Digital Literacy & Creative Design
Grades 7 – 8 | 1 SemesterThis course introduces Grade 7 and 8 students to essential digital skills and creative problem-solving through technology. They will engage in hands-on activities designed to build confidence in digital literacy and explore creative applications of technology. The curriculum includes navigating computers and understanding their role in daily life, mastering the basics of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), exploring multimedia projects, digital storytelling, and graphic design using tools like Canva and Google Slides. Learning beginner-friendly coding concepts through platforms like Scratch and Tynker, understanding online safety, responsible technology use, and how to evaluate information critically. Students will complete interactive projects that challenge them to think critically, work collaboratively, and apply their skills creatively. By the end of this course, students will have the foundational knowledge to confidently engage with technology in academic and personal settings.
Multimedia & Digital Design
Grades 9-12 | 0.5 CreditThis course introduces students to the fundamentals of multimedia production and digital design, focusing on creativity and innovation. Students will learn graphic design by creating visually engaging content for print and digital media, explore video editing by producing short videos with transitions and effects, and enhance images through photo manipulation, using programs like Photoshop and Premier. They will also dive into animation and 3D modeling using tools like Blender, TinkerCAD, and Adobe Animate, while developing compelling narratives through digital storytelling. By the end of the course, students will complete a portfolio of creative projects, building a strong foundation for future studies in design, media, and communication.
Business Office Applications
Grades 9 – 12 | 0.5 CreditThis course equips students with essential business technology skills, focusing on professional communication, financial literacy, and digital tools. Students will master creating résumés, cover letters, and business correspondence while learning to use spreadsheets for budgeting, financial analysis, and data visualization. Other topics include digital advertising, web page design, multimedia presentations, and basic entrepreneurship. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications, such as stock market analysis, personal budgeting, and cybersecurity, preparing students for success in both academic and professional settings.
Introduction to Web Design
Grades 10 – 12 | 0.5 CreditThis semester course introduces students to the fundamentals of web design using both coding languages and modern web development tools. Aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Information Technology and Computer Science, students will learn to design dynamic and visually appealing websites through hands-on projects. Students will build skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create custom web pages while also utilizing user-friendly platforms like Wix to explore drag-and-drop design principles. Topics include basic tag structure, responsive design, dropdown menus, multimedia integration, and interactive elements with animations. By the end of the course, students will have developed several fully functioning websites, including a professional digital portfolio to showcase their work. The course culminates with a "mock interview" presentation where students demonstrate their portfolio and design skills. This course provides a strong foundation for students interested in web development, graphic design, or digital marketing.
AP Computer Science
Grades 11 – 12 | 1 CreditThis College Board Advanced Placement Computer Science course is to engage students in collegiate level coursework and equip them with the necessary content and skills needed to succeed on the AP Computer Science (A) exam. For students interested in pursuing opportunities in computer science or related disciplines, this course makes for a solid foundation in object-oriented programming and logical problem-solving techniques. Through an organized presentation that includes object-oriented concepts, standard logic algorithms, and hands-on programming projects, each student strengthens their ability to conceptualize and solve problems through the implementation of effective solutions. Using the Java programming language, students explore and employ the details of data encapsulation, class and method constructs, standard programming algorithms, programming methodology and syntax structures. Students enrolled in this course must take the AP Computer Science (A) exam at the end of the academic year. Successful completion of STEM-related coursework and the department chair's recommendation are course prerequisites.