                                                

                        Web page design         

Technology Research Tools                                                 

                        Boolean logic   

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools                                    

                        File compression, down/up load, installing                                                                    

                        Customizing toolbars and desktop                                                                    

                                                                                               

TOPICS REINFORCED

Basic Operations And Concepts                                                                              

                        Communicate using computer terminology                                                        

                        Use and care for media                        

                        Keyboarding and word processing skills                                   

                        Hardware, software and connectivity

Printing correctly and efficiently

Social, Ethical and Human Issues                                                                            

Equipment and work area maintenance             

                        Respect the work and files of others                 

                        Network access and use                                              

                        Appropriate use and productivity

                        Efficient use of resources

                        Copyright and plagiarism issues

            Netiquette and safety issues

Technology Productivity Tools                                                                                 

                        Word Processing         

                        Desktop Publishing      

                        Multimedia and on-line resources         

                        Design applications                              

                        Problem solving applications                            

                        Spreadsheet                            

            Database         

Technology Communications Tools 

                        Graphics (Paint tools, clip art, images)  

                        Word Processing         

                        Desktop Publishing      

                        Presentations   

            Digital imaging (cameras, scanners, etc.)

Technology Research Tools                                                                         

                        Use appropriate resources to solve problems               

                        Navigate Internet sites for find information        

                        Gather, evaluate and organize information         

                        Search engines and on-line resources   

            Use citation for sources

Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools                                                                        

                        Hardware, software and connectivity                

                        Storage formats           

                        File management          

                        Systems and operation 

            Peripherals      

 

7th Grade

In seventh grade, lessons using technology occur during regularly scheduled classes in the five major disciplines.  From these, students gain practical skills in using computers to retrieve, produce, organize, synthesize, and analyze information, and develop solutions to different types of problems.  Word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet skills are emphasized.  Students may also have opportunities to use CD-ROMs, DVD players, digital cameras, and scanners.  Computers are available to students at various times throughout the day, after school, and on Saturday mornings in the new middle school computer lab and in the JDV Library.

 

As with the lower school and sixth grade, the seventh grade information technology curriculum integrates technology objectives into the core academic subjects through Technology-Integrated Units (TIUs).  Core subject-area teachers and the middle school computer teacher collaboratively design these lessons.  In the past, for example, seventh grade students designed web sites on poets they were studying in English class.  In another term, the same students designed taxonomic schemes using the drawing tools in Microsoft Word and examined interactive web animations on plant and animal cells. 

 

The technology standards used in these TIUs are divided into six broad categories. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards.

 

TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Students are proficient in the use of technology.

Social, ethical, and human issues

Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

Technology productivity tools

Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

Technology communications tools

Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

Technology research tools

Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

 

PROFILES FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERATE STUDENTS

The Profiles for Technology Literate Students provide performance indicators describing the technology competence students should exhibit upon completion of the eighth grade.  These profiles reflect the underlying assumption that all students should have the opportunity to develop technology skills that support learning, personal productivity, decision making, and daily life. These profiles and associated standards provide a framework for preparing students to be lifelong learners who make informed decisions about the role of technology in their lives.

 

These profiles assume that technology skills are developed by coordinated activities that support learning throughout a student's education. These skills are to be introduced, reinforced, and finally mastered, and thus, integrated into an individual's personal learning and social framework. They represent essential, realistic, and attainable goals for lifelong learning and a productive citizenry.

 

All students in grade seven have opportunities to demonstrate the following:

Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use.

Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society.

Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.

Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.

Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum.

Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom.

Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving.

Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems.

      

 

      

8th Grade

In eighth grade, lessons using technology occur during regularly scheduled classes in the five major disciplines.  From these, students gain practical skills in using computers to retrieve, produce, organize, synthesize, and analyze information, and develop solutions to different types of problems.  Word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, and database skills are emphasized.  Students may also have opportunities to use CD-ROMs, DVD players, digital cameras, and scanners.  Computers are available to students at various times throughout the day, after school, and on Saturday mornings in the new middle school computer lab and in the JDV Library.

 

As with the lower school and sixth grade, the eighth grade information technology curriculum integrates technology objectives into the core academic subjects through Technology-Integrated Units (TIUs).  Core subject-area teachers and the middle school computer teacher collaboratively design these lessons.  In the past, for example, eighth grade students learned to make web pages on some aspect of Shakespeare's world, which they studied in English class.

 

The technology standards used in these TIUs are divided into six broad categories. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards.

 

TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Students are proficient in the use of technology.

Social, ethical, and human issues

Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.

Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

Technology productivity tools

Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

Technology communications tools

Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

Technology research tools

Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.

Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.

Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

 

PROFILES FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERATE STUDENTS

The Profiles for Technology Literate Students provide performance indicators describing the technology competence students should exhibit upon completion of the eighth grade.  These profiles reflect the underlying assumption that all students should have the opportunity to develop technology skills that support learning, personal productivity, decision making, and daily life. These profiles and associated standards provide a framework for preparing students to be lifelong learners who make informed decisions about the role of technology in their lives.

 

These profiles assume that technology skills are developed by coordinated activities that support learning throughout a student's education. These skills are to be introduced, reinforced, and finally mastered, and thus, integrated into an individual's personal learning and social framework. They represent essential, realistic, and attainable goals for lifelong learning and a productive citizenry.

 

All students in grade eight have opportunities to demonstrate the following:

Apply strategies for identifying and solving routine hardware and software problems that occur during everyday use.

Demonstrate knowledge of current changes in information technologies and the effect those changes have on the workplace and society.

Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.

Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.

Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum.

Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom.

Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using telecommunications and collaborative tools to investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information, and to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and of practical applications to learning and problem solving.

Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems.

 

             

Upper School

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Although no Information Technology courses are required in the Upper School, Wooster students must demonstrate specific technology competencies to graduate.  Specifically, as listed in the Course of Study, students must “demonstrate an ability to use current and emerging computer technologies by completing a set of required exercises.”

 

The three computing requirements for graduation are:

The students must write a paper using a word processor.  The paper should have endnotes (or footnotes) and a bibliography.  It can be quite brief.  Students must submit the paper on disk and on paper.  A student may resubmit work completed for any Wooster class.

The students must create a spreadsheet which serves any useful purpose and uses cell formulas which refer to other cells.  Microsoft EXCEL must be able to read the spreadsheet.  The document must be submitted on disk and on paper.

The students must use the Internet to find the answer to a question provided to them.  They must cite the source of their answer, write a convincing paragraph about the internet source's credibility, and copy the information from the internet to a disk.  They must submit a disk with all relevant information, as well as a hardcopy.

 

ELECTIVES OFFERED IN THE UPPER SCHOOL IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Introduction to Web Design

AP Computer Science

Computer Graphics and Imaging (offered in conjunction with the Art Department)

Computer Graphics and Illustrating (offered in conjunction with the Art Department)

Animation (offered in conjunction with the Art Department)

 

             

9th Grade

In ninth grade, lessons using technology occur during regularly scheduled classes in the five major disciplines.  From these, students gain practical skills in using computers to retrieve, produce, organize, synthesize, and analyze information, and develop solutions to different types of problems.  Word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, and database skills are emphasized.  Students may also have opportunities to use CD-ROMs, DVD players, digital cameras, and scanners.  Computers are available to students at various times throughout the day, after school, and on Saturday mornings in the new computer lab and in the JDV Library.

 

At this time, no Information Technology courses are open to ninth graders.

 

 

             

10th Grade

In tenth grade, lessons using technology occur during regularly scheduled classes in the five major disciplines.  From these, students gain practical skills in using computers to retrieve, produce, organize, synthesize, and analyze information, and develop solutions to different types of problems.  Word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, and database skills are emphasized.  Students may also have opportunities to use CD-ROMs, DVD players, digital cameras, and scanners.  Computers are available to students at various times throughout the day, after school, and on Saturday mornings in the new computer lab and in the JDV Library.

 

The following Information Technology courses are open to tenth graders as electives.

 

 

INTRODUCTION TO WEB DESIGN

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of web design.  Students will begin the term by evaluating a variety of web sites and discussing the elements of excellent design.  Students will then learn Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the programming language used to make documents for the World Wide Web.   After gaining a solid understanding of the essential HTML commands, students will move on to Macromedia Dreamweaver, one of the industry's leading Web site design editing tools.  As a final project, students will produce a functional web site. 

 

TOPICS

Web Site Evaluation

The students will evaluate effective and ineffective web sites.

HTML Fundamentals

The students will write HTML code with a text editor.

Using html tags, the student will do the following efficiently and effectively:

Format text

Insert images

Use local and remote links

Set body and background attributes

Create and modify tables

Apply appropriate tag attributes

Create line and paragraph breaks

Use headings

Control the appearance and alignment of text and graphics

Use named anchors

Link an email address to a web page

Macromedia Dreamweaver Fundamentals

Using Dreamweaver , the student will do the following efficiently and effectively:

Define a local site.

Use templates

           Format text

Insert images

Use local and remote links

Set body and background attributes

Create and modify tables

Apply appropriate tag attributes

Create line and paragraph breaks

Use headings

Control the appearance and alignment of text and graphics

Use named anchors

Link an email address to a web page

Publish his or her site to a web server

 

 

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE

The AP Computer Science curriculum is based on the topics covered by the College Board's Advanced Placement Computer Science A test.  The cases are noted where the course goes beyond the scope of the AP test.

 

 OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAM DESIGN

The overall goal for designing a piece of software (a computer program) is to correctly solve the given problem. At the same time, this goal should encompass specifying and designing a program that is understandable, can be adapted to changing circumstances, and has the potential to be reused in whole or in part. The design process needs to be based on a thorough understanding of the problem to be solved.

 

Objectives: Program Design

Read and understand a problem's description, purpose, and goals.

Apply data abstraction and encapsulation.

Read and understand class specifications and relationships among the classes ("is-a", "has-a" relationships).

Understand and implement a given class hierarchy.

Identify reusable components from existing code using classes and class libraries.

 

Objectives: Class design

Design and implement a class.

Design an interface.

Choose appropriate data representation and algorithms.

Apply functional decomposition.

Extend a given class using inheritance.

 

 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

The overall goals of program implementation parallel those of program design. Classes that fill common needs should be built so that they can be reused easily in other programs. Object-oriented design is an important part of program implementation.

 

Objectives: Program Implementation

Recognize programs that effectively use Encapsulation and information hiding

Become proficient with using the following parts of the Java language:

Primitive types vs. objects

Declaration

Constant declarations

Variable declarations

Class declarations

Interface declarations

Method declarations

            Meter declarations

Console output (System.out.print/println)

Program Control

Methods

Sequential control

Conditional Statements

Iteration

Recursion

Java library classes (included in the A-level AP Java Subset)

 

 PROGRAM ANALYSIS

The analysis of programs includes examining and testing programs to determine whether they correctly meet their specifications. It also includes the analysis of programs or algorithms in order to understand their time and space requirements when applied to different data sets.

 

Objectives: Program Analysis

Categorize errors: compile-time, run-time, logic

Identify and correct errors

Understand and modify existing code

Extend existing code using inheritance

Understand error handling

Understand runtime exceptions

Analyze algorithms with respect to comparisons of running times (Using "Big-Oh" notation)  [Beyond the scope of the AP Computer Science A test]

 

 DATA STRUCTURES

Data structures are used to represent information within a program. Abstraction is an important theme in the development and application of data structures.

 

Objectives: Standard Data Structures

Employ the following data structures in a program

Simple data types (int, boolean, double)

Classes

One-dimensional arrays

Array Lists

 

Objectives: Advanced Data Structures [Beyond the scope of the AP Computer Science A test]

Employ Two-dimensional arrays following data structures in a program

Interpret program code that uses a TreeSet structure.

 

 STANDARD ALGORITHMS

Standard algorithms serve as examples of good solutions to standard problems. Many are intertwined with standard data structures. These algorithms provide examples for analysis of program efficiency.

 

Objectives: Standard Algorithms

Write and interpret programs that perform the following operations on standard data structures listed above

Traversals

Insertions

Deletions

Write and interpret programs that use sequential search.

Interpret programs that employ Binary search.  Identify its uses and limitations.

Differentiate between the following sorting methods from algorithmic and efficiency perspectives

Selection

Insertion

Mergesort

 

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES  [Beyond the scope of the AP Computer Science A test]

Most modern programs that interface with human users do so with graphic components rather then the terminal based interface taught in the AP Computer Science exam.  Using graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with their own developed software forces students to consider external design requirements. 

 

Objectives: Graphical User Interfaces 

Use the following java graphical components to implement a graphical user interface

Applets

Frames

Panels

Buttons

ComboBoxes

ActionListeners

MouseListeners

Graphics draw methods

Use Java documentation resources to learn other graphical components as needed.

 

DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES  [Beyond the scope of the AP Computer Science A test]

The software life cycle includes requirement specification, program design, software implementation, and then system testing.  Software can be developed individually or, more commonly, by a team.  Building a large software project that takes weeks, rather than hours, allows students to connect all that they have learned throughout the course.  It also gives them the experience (and pleasure and pain) of seeing a process from beginning to end.

 

Objectives: Development Processes 

             Create specifications for building a software game

             Write a design document that includes GUI specification and class relation diagrams.

             Design, implement and test the game software

             Design, implement and test an "intelligent" opponent software

             Manage the development process for:

             Individual development projects

             Team based projects.

 

 

 

COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND IMAGING  (Fall)

This course will offer students an opportunity to create fine art using the computer. Students will study layout and design while manipulating text with layered images. Students will use digital cameras, scanners, the Internet, and graphics software to create a variety of projects including posters, brochures, and CD covers.  

 

Prerequisite: Drawing and/or Photography.

 

OBJECTIVES

Upon successfully completing the course students will be able to:

identify important events and people in the history of computer graphics.

identify the technology components and software used in computer graphics.

incorporate media forms including text, graphics, and images.

design posters, brochures, CD covers, and other projects as assigned.

use computer system, peripherals, and software variables and functions.

apply design concepts and computer skills to manipulate images, objects, text.

prepare completed projects for printing and/or publication.

understand ethical issues related to computer graphics and digital imaging.

evaluate information gathered for timeliness, authority, accuracy, validity and completeness.

analyze and critique finished work.

 

TOPICS

 Introduction to Computer Graphics

 History and uses of Computer Graphics

 Production value

 Computer hardware

 Imaging software

 Composition and Design

 Text

 Introduction to Digital Cameras and Scanners

 Peripheral hardware

 Capturing, acquiring, and importing images

 Storage

 Manipulating Images and Adobe Photoshop

Layers and history

Filters

Tools

Background and lighting

Image modes and color

 Printing and Publication

            Resolution, canvas size, and file size

            Large format printing

                        Electronic display and/or output

 

MATERIALS:   CD-RW for saving finished projects. 

 

 

COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATING   (Winter)

This course will offer students an opportunity to create fine art using the computer. Students will explore their creative process as they become familiar with various illustration and graphics software.  Students will learn to create illustrations using the computer as their canvas and tools.

 

Prerequisite: Drawing.

 

MATERIALS: CD-RW for saving finished projects.

 

OBJECTIVES

Upon successfully completing the course students will be able to:

identify important events and people in the history of computer graphics.

identify the technology components and software used in computer graphics.

incorporate media forms including text, graphics, and illustrations.

design posters, brochures, book covers, and other projects as assigned.

use computer system and software variables and functions.

apply design concepts and computer skills to manipulate objects, illustrations, and text.

prepare completed projects for printing and/or publication.

understand ethical issues related to computer graphics and illustrating.

evaluate information gathered for timeliness, authority, accuracy, validity and completeness.

analyze and critique finished work.

 

TOPICS

 Introduction to Computer Graphics

 History and uses of Computer Graphics

 Production value

 Computer hardware

 Illustrating/graphic software - raster vs. vector

 Composition, Design, and Text

 Introduction to Scanners and peripherals

 Peripheral hardware

 Capturing, acquiring, and importing images

 Storage

 Manipulating Images and Adobe Illustrator

Basic concepts of drawing/illustrating programs

Lines and Shapes

Tools

Background and lighting

Color, text, and modes

 Printing and Publication

 Resolution, canvas size, and file size

 Large format printing

 Electronic display and/or output

 

 

ANIMATION  (Spring)

Through flipbooks, Claymation, and sequential drawings, students will explore the visual and narrative possibilities of animation.  They will use the computer and digital camera to create short animated films from their artwork.

 

Prerequisite: Drawing, Photography, and/or Computer Graphics

 

MATERIALS:  CD-RW for saving finished projects.

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