High School Technology Applications Course Descriptions
Computer Science I
Computer Science involves the
understanding of programming language concepts and how these
are applied to problem solving. The enormous growth of
programming languages requires a changing curriculum and
flexibility in the pace of instruction. Computer Science I is
a course covering problem solving, computer architecture, and
programming concepts. This knowledge helps students understand
how software is written which increases the student's ability
to learn application software through understanding of the
basic concepts. Students can study Computer Science to
comprehend the social, economic and cultural environment of
the information age.
Programming equips students
with skills which involve much more than the syntax of a
programming language. Computer programs are a form of
communication. When developing program solutions, students
consider clarity of expressing (readability), program
maintenance, ease of debugging, program extension,
reliability, utility, and validity. Concept mastery of a high
level language, while creating solutions which are well
structured and modular in nature, is the primary emphasis
rather than syntax.
The student of Computer Science
will learn common algorithms and will be able to analyze
algorithm efficiency, ease of implementation, and maintenance
in terms of execution speed and computer memory requirements.
Students will be able to solve significant problems related to
a variety of applications by designing and implementing
appropriate data structures which allow efficient storage and
manipulation of data.
The study of Computer Science
requires that the students have the ability to work with
abstract concepts such as variable representation of data and
problem solving heuristics. Algebra I is recommended as a
concurrent course or prerequisite for the Computer Science I
course. Another prerequisite is the mastery of the grades 6-8
Technology Applications Knowledge and Skills. Computer Science
I is a prerequisite for Computer Science II.
Computer Science II
Computer Science II reinforces
and increases the depth of understanding of the basic concepts
and covers advanced programming concepts which are useful in
preparation for the Computer Science Advanced Placement tests.
(Note: The TEKS for Computer Science I and II are designed to
provide flexibility for schools. Schools may teach the
programming language that they choose. The TEKS are not
language specific. Districts have the option of offering a
course using the TEKS, the AP course description, and/or the
International Baccalaureate framework.)
Desktop Publishing
Desktop Publishing combines the
skills of electronic design, editing, and production of a
product using a variety of hardware and software tools. This
project-based course focuses on real-world audiences as
customers. Students will learn to use a collection of software
tools and design techniques to create a variety of formatted
products. Students enrolled in this course will be computer
literate and have experience with the basic electronic
productivity tools. A prerequisite for this course is grades
6-8 Technology Applications and Skills.
Digital Graphics and
Animation
Digital Graphics and Animation
is an introductory course in design, typography, and imaging
techniques. The course includes topics such as digital
composition, color, imaging, editing, and animation. An
integral component in other areas, understanding design
elements is essential in the creation of a successful product
in this course. The student will use the computer's set of
tools, common to bitmapped and object-oriented software
programs, to produce and edit digital designs as well as to
incorporate design principles when capturing digital images
with the scanner and camera. Students will work with color,
resolution, and halftones as well as other image enhancing
strategies including outlining, cropping, digital
manipulation, color correction, masking, and the use of
channels, paths, background, and layers. Animation, both 2-D
and 3-D, will be introduced in this course. Students enrolled
in this course will be computer literate and have experience
with the basic electronic productivity and telecommunication
tools. A prerequisite for this course is grades 6-8 Technology
Applications Knowledge and Skills.
Multimedia
Multimedia is a
laboratory-based course designed to provide an overview of and
experience in multimedia technology. Sounds, images, graphics,
and video are the informational projects from which students
will construct media rich knowledge structures. Students will
develop necessary skills and obtain hands-on experiences
working with a variety of multimedia tools to build linear and
non-linear interactive products. Students enrolled in this
course will be computer literate and have experience with
basic electronic productivity tools. A prerequisite for this
course is grades 6-8 Technology Applications Knowledge and
Skills.
Video Technology
Video production is probably
the most universally known of all visual media and is an
integral component of many technology applications. The
process of editing creates a special mood, tempo, and pace to
enhance the subject matter. Video production is not only
instructional and analytical, but also artistic. Students will
learn video basics as well as participate in pre-production,
production, and post production stages of video creation,
distribution, and evaluation of the product. Students enrolled
in this course will be computer literate and have experience
with the basic electronic productivity tools. A prerequisite
for this course is grades 6-8 Technology Applications TEKS.
Web Mastering
The World Wide Web (WWW) is the
fastest growing part of the Internet. The popularity of the
WWW is due largely to the ease with which users can not only
access and navigate the web but also create pages of
information to share with others. Resources abound on the web;
however, efficient strategies to find the needed information
must be learned. This course focuses on scripting, developing
searching strategies, publishing skills, and serving
information on a web server. Ultimately, students, within an
ethical framework, will be the webmasters for the class,
school, or district, participating in a real global community
of learners and collaborators. Students enrolled in this
course will be computer literate and have the basic electronic
productivity tools. A prerequisite for this course is grades
6-8 Technology Applications Knowledge and Skills.
Independent Study in
Technology Applications
A prerequisite for the
Technology Applications Independent Study is the successful
completion of another Technology Applications course. The
Independent Study course provides opportunities for students
desiring to continue in the acquisition of multimedia,
telecommunications, or programming skill sets, build
portfolios, solve problems, and create products for school and
community. Instructional design principles and software skill
sets relevant to instruction and interwoven into real products
are the focus of this course. This course is designed to
provide flexibility to schools that want to offer more
advanced courses or continuation of courses that students have
completed in Technology Applications, Chapter 126, Subchapter
C. For example, this study could be for a student or students
learning Computer Science III or a class learning and applying
more advanced technology applications knowledge and skills in
problem-solving situations in a Multimedia II course.
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