US Technology Electives for 2003-2004

Computer Programming

Year-long course.  Faculty: Barbara Spears

I am offering a course next year in Computer Programming.  There are no prerequisites.  This course is for students who want a taste of computer science.  You don’t have to be either “good” or advanced in math.  Programming is fun.  There is nothing quite like that feeling of success you get when you look at the screen and acknowledge that you were the one that made the computer do that. 

The approach will be very different than in a math class.  It will be much more hands-on. You will learn to program by programming, not by reading about programming.  You will learn the language of computer programming by using the words, rather than by memorizing their definitions. 

We’re going to use the computer language, Java.  Computer languages all do the same things in different ways, so it isn’t really too important what language you learn.   I selected Java because it is the “popular” language today.  It is the language of the AP exam (starting in 2004) and it is taught in all the colleges. 

Web Design and Internet Culture

Fall Semester.  Faculty: David Gomes

n      Learn how to build web sites with Macromedia DreamWeaver, Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat, and other graphics software.

n      Learn about the evolving and expanding impact of the Internet.

n      Publish projects on the OES internal or external web site.

n      Investigate privacy and ethical use issues. 

n      Critically assess how the web can best serve future goals.

Digital Simulations and Virtual Worlds

Spring Semester.  Faculty: David Gomes

n      Learn how to create digital simulations and animations with Flash and Shockwave programming.

n      Create a virtual world with Adobe Atmosphere software.

n      Critically assess the pros and cons of online identities and communities. 

n      Investigate privacy and ethical use issues. 

n      Study the latest successes, failures and international impact of the Internet. 

All three technology electives have no prerequisites, are open to all students, and can be taken in any order.  All three courses will be held in the brand-new computer labs in the MST Building.

The current technology electives (Technology, Internet Technologies, Information Technology) are being discontinued, as is the required technology course for students new to the US.