Computers & Technology Education Course Descriptions
Wyomissing Area High School

Applied Computers I - 501

Grade 9
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester

 This required course is a continuation of the Introduction to Computer Applications course taken by eighth graders. It provides students with valuable business and personal computer skills. Students use the popular Microsoft Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), and Access (database) applications. Although this is a required course, it can be substituted by Visual Basic Programming I (#504).The textbooks used in this course are MS Word 2010 Comprehensive Concepts & Techniques by Shelly & Cashman, MS Excel 2010 Comprehensive Concepts & Techniques by Shelly & Cashman, & MS Access 2010 Comprehensive Concepts & Techniques by Shelly & Cashman.

Advanced Software Applications for Business and Industry - 502

Grades 10, 11, and 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Semester

Students will get a head start on their future business careers by learning advanced Microsoft Office 2010 techniques, strategies and skills. Using the popular and pervasive Excel and PowerPoint programs, students will follow an exercise-oriented approach to solving practical problems and developing effective presentations. At the conclusion of Applied Computers II, students will have the opportunity to earn certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist (globally recognized performance standards).

This course is a continuation of Applied Computers I (501). Successful completion of Applied Computers I or the demonstration of competency with Microsoft Office 2010 program applications and the instructor’s approval are prerequisite

Introduction to Web Design - 503

Grades 10, 11, and 12
6 Periods/Cycle/First Semester

 This course is an introduction to Web site development, one of the most exciting subjects that you can study. Planning, building, and maintaining Web sites is technical and creative at the same time so students who are logical as well as those who are artistic are welcome. Students learn to use the industry standard applications, Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Fireworks. Successful completion of Applied Computers I (#501) or Visual Basic Programming I (#504) is a prerequisite. The textbook used in this course is Dreamweaver MX Comprehensive Concepts & Techniques &Cashman (Thomson Learning, 2004).

Visual Basic Programming I & II - 504/505

Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
6 Periods/Cycle/First Semester

 This course is an introduction to computer programming with the popular Microsoft Visual Basic programming language. Visual Basic Programming I (#504) is offered during the fall semester. The major topics of the course include animation, graphics, variables, strings, if statements, loops, methods, and arrays as well as the use of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Students write interactive programs that respond to mouse-clicks and key presses. The course provides a great opportunity to develop logic and analytical skills. The follow-up course Visual Basic Programming II (#505) is offered during the spring semester. The major topics include project management, arrays, files, searching, sorting, classes, and object-oriented programming. The culminating project is the popular “game program” assignment that is entirely designed and coded by the student.

Visual Basic Programming I is a prerequisite for Visual Basic Programming II. Most students take both Visual Basic Programming I (#504) in the fall semester and Visual Basic Programming II (#505) in the following spring semester.
Earning an A in Visual Basic Programming I and II is a prerequisite for the follow-up course AP Computer Science A - Java I (#508)

Honors Computer Science - Java I & II - 506/507

Grades 10, 11, and 12
6 Periods/Cycle/First & Second Semester

This course builds upon the foundation of structured programming learned by the student in Visual Basic Programming I and II (#504 & #505). Students use the commercial computer language Java. In addition, the student is introduced to the concept of object-oriented programming. The major topics of this course include the syntax of Java, object-oriented programming, classes, searching algorithms, and sorting algorithms. The student will need to spend a significant amount of time using a school or home computer to work on required assignments for this course. Earning A's or B's in Visual Basic Programming I and II is a prerequisite for Honors Java Programming I.


AP Computer Science A - Java I & II - 508/509

Grades 10, 11, and 12
6 Periods/Cycle/First & Second Semester

Since Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to prepare students for the AP examination, students who enroll in AP courses must sign up and pay for the exam by the start of school in September or lose the right of having AP listed on their transcript. The AP Program is based on the premise that college-level material can be taught successfully to able and well-prepared secondary school students. Participating colleges, in turn, grant credit and/or appropriate placement to students who have done well on the AP Examinations.

This course builds upon the foundation of structured programming learned by the student in the prerequisite courses Visual Basic Programming I and II (#504 & #505). Students use the commercial computer language Java. In addition, the student is introduced to the concept of object-oriented programming. The major topics of this course include the syntax of Java, object-oriented programming, classes, searching algorithms, and sorting algorithms. The student will need to spend a significant amount of time using a school or home computer to work on required assignments for this course. Earning A's in Visual Basic Programming I and II is a prerequisite for AP Java Programming I.

In addition to the required coursework for Honors Java Programming I and II (#506 & 507), students algorithms, data abstraction, and Java syntax in greater detail. Additional assignments are made to this regard. Students analyze case studies that illustrate real world-problems as well as programs that solve those problems. This course is equivalent to a first semester, college computer science course.

Honors Computer Science Software Development - 516
Grades 11 and 12
6 Periods/Cycle/All Year

 This course builds upon the foundation of object-oriented programming learned in the prerequisite course Honors or AP Computer Science - Java II. Students develop Android smartphone apps using advanced Java concepts, XML, and free tools such as Eclipse and phone emulators. This course is equivalent to a second-semester college computer science course.
8th grade Introduction to Computer Applications - 582
Grade 8
6 Periods/Cycle/Quarter

 This course introduces students to the popular Microsoft Word and Excel programs. It covers the basics of word processing and spreadsheet operations. The concepts learned here will be expanded on in ninth grade Applied Computers I (#501). This class meets daily for 9 weeks.
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) - 950
Grades 9 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Per Semester

The course is designed as an introductory course into the fundamentals of mechanical drawing. The class will start by learning the basic concepts of mechanical drawing (traditional methods) and apply these concepts to drawings completed on the computer.
Architectural Planning and Design - 951
Grades 10 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Per Semester

The course is so structured as to give the student a fundamental background in basic architectural drafting. Traditional and computer application will be employed to complete the following drawings: floor plans, wall sections, stair details, elevations, and plot plans.
Materials Technology I - 952

Grade 9 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Per Semester

This course provides first year Materials Technology students in grades 9 through 12 a general introduction to materials processing manufacturing activity. Instruction includes "hands on" experiences on the safe and proper use of hand tools, power tools and machines. Students are exposed to the concepts, principles, skills, techniques, processes, procedures, layout, design, and problem-solving used in producing a product or a mass-produced product. Also, students continue to learn about other areas of technology including communications, production and transportation and how they relate to manufacturing. A variety of technology education projects are manufactured during this class. Students are charged for all projects they build.

Students can enroll in Materials Technology I in the fall or spring semesters or both semesters. The fall and spring semesters contain different woodworking projects but are both designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for all Level I students. Students taking Materials Technology I in the fall semester are not eligible for Materials Technology II until the following school year.

Materials Technology II - 953

Grades 10 - 12
5 Periods/Week/All Year

This course is open to all students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who have successfully completed Materials Technology I (#952). It is an integrated “hands on” experience with contemporary woodworking technologies. Students will be exposed to the concepts, principles, skills, techniques, processes and procedures used in designing and producing a finished product. Students will be charged for materials upon completion of their project.

Students must satisfactorily complete at least one semester of Materials Technology I (#952). However, students taking Materials Technology I in the fall semester are not eligible for Materials Technology II until the following school year.

Technology for the Home - 955

Grades 10 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Per Semester

This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge to deal with such everyday problems as painting the house, home environmental safety, electrical wiring, residential plumbing, etc.

Multimedia Technology I - 956

Grades 10 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/First Semester

This course is designed as a project oriented "hands on" introduction to the exciting world of multimedia technology. Students will work with Apple G5 computers, scanners, digital still cameras, Wyo5Live studio equipment, and more, as well as a variety of software including iLive (including iMovie, iTunes, iDVD, iPhoto, and Garageband), Final Cut Pro HD, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, AppleWorks, QuickTime Pro, QTVR, and more. Students will be introducted to videography and learn about the proper use and care of video equipment, digital and analog. Apple's iMovie and Final Cut Pro HD, digital editing software, will be used to edit student-made videos. Instruction will also include experiences in graphic design, layout work, package design, QTVR creation, and much more. A variety of individual and team multimedia projects can be copied to VHS tap, CD, or DVD, for use as a student portfolio. Students will be charged for all blank media and storage cases.

Multimedia Technology II- 957

Grades 10 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Second Semester

Multimedia Technology II is an exciting project oriented "hands on" course designed for the video enthusiast, focusing on the audio and video side of the interesting world of multimedia technology. The student will learn how to properly and creatively use digital and analog video cameras. The student will learn pre-production, production, and post-production techniques as they work in the exciting digital format. Students will work on Apple G5 computers with software such as iLive (including iMovie, iTunes, iDVD, iPhoto, and Garageband), Final Cut Pro HD, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, AppleWorks, QuickTime Pro, QTVR, and more. Students will produce videos ranging from sports highlights, class memories, interviews, commercials, family documentaries, comedies, and many more. A brief history of moviemaking and its influence on society the last 100 plus years will also be included in the course. Students will be required to do after school and weekend video work, and it is highly recommended that the students have access to a video camera (digital or analog). All individual or team produced video projects will be burned to a student designed DVD and case. Students will have the opportunity to enter video contests throughout the year. Students will be charged for all blank media and storage cases.

Multimedia Technology III- 958/959

Grades 10 - 12
6 Periods/Cycle/Second Semester

MultiMedia Technology 3 is an exciting, full year, project oriented,"hands on" course, designed for the video enthusiast, focusing on the audio and video side of the interesting world of multimedia technology. Students will focus on projects at a higher level of sophistication and technical proficiency than Multimedia Technology II #957 students. Students will work with Apple G5 computers, iLife '06 and professional level software such as Final Cut Pro 5, QuickTime Pro, DVD Studio Pro 4, Motion 2, Soundtrack Pro, Adobe After Effects, and more. All students will be required to enter a group or individual video in the local AAA Safety contest. Seniors electing this course will help to direct, lead, and produce their Senior Memories Movie (2007) as well as other exciting and educational videos. Juniors and seniors electing this course will help to direct, lead, and produce a Spartan Year in Sports highlight video, sports videos to be used in conjunction with Wyo5Live, as well as produce other exciting and educational videos. Students will be required to do “after school” and "weekend" video work, and it is highly recommended that the students have access to a video camera (analog or digital). All individual or team produced video projects will be burned to a student designed and authored DVD and case. Students will pay for all blank media and storage cases.

• Prerequisite of A or B in 957 Multimedia Technology II, or by teacher permission.
• Honors Level - Second year (Seniors only) of elective or by teacher permission.

7th grade Exploring Technology - 970

Grade 7
6 Periods/Cycle/Quarter

This course is designed to be an exploratory experience involving the technological systems of communication, transportation, and production. Students will study the evolution of technology and its systems. Activities will be of a hands-on, problem-solving nature. Students will complete individual (invention PowerPoint slide show, racecar, etc.) and class (Wyo5Live TV studio) projects as they learn about technology and how it affects them and their surroundings.