Planning Rationale
The programs in the Information (IT) Pathway will prepare students for occupations in game, web, and mobile app development; computer repair and installation; and networking and cybersecurity.
Pathways
Networking
Networking utilizes a project-oriented approach to provide learners with the skills to design, setup, maintain, and troubleshoot physical and virtual networks. Students will explore the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, wired and wireless devices, media, infrastructures, and topologies to develop a conceptual understanding of network structures and function. They will then apply their understanding to design, configure, secure, and troubleshoot computer networks that satisfy a variety of client needs – utilizing necessary hardware and open source and proprietary operating systems. Students will manage file systems and resources, network protocols, and system utilities to efficiently run software applications—including establishing user and network security and permissions. In addition to designing, configuring, and securing networks, students will use object-oriented languages to interact with and control cyber bots and physical computing devices like micro:bits, raspberry pis, and programmable drones. Students will have the opportunity to earn three hardware, networking, and security industry certifications throughout the three-year program that will also earn them college credit.
Game Programming
Game Programming provides learners with the computer programming and visual design skills to develop, test, debug, and modify games and mobile applications through the use of object-oriented programming (OOP) languages and visual design applications. During the software development process, students will be exposed to system analysis and design, and instruction will include the use of common OOP language features like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Throughout the program, learners will build on their OOP and game development skills, as they work with advanced data handling (pointers, arrays, strings, and files), and recursive, searching, and sorting algorithms. In addition to developing games and mobile applications, students will apply their programming skills to interact with and control robots and physical computing devices like micro:bits, raspberry pis, and programmable drones. Students will have the opportunity to earn three design and programming industry certifications throughout the three-year program that will also earn them college credit.
Programming
Programming provides learners with the computer programming skills to develop, test, debug, and modify applications through the use of object-oriented programming (OOP) languages. During the software development process, students will be exposed to system analysis and design, and instruction will include the use of common OOP language features like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Throughout the program, learners will build on their OOP skills, as they work with advanced data handling (pointers, arrays, strings, and files), and recursive, searching, and sorting algorithms.
In addition to engaging in the software development process, students will apply their programming skills to interact with and control robots and physical computing devices like micro:bits, raspberry pis, and programmable drones. Students will have the opportunity to earn two programming industry certifications throughout the three-year program - that will also earn them college credit.
Web Development and Design
Web Development and Design utilizes a project-oriented approach to provide learners with the skills to plan, design, develop, and maintain web pages, sites, and mobile applications – using programming and visual design applications, integrated development environments, and front-end web development frameworks. Additional tools will be utilized to capture, create, and edit audio and video clips. In addition to developing web sites, pages, and mobile applications, students will apply their programming skills to interact with and control robots and physical computing devices like micro:bits, raspberry pis, and programmable drones. Students will have the opportunity to earn three design and programming industry certifications throughout the three-year program that will also earn them college credit.
Layout
Students will be working at computer stations for software development and work bench areas with tools to physically open and work on computer hardware. Space shall be provided for both digital and analog computer related activities. Lockable furniture shall provide storage for tools and computer equipment.