technology course descriptions
INFORMATION ABOUT NFC ACADEMY'S ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL technology COURSES
technology courses online (high school)
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STUDYING TECHNOLOGY
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TECHNOLOGY COURSES
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Nothing is changing the landscape of just about every field like technology has and will continue to do. From medical breakthroughs to how education is delivered, technology is the key. In many ways, things could be different than what they are, but it is taking time for all of the various groups to catch up with what technology will permit.
These online technology courses provide for the interested student an opportunity to step out into this field with the development of key basic skills. Students interested in these courses should be able to conduct independent research using good analysis skills along with critical thinking skills. |
Any of these courses would meet the Practical Arts requirement for graduation. Most students will take the first semester of Business Computer Information Systems as a basic course to meet this requirement. |
Business Computer Information Systems
Business Computer Information Systems - A is a high school elective that explores the use of technology applications in both business and personal situations. The course provides key knowledge and skills in the following areas: communication skills; business technology; word processing applications; spreadsheet applications; database applications. The course is intended to help students arrive at the following understandings: Effective communications skills and productive work habits can increase employees’ success; Technology solutions can help employees be more productive and effective. This is the first semester of a two-semester course, although the student is not required to complete the second semester of the course. Keyboarding skills are a stated prerequisite for this course. While there are some keyboarding reviews in the course, there is no keyboarding instruction.
Business Computer Information Systems - B s a high school elective that explores the use of technology in both business and personal situations. The course provides key knowledge and skills in the following areas: telecommunications technology; desktop publishing technology; presentation technology; computer networks; computer operating systems. If the student demonstrates skills in Business Computer Information Systems - A, they may request to take this second semester course if it is in their area of interest.
Business Computer Information Systems - B s a high school elective that explores the use of technology in both business and personal situations. The course provides key knowledge and skills in the following areas: telecommunications technology; desktop publishing technology; presentation technology; computer networks; computer operating systems. If the student demonstrates skills in Business Computer Information Systems - A, they may request to take this second semester course if it is in their area of interest.
DIGITAL ARTS
Digital Arts is a semester-long elective designed to provide computer science students with an introduction to visualization-graphics programming on computers. To equip students for today’s digitally driven lifestyle, this course focuses on using a digital camera and the practical application of digital imaging and editing programs. Additionally, students will work with audio-editing programs, and will also examine 3D technology and cinematography.
This course is a practical study of the digital arts and the use of computer tools to effectively manipulate and edit digital and audio files. Students explore the correct use of digital cameras, imaging and editing software, audio recording and editing, 3D technology, and cinematography. Filled with interactive projects and writing assignments, this online course challenges students not only to learn the practical uses of computer tools, but the ethical implications of photo manipulation and new media as it applies to life in the digital age. Digital Arts is designed for high school students in grades 9-12 to enrich the learning process, encourage 21st century skills, and grow creativity. Assignments emphasize student inquiry, research, and writing. The course contains 31 interactive, media-rich instructional lessons and 17 projects in which students learn to identify image differences and examine the impact of digital arts in mass media.
This course is a practical study of the digital arts and the use of computer tools to effectively manipulate and edit digital and audio files. Students explore the correct use of digital cameras, imaging and editing software, audio recording and editing, 3D technology, and cinematography. Filled with interactive projects and writing assignments, this online course challenges students not only to learn the practical uses of computer tools, but the ethical implications of photo manipulation and new media as it applies to life in the digital age. Digital Arts is designed for high school students in grades 9-12 to enrich the learning process, encourage 21st century skills, and grow creativity. Assignments emphasize student inquiry, research, and writing. The course contains 31 interactive, media-rich instructional lessons and 17 projects in which students learn to identify image differences and examine the impact of digital arts in mass media.
FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL MEDIA
This course gives an overview of the different types of digital media and how they are used in the world today. Students examine the impact that digital media has on culture and lifestyle. The course reviews the basic concepts for creating effective digital media and introduces a number of different career paths that relate to digital media.
Students will examine some tools used to create digital media and discuss best practices in the creating of digital media. This includes an overview of the process used to create new media pieces as well as the basics concepts of project management.
In the course, students will examine the use of social media, digital media in advertising, digital media on the World Wide Web, digital media in business, gaming and simulations, e-commerce, and digital music and movies. Students will review ethics and laws that impact digital media use or creation.
Students will examine some tools used to create digital media and discuss best practices in the creating of digital media. This includes an overview of the process used to create new media pieces as well as the basics concepts of project management.
In the course, students will examine the use of social media, digital media in advertising, digital media on the World Wide Web, digital media in business, gaming and simulations, e-commerce, and digital music and movies. Students will review ethics and laws that impact digital media use or creation.
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
The Computer Fundamentals course will provide students with an understanding of computers and how they operate as well as a basic understanding of how to manage and maintain computers and computer systems. These skills will provide students with the ability to configure computers and solve computer problems.
Students will learn details about the different elements of computers and computer systems. They will learn to identify hardware devices and their functions. They will be instructed on the role of operating systems as well as how to install and customize the Windows operating system. Students will learn about networking and the Internet. They will also be introduced to security issues in order to protect themselves and their computers and data.
Students will also learn about some of the software applications typically used on computers today, such as Microsoft Office. In addition, students will learn specifics about maintaining and troubleshooting computers, including managing files, backing up systems, and using the administrative tools in the Windows operating system. Lastly, the students will learn the basics of customer service and working as a help desk support technician.
Students will learn details about the different elements of computers and computer systems. They will learn to identify hardware devices and their functions. They will be instructed on the role of operating systems as well as how to install and customize the Windows operating system. Students will learn about networking and the Internet. They will also be introduced to security issues in order to protect themselves and their computers and data.
Students will also learn about some of the software applications typically used on computers today, such as Microsoft Office. In addition, students will learn specifics about maintaining and troubleshooting computers, including managing files, backing up systems, and using the administrative tools in the Windows operating system. Lastly, the students will learn the basics of customer service and working as a help desk support technician.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PROGRAMMING AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
This course will provide students with an understanding of basic software development concepts and practices, issues affecting the software industry, careers within the software industry, and the skills necessary to perform well in these occupations.
Students will learn details about core concepts in programming using Java, including writing and debugging code, proper syntax, flow of control, order of operations, comparison operators, and program logic tools and models. They will learn the function of key program techniques including if statements, looping, and arrays. They will also learn about web development using HTML and drag-and-drop development of user interfaces in an Integrated Development environment.
Students will also learn about the Software Development Life Cycle and the different variations used to create software. They will learn about different programming languages and paradigms. They will learn about the importance of usability and user-centered design processes. Students will also learn about careers in the software industry, the education and skills required to work in the industry, and related career resources. Finally, the capstone project will allow students to explore and state opinions on key issues and trends impacting the software industry, and to learn about the experience of working in the industry.
Students will learn details about core concepts in programming using Java, including writing and debugging code, proper syntax, flow of control, order of operations, comparison operators, and program logic tools and models. They will learn the function of key program techniques including if statements, looping, and arrays. They will also learn about web development using HTML and drag-and-drop development of user interfaces in an Integrated Development environment.
Students will also learn about the Software Development Life Cycle and the different variations used to create software. They will learn about different programming languages and paradigms. They will learn about the importance of usability and user-centered design processes. Students will also learn about careers in the software industry, the education and skills required to work in the industry, and related career resources. Finally, the capstone project will allow students to explore and state opinions on key issues and trends impacting the software industry, and to learn about the experience of working in the industry.
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
In this course, we introduce students to the knowledge base and technical skills that will help them to successfully compete for jobs within the Information Technology Career Cluster. Lessons are structured so that students learn and then demonstrate not only critical assessment and analytic skills, but also interpersonal skills that are valued so highly among IT employers.
We explore a range of career tracks that include network engineers, application/programming developers, and systems analysts. These career paths are described in depth, discussing typical job responsibilities, educational and licensure requirements, working conditions, and job outlooks.
Our lessons help students place the evolution of technology and job opportunities in context so that they will understand their important role in furthering its development. We believe that the most successful IT professionals combine technical know-how with leadership ability. To this end, students learn that their acquired expertise comes with the responsibility to represent themselves and the companies they work for within the highest legal and ethical standards.
We explore a range of career tracks that include network engineers, application/programming developers, and systems analysts. These career paths are described in depth, discussing typical job responsibilities, educational and licensure requirements, working conditions, and job outlooks.
Our lessons help students place the evolution of technology and job opportunities in context so that they will understand their important role in furthering its development. We believe that the most successful IT professionals combine technical know-how with leadership ability. To this end, students learn that their acquired expertise comes with the responsibility to represent themselves and the companies they work for within the highest legal and ethical standards.
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SUPPORT AND SERVICES
This course focuses on real-world application including common industry best practices and specific vendors that offer tools for technicians, project managers, and IT leadership. Emphasis should be made that the purpose of the IT department of an enterprise is to support the overall mission of the company, and it is not simply a standalone component of the company’s infrastructure. Students will continue to apply their knowledge of hardware and software components associated with IT systems while exploring a variety of careers related to IT support and services. Students will analyze technical support needs to perform customer service, perform configuration management activities, and evaluate application software packages and emerging software. Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge of IT analysis and design by initiating a system project and evaluating applications within the IT system. Information Technology is a dynamic discipline that is continuously evolving.
NETWORK SYSTEMS DESIGN
The Network System Design course will provide students with an understanding of computer networks and how they operate, as well as a basic understanding of how to manage and maintain computer networks. These skills will provide students with the ability to design, configure, and troubleshoot networks of all sizes.
Students will learn the basics of network design, including how to identify network requirements and determine the proper network architecture. They will be instructed on the requirements of network models, as well as be introduced to local area networks. Students will also learn about Internet Protocol and the basics of routing data on a network. Students will be introduced to wide area networks and network security issues. In addition, students will learn about network management, including monitoring and troubleshooting. Last, students will learn about network operating systems and their role in connecting computers and facilitating communications.
Students will learn the basics of network design, including how to identify network requirements and determine the proper network architecture. They will be instructed on the requirements of network models, as well as be introduced to local area networks. Students will also learn about Internet Protocol and the basics of routing data on a network. Students will be introduced to wide area networks and network security issues. In addition, students will learn about network management, including monitoring and troubleshooting. Last, students will learn about network operating systems and their role in connecting computers and facilitating communications.
NEW APPLICATION WEB DESIGN FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
New Applications introduces students to the rapidly evolving world of apps, or applications. The introduction of the Apple II in 1977 followed by the IBM PC and scores of compatible computers just four years later created strong consumer demand for software programs, as these applications were referred to at the time. Capable of formatting spreadsheets, composing and proofing hundreds of lines of text, or supporting classroom instruction, computer programs were initially sold by specialty stores, college bookstores, or through the mail.
The explosive growth of the Internet that followed at the beginning of the twenty-first century with the introduction of high-speed networking, the dynamic World Wide Web, and most recently the development of affordable smartphones and web tablets have all contributed to global, cultural, and societal change.This course begins with a historical tour of the Internet and World Wide Web as well as the programs and applications that made it possible for computer users on every continent to begin to explore and better understand their world. Then, through a step-by-step introduction to WordPress, students gain the tools and insight necessary to create their own web pages and discover their online voice.
In addition to learning how to use WordPress and other applications that promote students' presence on the World Wide Web, this course discusses how the web has become the foremost channel for the distribution of applications that increase the functionality of the web and support a global hub of social networking and communication. Students are introduced to the evolution of networking and data-transfer capabilities beginning with early HTTP protocols continuing through to the introduction of smartphones.
The explosive growth of the Internet that followed at the beginning of the twenty-first century with the introduction of high-speed networking, the dynamic World Wide Web, and most recently the development of affordable smartphones and web tablets have all contributed to global, cultural, and societal change.This course begins with a historical tour of the Internet and World Wide Web as well as the programs and applications that made it possible for computer users on every continent to begin to explore and better understand their world. Then, through a step-by-step introduction to WordPress, students gain the tools and insight necessary to create their own web pages and discover their online voice.
In addition to learning how to use WordPress and other applications that promote students' presence on the World Wide Web, this course discusses how the web has become the foremost channel for the distribution of applications that increase the functionality of the web and support a global hub of social networking and communication. Students are introduced to the evolution of networking and data-transfer capabilities beginning with early HTTP protocols continuing through to the introduction of smartphones.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
This course introduces students to the variety of careers related to programming and software development. Students will gather and analyze customer software needs and requirements, learn core principles of programming, develop software specifications, and use appropriate reference tools to evaluate new and emerging software. Students will produce IT-based strategies and a project plan to solve specific problems, and define and analyze system and software requirements.
Throughout this elective, students learn how applications are created in commonly used software development tools, discover how web applications communicate with web browsers to prevent errors, and learn various testing strategies to improve the quality of application software. Students also put their newfound knowledge into practice by designing a software application that showcases creative design choices, effective information management and organization, and knowledge of hardware and software architecture. Additional lesson content in this online course includes software development environments, prototyping techniques, language specific tools, and quality assurance of software products.
Throughout this elective, students learn how applications are created in commonly used software development tools, discover how web applications communicate with web browsers to prevent errors, and learn various testing strategies to improve the quality of application software. Students also put their newfound knowledge into practice by designing a software application that showcases creative design choices, effective information management and organization, and knowledge of hardware and software architecture. Additional lesson content in this online course includes software development environments, prototyping techniques, language specific tools, and quality assurance of software products.
