Welcome to ECSDTech!
Hello, and welcome to the ECSDTech class website. This page is designed to give parents a better idea of which computer science courses are being offered at Ellenville Central School District.
What are these courses?
These courses offered at Ellenville offer students skills in many areas of computer science. From 2017 onward, Ellenville will be providing these courses to high school students. The goal is to give students educational opportunities beyond the requirements of a high school education.
- Introduction to Information Technology
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Programming II: SAS Programming
- Cybersecurity
- Technology & Mathematic Innovations
What can my child learn from these courses?
These courses teach your child about modern day technologies. In today's world, being able to use computers and the internet as a resource has provided great advantages for those who can effectively pilot these tools.
Each of these courses takes a project-based approach, meaning they will rarely encounter tests, quizzes, or homework... and are instead given real-life problems to solve that can range anywhere from a single day project all the way up to a three week project! Students who take these classes are given an environment that mimics an office, with deadlines, projects, meetings, and milestone check-ins to ensure they are experience real-life workforce scenarios, tackling complex but rewarding challenges, and giving their all in delivering projects and deliverables that are held to high standards.
Let's take a look at each of the courses offered in-depth:
Intro to Information Technology
Introduction to Information Technology
Students learn to fix, assemble, disassemble, troubleshoot and maintain computer systems. Through this course, students learn the functions of each component, understand how these components work together to provide a seamless computing experience, how to fix and upgrade computer systems, and many other skills associated with the I.T. industry. This course also teaches students about networking, 3D printers, mobile devices, and security.
By the end of this course, your child will have done the following in the form of projects:
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- Created a list/pricing of components of a custom-built computer
- Taken apart and put together a desktop computer
- Installed Microsoft Windows onto a desktop computer
- Customized an installation of Microsoft Windows with programs, display options, and created user accounts
- Experimented with the Linux Operating System
- Created a keyboard shortcut tutorial with screen recordings
- Coded 2-3 HTML websites
- Created a live website in Google Sites
- Created and tested an Ethernet cable using a crimper
- Configured a home wireless router with tutorials for four different client needs
- Created a file server based on specific requirements
- Envisioned and presented a "Smart Home of the Future" using modern day smart electronics
- Created a series of consulting solutions using mobile device technology for various fictional clients
- Use a hacking simulation game to understand the goals and impacts of cyber security
- Created various encryption demonstrations using ciphering algorithms
- Created a Resume & Cover Letter
- Given a public presentation
Prerequisite: None
Intro to Programming
Introduction to Programming
Students learn to harness the power of code in this course. Through the coding language Python, students learn the basics of code, such as logic, use of variables, recursive programming, and designing a program from start to finish. Students will create games such as Rock Paper Scissors, a Number Guessing Game, and a Slot Machine as the final project. These games are coded entirely from scratch, so students are not importing any existing content.
By the end of this course, your child will have done the following in the form of projects:
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- Created the Olympic Rings via graphic commands
- Created a custom snowman via graphic commands
- Created a Tip Calculator app
- Created a MAD Libs game
- Created a number guessing game 1-10 and 1-100
- Created a Rock Paper Scissors project where both players enter their moves and the program determines the winner
- Created a multiple choice quiz that keeps track of scoring and progress throughout the quiz
- Created an ATM Machine that prevents over-withdrawal and shuts down when the user's account reaches zero
- Created a Weather API App, which gathers local weather data and presents it in graphic form
- Created various Random Tools, such as a 6 sided die roller, coin-flipper, Monopoly Dice simulator, and drawing a random card from a deck of cards
- Created a Magic 8 Ball app
- Enhanced the Rock Paper Scissors program to include a computerized opponent
- Created a slot machine
Prerequisite: None
Programming II
Introduction to Programming II: SAS Programming
The students who complete Introduction to Programming are eligible for taking a more advanced use of programming in the data mining field. SAS, which stands for Statistical Analysis System, is a programming language used in many enterprise industries to process large sets of data to draw conclusions about best business practices. This course takes students through sorting, filtering, modifying, repairing, creating and logically processing large sets of data.
By the end of this course, your child will have analyzed some or all of the following data sets:
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- Historic Video Game Sales
- Honey Production in NY State
- US Population over 20 years, per state
- Airplane crashes
- Survey on steak preparedness preferences cross-compared to riskiness behavior survey
- Starbucks locations worldwide
- Hospital reviews
- Board game ratings
- Vehicle collisions in Maryland
- Power grid disruptions
- NYPD Salaries across the 5 boroughs
- Movie performance data
- Shark attacks
- NBA Player of the Week Stats
- Ramen noodle ratings & reviews
Prerequisite: Completion of either/or:
- Introduction to Information Technology
- Introduction to Programming (recommended)
CyberSecurity
CyberSecurity
This course is intended to teach fundamental elements in information security and introduce the key areas of security challenges, countermeasures, and real-life examples. Topics include security properties, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security policies, access control, authentication, firewalls, wireless security, Internet security protocols, security management, security evaluation, and case studies. Students will also have hands-on experiences in information security through customized online labs.
Prerequisite: Completion of either/or:
- Introduction to Information Technology (recommended)
- Introduction to Programming
Tech & Math Innovations
Technology & Mathematics Innovations
This course can serve as a required math credit for graduation. This course explores various technology and mathematics innovations in recent history. This course focuses on providing students with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to succeed in their lives after high school. Students operate under a project-based environment which challenges their abilities to not only solve problems, but prove their effectiveness.
Students in this course learn the history of mathematics, how to use spreadsheet tools for organization and data analysis, personal finance, 3D modeling and 3D printing, digital communications and information about post-secondary careers, education opportunities, and professionalism. This course blends technology literacy with mathematical applications to bridge the gap between the two subjects.
Who can join these courses?
Anyone can join! A student can be experienced with computers and wish to pursue a career in this field, or a student can join if they only know the absolute basics of using a computer and wish to learn more. These courses are friendly to all users and build a solid foundation from the ground up. It is recommended that students only sign up for this course if they are willing to put in the work required, as these courses are fast-paced and very rigorous. Additionally, these courses are cumulative, meaning the material covered in the beginning of the course is often necessary to complete further tasks as the school year progresses.
How do I sign up?
As a parent or student, you can sign up by speaking with your guidance counselor. He or she should be aware of these courses being offered and can provide more information in terms of schedule availability, prerequisites, and which courses would be recommended.
Download and Print This Form to Bring to Your Guidance Counselor
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