Program Description

Computer Technology experience has become a necessity for today’s students and the workforce of tomorrow. The Computer Technology program is an ever developing program in the industry of Information Technology (IT).  Whether it’s 3-D animation, engineering, music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, or political analysis, computer science is the engine that powers the technology, productivity, and innovation that drive the world.

Computer Technology will give you a broad foundation of skills that can be applied to a variety of careers and will serve as a competitive advantage in a crowded job market. The program is designed with the goal of creating leaders in both in and out of computer science fields and attracting and engaging students with hands on experiences. 

More Information

If you would like more information about the Computer Technology program please contact Simone Lawrence at slawrence@sanilacisd.org

Student working on computer

What's New

AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles(CSP) is a college board advanced placement class with allows students to take the AP exam upon successful completion of the CSP course work. This means potential college credit (dependent on individual college and score)

Computer Science Principles covers lots of topics. Not just programming and coding we cover bits and binary, we cover how the Internet works, how security works, how data is collected and used and shared. And all of these things help you get a better understanding of how the world works.

In the new economy computer science isn't an optional skill, it's a basic skill.

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Course Content

IT Essentials covers fundamental computer and career skills for entry-level IT jobs. The IT Essentials course includes hands-on labs that provide practical experience to prepare you for enterprise networking. Simulation tools help you hone your troubleshooting skills and practice what you learn.

  • Develop working knowledge of how computers and mobile devices operate.
  • Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities like malware, phishing, spoofing and social engineering.
  • Apply skills and procedures to install, configure, and troubleshoot computers, mobile devices, and software.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills using both real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer, a network configuration simulation tool.

Cisco Networking covers basic networking concepts within the context of the networks you encounter every day. In this course, students will develop hands-on networking skills and understand the role networks play in our lives. This course introduces students to networking careers and prepares them for further study.

  • Learn how to plan and install a network using real equipment and connect it to the Internet.
  • Practice verifying and troubleshooting network and Internet connectivity.
  • Learn how to recognize and mitigate security threats to a home network.
  • Configure common Internet applications, set up sharing between computers, and configure basic IP services.
  • Develop a working knowledge of routing, switching, network applications, protocols, and services.

Programming 1- AP Computer Science Principles will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science

  • Upon successful completing of the course students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam.
  • College credit may be awarded but is dependent on the student's exam score and the college they plan an attending

Programming 2 - Practical Programming is a great introduction to both fundamental programming concepts and the Python programming language. Students will explore use programming concepts to solve problems, build applications and explore computer robotic functions and applications.

Estimates put the number of ‘things’ connected to the Internet at 50.1 billion by 2020. This translates to approximately 6.3 connected things per person if distributed evenly across the planet. From phones to home appliances to smart cities to business application, IoT has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. This translates to a need for computer software and hardware specialists.

Hands On Projects

  • Install Software
  • Build Computers
  • Replace Hardware
  • Troubleshoot Computers
  • Install and Use Linux
  • Create a Virtual Machine
  • Explore Electronic Sensors
  • Build and Program Drones
  • Design Automated Robots
  • Program STEM Projects

Student working on Raspberry pi project

  • Terminate Cables
  • Design Networks
  • Subnet a Network
  • Install and Program Routers
  • Troubleshoot Wireless Networks
  • Program Python Games
  • Program Raspberry Pi
  • Program Mobile Applications
  • Create SQL Databases
  • Resume

Why Computer Technology?

  1. It is part of everything we do!
  2. Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems.
  3. Making a positive difference in the world.
  4. Computing offers many types of lucrative careers.
  5. Computing jobs are here to stay, regardless of where you are located.
  6. Strengthen your primary career choice
  7. Opportunities for true creativity and innovation.
  8. Collaborative work and individual effort.
  9. An essential part of a well-rounded academic education.
  10. Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries.

In 2015, a national survey found that computer science majors were 35% more likely to have full-time jobs one year after graduation than graduates overall. They also had the highest starting salaries of all majors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computing and information technology jobs will grow between 12%–37% through 2022.

computer technology project
Students working with drone

STEAM

In the 2016-2017 school year students explored many exciting projects that integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematic) into their Computer Technology projects.

  • Building and flying drones
  • Understanding data signals in networks and in flying drones
  • Design and test electrical circuits
  • Game programming
  • Programming and incorporation the use of different sensors and monitors

The 2017-2018 promises some of the same and some new projects for students to explore how STEAM influences Computer Technology. A couple of projects planned is video capture from the drones and design and printing of drone modifications

Occupations

  • Application software developer $98,260
  • Systems engineer $76,593
  • Web developer $64,970
  • Computer engineer $112,160
  • Information security analyst $90,120
  • Network architect $100,240
  • Computer support specialist $51,470
  • Database administrator $81,710
  • Network system administrator $77,810
  • Computer systems analysis $85,800
  • Software developer $100,690

*All career median salary information is courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

student with Raspberry pi car

Industry Certifications

  • CompTIA A+ certification exam
  • CompTIA Linux+ certification exam
  • CompTIA Server+ certification exam
  • CompTIA Network+ certification exam
  • Cisco CCNA certification exam
  • Cisco CCET certification exam

For College Bond Students

Computer Technology provides students with valuable skills to use while financing their college education.

In addition students may be eligible for advanced placement and/or articulation with a “B” average or better, from Davenport University, St. Clair Community College, Delta College and Baker College with up to 24 college credits.