Computer Science Courses

0270 Advanced Placement Computer Science A                                                                                  AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 10-12                

• AP Class

• NCAA APPROVED

• Credits Earned: 1

• Prerequisite: Algebra 2, Algebra 2 AC, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 AC

• Credit earned in AP Computer Science A will satisfy 1 year of Math credit requirements.              

Description: Computer Science teaches students to design, implement, and analyze solutions to problems that arise in everyday life - with computers! Students will learn the Java language (the most widely used programming language in the world) and apply it to write, run, test, and debug solutions. This course is recommended for accelerated mathematics students and any student entering a math, business, or science-related field. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Object-Oriented Program Design

• Program Implementation

• Program Analysis

• Standard Data Structures

• Standard Operations and Algorithms

State Course: 10157A000-AP Computer Science A

0271 Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles                                                               AP Class Weighted

• Grade Level: 10-12                

• AP Class

• NCAA APPROVED

• Credits Earned: 1

• Prerequisite: Algebra 1

• Credit earned in AP Computer Science Principles will satisfy 1 year of Math credit requirements.              

Description: The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course.  In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze data and working with large data sets to visualize and draw conclusions from trends.  The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests.  Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems. They will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and the world. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Creative Development

• Data

• Algorithms and Programming

• Computer Systems and Networks

• Impact of Computing

State Course: 10019A000-AP Computer Science Principles

07480 Digital Media Development   

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: Computer Applications

Description: This one-semester course is designed to teach students how to create professional Multimedia documents. The topics include using fonts and clip art effectively and arranging text and graphics on the page. Examples of documents include: letters, brochures, business cards, flyers, posters, greeting cards, banners, newsletters, booklets, presentations, and reports. Students will compile a digital portfolio for future employers or college admissions offices. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Learning how to use Digital Design Software (Adobe Illustrator and InDesign)

• Layout and Design

• Multimedia Portfolio

State Course: 10201A002, Web Page and Interactive Media Development II

0754 Web Development    

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 1.0

• Prerequisite: Computer Applications

Description: This year-long course is designed for students interested in learning how to design and develop Websites. The course also explores many of Adobe’s Creative Cloud products, such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Animate.  The course may include Game Design.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Web design with HTML & Dreamweaver

• Photoshop

• Animate

State Course: 10201A001, Web Page and Interactive Media Development I

07560 Web Development 2   

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: Web Development

Description: This one-semester course further explores Web Design and Adobe Creative Cloud products. Students will also use programs to develop video projects.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Web design

• Adobe CC

State Course: 10201A002, Web Page and Interactive Media Development II

07600 Information & Software Systems 1                      

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: .5

• Prerequisite: Computer Applications

Description: This one-semester course is taken after Computer Applications. It is a continuation of the more advanced skills found in Microsoft Office programs. The class will prepare and test to obtain multiple real-world certifications as a Microsoft Office Specialist. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Microsoft Word-Advanced

• Microsoft Excel-Advanced

• Microsoft PowerPoint

State Course: 10152A001, Computer Operations and Programming I

07620 Information & Software Systems 2                      

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: Information & Software Systems 1

Description: This one-semester course is a continuation of Information Systems & Software 1.  Students will continue learning advanced Microsoft Office skills. The class will prepare and test to obtain additional certifications as a Microsoft Office Specialist.  Students may also work in Adobe software.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Microsoft Word-Advanced

• Microsoft Excel-Advanced

• Microsoft PowerPoint-Advanced

• Microsoft Access

State Course: 10152A001, Computer Operations and Programming I

07640 Advanced Information and Software Systems 3          

• Grade Level: 10-12

• Credits Earned: .5

• Prerequisite: Information and Software Systems 2

Description: Information and Software Systems 3 is for all students and builds on the information covered in Information and Software 2. A course portfolio is required, and teachers will work with students to develop specific course goals aligned with students’ career and educational goals.  The course is designed to increase students’ opportunities to succeed in the workplace after graduation or to continue their education at a community college or university.  Students completing the course may elect to sit for the Microsoft Office Word Specialist Certification.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Formatting documents and using clip art

• Manage long documents 

State Course: 10152A002, Computer Operations and Programming II

07660 Advanced Information and Software Systems 4  

• Grade Level: 11-12

• Credits Earned: .5

• Prerequisite: Information and Software Systems 3

Description: Information and Software Systems 4 is for all students.  Students will create the decision-making functions, analyze worksheets, and create and work with interactive Web documents.  A course portfolio will be created, and teachers will work with students to develop specific course goals aligned with students’ career and educational goals.  The course is designed to increase students’ opportunities to succeed in the workplace after graduation or to continue their education at a community college or university.  Students completing the course may elect to sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint and Excel Certification. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Advanced work in PowerPoint

• Intermediate and advanced work in Excel

State Course: 10152A002, Computer Operations and Programming II

AC07400 AC Computers Applications                                                                                   Articulated (RVC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 9-12

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite: None

Description: Computer Applications is orientation-level course designed to develop problem-solving skills to hands-on, real-life situations using a variety of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management and presentation software.

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

• • Microsoft PowerPoint

 State Course: 10004A001, Computer Concepts & Software Applications

Articulated Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Course: CIS 102 - Intro to Computer & Software Systems

• Follow-up Course: Successful completion of 3 credits of any Computer Information Systems, Personal Computer Tech, or Web Programming courses

AC3757  AC Introduction to Networking and Coding                                                   Articulated (RVC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12           

• Credits Earned: 1

• Prerequisite: None

• Note: To receive Articulated Credit, students need to complete AC Computer Applications before enrollment in this course.  

Description: This course will provide an introduction to computer concepts, principles, and terminology. Several hands-on computer experiences will be provided, and students will learn some basic skills necessary to develop code and mobile apps.  This course will also teach the student how to install new machines in a stand-alone or networked environment. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Overview of PC hardware and software.

• Preventative maintenance and system care.

• Tools, safety procedures, and troubleshooting techniques.

• Assembling and disassembling a PC.

• System configuration, system resources, and conflicts

• Disk drives and drive interfaces.

State Course: 10102A001

Articulated Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Course: PCT 262 - A+ Essentials

• Follow-up Course: PCT 110 Network Essentials or PCT 270 - Introduction to Unix/Linux (DC Advanced Computer Networking)

DC3758  DC Advanced Computer Networking                                                          Dual Credit (RVC) Weighted

• Grade Level: 11-12         

• Credits Earned: 1

• Prerequisite: Please see a counselor

Description: Advanced Computer Networking will provide an introduction to local area networks (LANs) and teach features of Windows and Linux operating systems. Students will learn troubleshooting strategies while they install a local area network. 

 Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Installation and management of a local area network

• Unix/Linux operating systems

• Functions of a multi-user operating system

• File system structure

• Shell programming

State Course: 10102A001

Dual Credit Information: 

• College: Rock Valley College

• Courses: PCT 110 - Network Essentials

    PCT 270 - Introduction to Unix/Linux 

09830 Work-Based Learning                                                                                                          

• Grade Level: 11-12   

• Credits Earned: 0.5

• Prerequisite:  None

Description:  Work-Based Learning courses allow students to earn high school credit for work experience in fields related to their career interests.  Students will need to meet once a week with their high school teacher and secure a job or internship that results in 60 hours of workplace experience during the semester.  The classroom instruction allows for discussion of relevant topics that are responsive to the workplace experience and employability skill development. 

Major Topics or Themes:  (additional topics may be covered)

• Workplace Readiness

State Course: 10998A002, Information Technology Workplace Experience