Computers
Faculty
| Jana Branisa | 594-2626 x#541 (VM) | jbranisa@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Nathan Mattix | 594-2804 (VM) | NMattix@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Tech Support | phstechsupport@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
|
| Department Office Phone | 594-2749 |
(VM) = Voice Mail only
* Numbers with asterisks cannot be dialed directly. Dial 594-2626, and at the prompt press the pound sign (#) and the extension number without further waiting.
Course Descriptions
Computer Applications
5143
(Semester) (9, 10, 11, 12)
This is a projects based course that introduces students to some of the most popular and useful computer applications being used today. These include office applications, publishing applications, graphics applications, and media applications. Students will do magic with Photoshop, make presentations come to life with PowerPoint, design magazine covers with InDesign, make crossword puzzles with Excel, and do computer art with Illustrator. The course also includes basic computer skills and current computer topics.
The Joy of Computing
5118
(Year) (9, 10, 11, 12)
Prerequisite: Algebra I required
This course will introduce students to computer programming using Snap, a new language recently developed by UC Berkeley. Snap is intended to introduce students to the big ideas of computer programming in a fun, friendly, and graphical way. This course will also include a transition to programming with Java, the language currently used in the AP course. The course is about more than just programming though. It includes readings and discussions about relevant and current computer science topics.
AP Computer Science
5127 (Advanced Placement)
(Year) (10, 11, 12)
Prerequisites: Algebra II completed or taken concurrently, completion of Computer Programming with a B or higher. In lieu of these, instructor approval may be obtained.
Students will learn to design, write and test complex programs in the Java programming language. The curriculum strictly follows the guidelines established by the AP College Board but also includes graphical applications and fun projects intended to make the class more engaging for all students.
Web Design
5145
(Year) (9,10,11,12)
Prerequisites: Any previous computer class or strong computer skills
Students learn to create, manage, and publish web pages and web sites using some of the best web authoring tools available. The course will also include making animations and videos for the web, preparing and editing graphics for the web, editing HTML, and enhancing web pages with javascript and Java applets. Current software used in the class includes Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students will also work with online web authoring tools such as Wordpress and Google Sites.
