Business, Career Preparation, Computer Science, and Technology Department

    Staff

    Business and Technology Department Graphic

    DeShawn Anderson - Resource Teacher
    -- Phone: 240-740-1365
    -- Technology Education & Engineering

    Zac Cornell - Game Development

    Sandy Chaplin - Business

    Heather Emory - TV Production 

    Cindy Gleason - Career Preparations and Partnerships

    Meghan Hill - TAM coordinator (Child Development)

    Angela Mattox - Technology Education

    Francine Moody- Entrepreneur Internship Coordinator

    Mary Simms- Foundations of Computer Science, AP CSP, Computer Programming 1-3, AP CSA (Programming 2)

    Business Courses

    Career Preparation and Partnerships Courses

    Computer Science Courses

    Technology Education/Engineering Courses

     

    Advanced Design Applications

    Students will gain a deeper understanding of four human-designed world areas: Manufacturing Technologies, Energy and Power Technologies, Construction Technologies, and Transportation Technologies. Students engage in individual and group activities creating ideas; developing innovations; and designing, fabricating, and engineering practical solutions to a variety of technological problems related to the four human-designed areas.

    Advanced Technological Applications

    This standards-based, technological design course provides students the opportunity to build on their existing technological literacy through a deeper understanding of Information and Communication Technologies, Medical Technologies, Agriculture and Related Biotechnologies, and Entertainment and Recreation Technologies. Students work individually and in groups to create ideas, develop innovations, design solutions, fabricate models, and engineer practical design results in a variety of technological problems. 

    College/Career Seminar A/B

    Students will demonstrate proficiency in job-seeking skills as well as learn how to navigate employment transitions. Students apply knowledge gained in the prerequisite course to the practical experience of their site-based learning placement. Career research will be refined through the process of self-awareness, career awareness, exploration and preparation. Students will learn how to meet employer’s expectations, communicate effectively, and apply financial literacy skills to manage personal finances. Concurrent enrollment in Site-based Work Experience required.

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    College/Career Research and Development A/B (CCRD)

    Students research current career information for successful career planning and management. Students develop self awareness, career awareness, financial literacy, communication and indispensable work-related knowledge and skill sets. A variety of career and interest assessments, as well as portfolio development, demonstrating workplace and academic readiness, prepare students for college and careers. CCRD links students with industry professionals through site-based work experience.

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    Computer Programming 1A & B

    This course introduces the basic principles of structured programming, within the context of an object-oriented language. Topics covered include fundamentals of programming language (C++, Java or Python may be covered), simple and structured data types, control statements, functions, arrays, and classes. Emphasis is placed on developing effective problem solving techniques through individual and team projects.

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    AP CSA - Computer Programming 2A & B

    Using the Java language, students explore in-depth work with text files and arrays, abstract data types, recursion searching and sorting algorithms, and program efficiency. Examination of specified class behaviors, inter-related objects, and object hierarchies are also studied. Students may elect to take the A version of the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam upon completion of this course.

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    Computer Programming 3A & B

    Students will study programming methodology, the features of programming languages, primitive data types, dynamic allocation of memory, data structures, searching, sorting, and numeric algorithms, using the Java programming language. The topic of graphics is introduced through the Advanced Placement case study.

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    AP Computer Science Principles

    This course, offered in partnership with Code. org, advances student understanding of the central ideas of computer science, engaging students in activities that show how computing changes the world. Through a focus on creativity, students explore technology as a means for solving computational problems, examining computer science's relevance to and impact on the world today.

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    Cooperative Work Experience 1A & B

    Students develop an employment portfolio, gain job-seeking and job-keeping skills, understand career pathways, and analyze the impact of technology in the workplace. The CWE program links students with industry professionals through on-the-job training to gain firsthand experience in a career area of their choice.

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    Entrepreneurship and Business Management 1A & B

    Whether students' dreams involve working at a fast moving entrepreneurial organization or running an existing company, in this foundational course they learn the necessary skills to understand business principles. Student entrepreneurs work in teams to investigate topics such as business opportunities, feasibility studies, business plan development, financing alternatives, marketing, and legal forms of organization.

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    Entrepreneurship and Business Management 2

    Students who have experienced entrepreneurial thinking and entrepreneurship concepts in the Entrepreneurship and Businesses Management 1 course extend their business acumen in this course. They learn more about organizing, financing, establishing, operating, and managing their own small businesses. Small business owners and managers will be invited to share their experiences with the students. Students complete a comprehensive business plan by the end of this course.

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    Foundations of Computer Science

    This course is a part of the MSDE-approved 4-credit Program of Studies in Computer Science. The course provides an engaging introduction to computing concepts through a nationally-developed curriculum, offered through a unique partnership with Code.org. The course focuses on the conceptual ideas of computing so that students understand why tools and languages are used to solve problems through a study of human computer interaction, problem solving, web design, programming, data analysis, and robotics. 

    Foundations of Technology A & B

    Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and scope of technology, the influence of technology on history, and the connections between technology and other fields of study. They will develop an understanding of the attributes of design; develop skills in using the design process to solve technological problems; develop a positive attitude about safety and skills through research, problem solving, prototyping, testing, and technical presentations while working collaboratively.

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    Financial Management with Software Applications

    Students apply knowledge and skills identified by the Maryland Council on Economic Education to make informed financial decisions. Students use Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) to develop products related to business and financial concepts such as banking, investing, borrowing, and risk management (insurance), revenue, expense, credit, and money management, emphasizing the ability to make informed decisions in highly technical and competitive business environments.

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    Game Development

    This course is designed as an introductory course to multimedia tools and Internet technologies as applied to the development of simulations and games. Students are introduced to the latest multimedia technologies including: animation, video editing, digital publishing, graphics and sound. These technologies are learned through application to real world products. Students will learn to work collaboratively as designers and media developers to meet the needs of end users in the creation of simulations and games that inform, educate, and entertain.

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    International Business

    This course is designed for students who want to understand how business is conducted in other countries, and who want to develop global business perspectives as well as sensitivities toward diverse cultures and customs. International marketing strategies, economic concepts, history, the role of geography in trade, monetary systems, trade agreements, and future trends will be some of the topics that students will investigate.

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    Site Based Work Experience

    Students participate in a site-based experience in conjunction with the career seminar class. Students work directly with industry professionals in a career of interest, while refining career goals and postsecondary plans. Student work sites must be approved and supervised by the teacher. Site-based learning must take place during school hours to allow for required work-site supervision by the teacher. To earn credit for double period, students are required to have a minimum of 135 hours of work experience per semester.

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    Website Development A & B

    Students learn Web design from storyboard to a finished online Web page and develop actual sites from customers' specifications using HTML, Java Script, Cold Fusion, Web composers, and object-oriented programming languages. Skills in streaming media and server applications and 3-D animation are developed. Project management provides students with skills to lead teams through projects from inception to completion.

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