High School
Animation
This semester elective is an introduction to animation and motion-based media. Students will learn how to bring drawings to life by following the 12 Principles of Animation used by Walt Disney Studios: Squash and stretch, Anticipation, Staging, Straight-ahead Action, Follow through, Slow In and Slow Out, Arc, Secondary Action, Timing, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, and Appeal. Students will create both hand-drawn animations and learn to use computer software such as Adobe Animate, including important concepts such as keyframes, rigging, frame rates, and tweening.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Technology Fundamentals (or concurrent enrollment)
Computer Programming: Cryptography (not offered 2023-2024)
A survey of hidden writing, codes, encryption/ decryption, and information security. You will learn computer programming (JavaScript and Python) while learning how to both encrypt and decrypt messages using a variety of different methods. Course includes a historical overview of codes and code breaking with an emphasis on World War II. Course concepts include programming logic, problem solving, mathematics (probability and number theory).
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Technology Fundamentals
Computer Science Principles (not offered 2023-2024)
This course focuses on fostering student creativity through project based learning. Students will explore computer science through physical computing using robotics and graphical block programming. Students develop computational skills while working with algorithms, data structures, pseudo code, flowcharts and computer programs. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, as well as discuss and write about related topics.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisites: Technology Fundamentals
Computer Programming: Games
Students will learn key concepts of programming such as variables, functions, loops, algorithms, sorting, random numbers, and debugging while creating a variety of simple, playable computer games. Students will develop their own functions, programs, and algorithms in Javascript and Python programming languages. Creativity, problem solving, and time management will be stressed. No prior programming experience is required.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisites: Technology Fundamentals
Graphic Design (not offered 2023-2024)
This course is the study of visual communication and presentation. Students use computers to learn basic principles of artistic design while studying color theory, typography, logo design, composition, and page layout. Students use selected software applications to combine words, symbols, and images in the creation of visual metaphors, print publications, and advertisements. The use of a Windows or MacBook computer (not Chrome) is recommended.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Technology Fundamentals
Technology Fundamentals
This is a foundational course designed to familiarize students with the computer skills and concepts needed for success at WCHS, college, career, and life. Students will master basic computer operations, and improve on word processing, spreadsheet, and slide presentation skills. Students will study and discuss social media, online safety, technology and health, and copyright law, in addition to current trends in and a Christian perspective of technology. Students will also explore image creation, basic computer programming, and 3D printing.
Required: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: None
Web Design
This is an introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites. Students learn to use HTML (hypertext markup language) to code web pages, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to format images and text, and basic JavaScript programming to make pages more interactive. Students learn how to create and manipulate images, and how to critically evaluate website quality. The use of a Windows or MacBook computer (not Chrome) is recommended.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Technology Fundamentals
Videography (not offered 2023-2024)
This course is a study of the concepts, principles, and terminology of digital image creation, animation, and videography. Students learn how to use digital cameras and computer software to create, edit, animate, and caption still images and videos in order to tell imaginative and compelling visual stories. Students will also work with sound effects, music, and special effects. Use of a Windows or MacBook computer (not a Chromebook) is recommended. Students who have taken Digital Media may not take this course.
Elective: 2.5 credits
Prerequisite: Technology Fundamentals