Computer Technology and Business

Mrs. Angelica Abelson, Chairperson
aabelson@sjcadets.org
378-9378, Ext. 321

Department Philosophy

The technology and business department is committed to provide the highest quality learning experience with state of the art technologies to a diverse student population. It is our belief that technology will help our students with their personal and academic goals. Computer technologies should be integrated and complement the student’s needs, interests and skills. We strive to offer each student sufficient experience and the greatest possible support and resources to prepare them for higher learning and their future endeavors. This occurs in a computer lab environment where there is ample opportunity to benefit individually from the instructor’s assistance and knowledge. The technology and business department recognizes our responsibility to develop and offer courses for students to acquire a sound foundation in basic and specialized skills. It is our aim to enable students to achieve a background that will effectively serve them in life.

Computer 610 Computer Concepts and Applications (.50 Credit; Grade 9; Academic Level: CP)   This course is designed to prepare all students for the world of computing.  Students will be introduced to and learn the operations of networked computers and essential features of Microsoft Office applications.   Emphasis will be on basic concepts, computer terminology and functions of the components.  This course focuses on a “hands on” approach to word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, presentation graphics, Internet research skills and cyber safety.   

Computer 620 Applied Technology (.25 Credit; Grade 10; Academic Level: CP)   This course builds upon the computer concepts   introduced in freshman year. Sophomores will learn the basic skills needed to utilize spreadsheet applications to analyze data and prepare graphs. Internet safety is discussed and incorporated into a class project. Students will be introduced to Web 2.0 applications and how they can be utilized to develop 21st Century skills. 

Computer 630   Computer Applications for Music students (.50 Credit; Grades 11, 12; Academic Level: CP)   This course is designed for juniors and seniors who were in the music track and did not take Computer 610 and 620.  Computer Concepts and Applications is designed to prepare all students for the world of computing.  Students will be introduced to and learn the operations of networked computers and essential features of Microsoft Office applications.   Emphasis will be on basic concepts, computer terminology and functions of the components.  This course focuses on a “hands on” approach to word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, presentation graphics, Internet research skills and cyber safety.   

Computer 650 Survey in Advanced Technology (.50 Credit; Grade 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) Prerequisite: Computer 610/620 or departmental approval. This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of desktop publishing, web design and content management. The class will encompass both individual and group projects. Instruction in phases of both creative and technical processes will be included. Applications used will include Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, Apple iMovie and Apple Final Cut. Preferential registration will be given to seniors. 

Computer 651 Web Design and Internet Research—VHS Distance Learning   (.50 Credit; Grades 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) Enrollment is limited and approval is required. See specific requirements for placement in VHS courses.  In this VHS course, you will learn how to create web sites from scratch, by writing in HTML code by hand. Online step-by-step tutorials will guide you in the creation of a website that you create about a topic or research question of your choice. You will also learn how to upload your site to the Internet by using free web hosting companies. You will also learn how to effectively use the Internet and all its resources as a tool for your research. You will work cooperatively with others students from around the world in the creation of a team website that you design, create and upload together. Understanding how to organize files and folders on a computer and having prior computer class experience is also extremely helpful. When writing in HTML code, one needs to read carefully and pay attention to detail. The class will NOT be using a program like Dreamweaver or Front Page to create a website for you.

Computer 653 AP Computer Science A—VHS Distance Learning  (1.0 Credit; Grades 11, 12; Academic Level: AP) Enrollment is limited and approval is required. See specific requirements for placement in VHS courses. Advanced Placement Computer Science is designed to prepare you for the AP Computer Science Exam A. The course is a project-oriented study of computer science using the Java programming language. In this course you can look forward to developing algorithms, mastering a subset of the Java language, exploring object-oriented design, and being exposed to GUI and applet development. Each student should be prepared to function as a logical thinker with a willingness to devote ample time to developing solutions to complex challenges. Projects in the course demand a thoughtful and organized approach to problem solving as well as a strong attention to precise detail and the time necessary to experiment with possible solutions. But, more than that, it should be noted that this is a serious hands-on programming course. It is designed to present you with the volume, pace and complexity of material required to prepare you for the AP Computer Science Exam in the Spring. It is the equivalent of an honors level course. Projects involve terminology and a way of organizing thoughts that are peculiar to coding. And those same projects require the mastery of the intricacies of object-oriented programming, including such concepts as data typing and structuring, string manipulation, conditional predicate logic, recursion, parameter passing, array sorting, and inheritance. For all of these reasons: the course moves quickly, there are a lot of concepts to cover and a lot of skills to master the requirements for passing the AP Comp Science test are significant. Some prior exposure to computer programming is recommended before enrolling. This can take the form of self-study in programming concepts, experience in coding (in any language), or the completion of a previous computer course that covered the essential elements of programming.

Business 654 Accounting I (.50 Credit; Grade 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) This entry-level course emphasizes the accounting cycle as it applies to a service business by teaching the basic principles of accounting and the financial operations of a business. Assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity accounts, as well as journals, ledgers, worksheets, and financial statements will be studied.

Business 656 Accounting II (.50 Credit; Grade 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) Prerequisite: Minimum of 75 in Business 654 or permission of the instructor. This advanced course covers accounting systems and procedures using special journals and subsidiary ledgers. Extensive out of class assignments and projects are required as well as working under time constraints.

Business 658 Personal Finance (.50 Credit; Grade 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) This course covers finance and consumer issues in today’s world. Some topics covered are: insurance, banking, stock market, taxes, consumer buying, real estate and legal issues facing today’s consumer. Knowledge of basic math skills such as percentages and problem solving will be applied in addition to keeping a financial journal.

Business 659 Introduction to Marketing (.50 Credit; Grade 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) This entry-level business course will cover four core areas: Business Administration, Marketing, Marketing Pathways, and Marketing Job Specialties. Skills and knowledge in following areas will be covered: Distribution, Marketing-Information Management, Pricing, Product/Service Management, Promotion, and Selling. The course will integrate the application of language arts, mathematics, social studies and social sciences.

 Business 652 International Business—VHS Distance Learning  (.50 Credit; Grades 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) Enrollment is limited and approval is required. See specific requirements for placement in VHS courses. International Business is designed to help you develop the appreciation, knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to live and work in a global marketplace. International Business is an ever-changing, interesting field that affects everyone across the entire globe. Consumers buy products made in countries all around the world. Workers find changing employment opportunities due to international trade and global competition. Companies compete with firms from other countries for the money spent by consumers. As U.S. companies increase International Business activities, our roles as consumers, workers, and citizens expand. This course will provide the foundation for becoming well informed about International Business. It gives you an introduction to international business activities and the economic, cultural, and political factors that affect International Business. Business structure and management, trade, global entrepreneurship, marketing, and career planning will be studied. Throughout the course you will use your creativity as well as your new International Business skills to develop the framework for a fictitious company that sells its products around the world.

Course 641/642 Yearbook--641 (Fall); 642 (Spring) (.50 Credit; Grades 11, 12; Academic Level: CP) Prerequisite: Prior participation on Yearbook or approval of instructor. This course is a practical class where students will use Photoshop and Yeartech software to design and produce the Spectrum, the school yearbook. Areas of emphasis will be theme development, journalistic writing, editing, graphic design, photography, and business and marketing skills. A student may take this course for two semesters, half credit each semester. This course will require approximately 2 hours per week of additional time outside of the classroom. Registration is limited.