Career & Technical Education and Michael Berry Career Center

Information Technology and Design

Instructors:
Angelo Aquino : aquinoa@dearbornschools.org
Phil McMullen : mcmullp@dearbornschools.org

Designed for students with a high level interest in EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, COMPUTER SCIENCE, and DIGITAL DESIGN.  This program combines both the artistic/creative skills used by designers with the computer, network and application skills used by engineers, designers and creative careers. Information Technology and Design Course Descriptions are found below

  • Design (Art Focused) Courses
    • Design Concepts 2D
    • Design Concepts 3D
    • Adv Design Concepts
  • Software (Computer Technology Focused) Courses
    • Software Specialist
    • Adv Software Specialist
    • AP Computer Science Principles (Computer Science Elective)
    • AP Computer Science A (Computer Programing Elective)

Information Technology and Design Course Descriptions

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, one-hour block course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze a study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society , and the world. (Prerequisite: Computer Science Discoveries)

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, one-hour block course is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. These techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.(Prerequisite: Computer Science Discoveries)

DESIGN CONCEPTS 2D Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, one-hour block course focuses on students’ digital drawing & illustration skills including: design composition, color theory, graphic design, web & animation, advertising and communication design, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash. Students may earn their Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification in these programs. Students will also be introduced to the basics of web design including planning, layout, style and standards. Approved for Computer Applications Credit. Students will compete in Business Professionals of America (BPA). (Should be taken concurrently with Design Concepts 3D to create a 2-hour block)

DESIGN CONCEPTS 3D Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, one-hour block course focuses on students’ 3-D drawing, rendering & illustration skills including: design process, 3D aesthetics & sculpture design, 3D modeling and product design using Rhino 3D and Blender modeling software. Students may earn a variety of industry certifications from Precision Exams. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of digital publishing including html, css and java-based coding. Approved for Computer Applications. Students will compete in Business Professionals of America (BPA). (Should be taken concurrently with Design Concepts 2D to create a 2-hour block)

ADV DESIGN CONCEPTS Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, two-hour block course focuses on students’ personal design career goals with In-depth, long term projects exploring historical styles, client-designer relationship, advanced design techniques, serial art, and development of the student’s personal vision and style. Students will compete in Business Professionals of America (BPA). (Prerequisite: Students must complete both Design Concepts 2D and Design Concepts 3D with a grade of “C” or better)

SOFTWARE SPECIALIST Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, two-hour block course uses a variety of advanced software programs to create custom graphics, make professional web pages, create exciting animations, explore advanced 3D modeling while learning the basics of game design and other in-demand I.T. skills. Students will have the opportunity to earn one or more Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS+) and Microsoft Imagine Academy (MIA) Certificates. Students will compete in Business Professionals of America (BPA). Counts as Computer Applications for graduation.

ADV SOFTWARE SPECIALIST Academy of Industry, Technology & Innovation

This full-year, two-hour block course focuses on in-Depth, student initiated projects using and mastery of specific software packages. Emphasis on the design process, project management and customer service. Students will compete in Business Professionals of America (BPA). (Prerequisite: Students must complete Software Specialist I with a grade of “C” or better)