Technology

Department Philosophy

Technology is an integrated and essential component in the high school curriculum. As a result, time is dedicated to teaching students about the necessary hardware and software technology skills that are required in their educational and career environments. Students learn how to utilize Microsoft Office applications to master their abilities in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. The word processing application assists students in the preparation of term papers and fine tunes their desktop publishing skills. Multimedia productions are created to enhance presentation skills, while spreadsheet and database information is generated and used for problem solving. Mini-courses are offered to enhance skills in more specific areas.

The technology lab is a collaborative atmosphere that is designed to promote discussion and communicate ideas. All aspects of Internet use, copyright, plagiarism, ethics, website evaluation, and research techniques are explored and evaluated. The Internet is then used to provide pertinent data for student knowledge. Courses such as Video Editing, HTML & Web Design, Computerized Finance and Law, and the Virtual High School provide useful skills for careers in many disciplines.

Faculty

Curriculum

Technology & Research Skills

This course is offered in Semester 2 to all ninth graders as an integral part of an interdisciplinary curriculum in conjunction with the Social Studies Department and the Library. Internet ethics, copyright standards, website evaluation, research skills, and plagiarism are important components of this course. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications are taught as an overview with integrated tasks. Students learn to construct research strategies and consult print sources, databases, catalogs, and the Internet in order to extract, evaluate, and integrate information. Through effective library as well as Internet research and study skills, the curriculum assists students with the writing of proper research papers and delivering presentations on a required topic. This class meets four days out of the eight-day cycle.

HTML & Web Page Design

This elective course is an introduction to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and web page design. Students will learn how to create a simple web page using HTML before designing pages using the Dreamweaver program. Students will be introduced to programs such as Animation Shop and Flash to further enhance their pages. Once students have an understanding of the elements of the program behind the web page, they will be able to manipulate their pages from both a code and design point of view. This course covers basic and advanced web design lessons. Media literacy and website evaluation are also important components of this course.

Multimedia and Video Editing

This elective course is designed to teach students how to produce their own videos and edit them for presentation purposes. To achieve this goal, students will be introduced to the elements of the Adobe Premiere software program. Using their computers, students will learn how to perform editing techniques, apply transitions, add sound, insert digital graphics, and transfer their finished result to a DVD format. These videos can then be used to convey concepts across the curriculum for student projects and assignments. From simple home movies to professional documentaries, video editing provides the essential tools for the media industry. In addition, this course covers some elements of media literacy and the effect this platform has on our society today.

Digital Photography

(mini course)

This elective course is an introduction to using your digital camera to take that perfect photo. This class covers proper lighting techniques, camera settings, and photo manipulation to make the most of your personal photos. Learn how to use the Adobe Photoshop program to edit your images and create lasting effects. This class is offered during semester I only, and meets four times during the eight-day cycle. It can be taken in addition to six major classes.

Virtual High School

The VHS (Virtual High School) project is a collaborative of high schools from around the country. In exchange for contributing a small amount of teaching time, a school in the collaborative can offer its students NetCourses ranging from advanced academic courses to technical and specialized courses. Each school provides a VHS site coordinator who is responsible for project management and support of teachers and students at the local school. VHS provides training, software, and technical and administrative support. Our school can currently enroll up to ten students for each course. Quality of teaching is maintained by requiring each teacher to complete successfully The Teachers Learning Conference, a graduate level NetCourse designed to give participants exposure to the best educational strategies and technologies for NetCourse teaching. Through this distancelearning program, students can select from over 100 courses in any discipline to take over the Internet using independent study. See the VHS Course Catalog for a list of offerings.

Media Literacy

Ever wonder how the media is affecting our morals and values? This elective course exposes students to all types of media (commercials, music, television, video games, and Internet sites) and their influence on how we live our lives. Class discussions, role playing, and hands on projects are a major focus of this curriculum. This class is offered during semester I only and meets four times during the eight-day cycle. It can be taken in addition to the six major classes.

Computerized Finance and Law

This elective course provides students with an introduction to business law, personal law, finance, and contracts to prepare them for college and their careers. The concepts of business and personal ethics and decision making are covered in relation to crimes and our court system. Case studies based on actual crimes are used to convey elements of law and trial procedures. Class discussions, true cases, and current events provide a basis for student participation in the learning process to make them aware of criminal/civil crimes and their penalties. In addition, students use the Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint programs to perform everyday life skills that assist them in handling their finances. Balancing a checkbook, buying a home, and insuring a car are a few of the topics covered. Students are expected to participate in group discussions, presentations, and projects.

Student Projects
Click here to view some examples of student work.