TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Technology Department offers a broad and rigorous program to teach students to use the most current technology, improve their “Tech-Agile Quotient” (TQ) each year and become confident, innovative and adaptable in using digital technologies. Our classes are held in one of three of our multi-platform labs, using current desktop, laptop, tablet, and server technology, as well as our Video Production and Broadcast Studio.
COMPUTER LITERACY
Course 010
Grades 9 Required Year 1/2 Credit
Prerequisites: None
This survey course prepares students for the technological rigors of a Mercy education, beginning with foundational skills required to work in our multi-platform environment that includes PC and MAC desktops, laptops, iPads and more. Topics will include keyboarding, operating systems, file management, as well as building on skills in productivity applications. Students will develop critical thinking and logic skills through an introduction of programming, while creating media-rich content in MovieMaker, Prezi, PhotoStory, and more. The course will wrap up with a mini course in Financial Literacy to meet Ohio graduation requirements. The course meets for 45 minutes every other day for the year.
ADVANCED COMPUTER APPS
Course 020
Grades 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Computer Literacy
Given the ever growing presence of mobile applications and devices, this course incorporates an introduction to programming and advanced computer applications, with the ultimate outcome of students building mobile apps for the iOS(iPod, iPad) and Android platforms. Students will explore media-rich content creation – using web tools like wiki’s,blogging, podcasting and video-journaling – creating content for asynchronous learning and reinforcing interpersonal and collaborative communication skills. The course will also incorporate elements of robots and microcontrollers, computer languages like Java, mobile app development, and examine the realms of computer science as a field of study.
WEB PAGE DESIGN
Course 030
Grades 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Students will learn about style and design elements, history of and trends related to the web. Classes will include lessons on how to create webpages, create and manipulate tables, insert links, add graphics and design professional looking web sites.Basic HTML will be taught as well as software programs such as Dreamweaver, Flash, and Photoshop. This course will provide students with the opportunity to design their own websites, learn mobile page development and assist in maintaining certain components of Mercy’s Web Site. Students will also be building 21st century skills such as collaborating with peers and using technology to compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information and creative works. A 2nd level course is available for recommended students. See the course instructor for details.
BROADCAST ARTS
Course 040
Grades 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 credit
This course will provide students with the opportunities to be creative and express themselves using digital tools and at the same time, reinforce basic skills such as researching, reading, writing, and speaking. Students will also learn the proper techniques of shooting digital video including lighting, sound, storyboards, and interviewing and how to use the equipment needed to produce live television broadcasts. They will also develop their skills in video editing using software such asiMovie.
Students will be required to assist with morning television announcements. Select students will have the opportunity to announce and stream Mercy athletic events. Students are also expected to videotape identified Mercy activities during and after school. A 2nd level course is available for recommended students. See the course instructor for details.
ACCOUNTING
Course 050
Grades 10, 11 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisites: None
Accounting provides opportunities to learn the language and problems of business. Major areas of study include: principles of debit and credit, nature of accounts, journalizing, posting, preparation of financial statements, and the use of various types of journals and ledgers. Students also learn to apply their accounting knowledge to computer usage by using an automated accounting program on PC computers and by completing a business simulation. This course is highly recommended to college-bound students planning to pursue a career in accounting or business administration.
WORLD OF BUSINESS
Course 080
Grade 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisites: None
When students think about career paths, they sometimes rule out the possibility of starting and managing their own business. In this course, students will develop a business idea, write a SBA business plan, and develop a conceptual business with cost frameworks, and more, including topics of accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management science, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, project management, real estate, and strategy. Skills are reinforced in several case studies and simulations from Virtual Retail Business, to INC magazines courseware, to supply chain simulations developed at Harvard and MIT. The course will have guest speakers and field trips from the banking industry and local small businesses.