Technology & Communications
Courses included:
Intro to Information Technology /Computer Hardware
In the Intro to Information Technology/ Computer Hardware Technology course, students are presented with the basic concepts of Information Technology, including various career paths as well as the impact of Information Technology on the world, people and industry. The Computer Hardware and Technology segment of the class prepares students for entry-level PC repair and support. The students will also acquire the necessary knowledge needed to complete the A+ certification exam. Covered in this course are topics that detail how computers work and advanced computer concepts. Class lessons will be accomplished by theoretical exploration and hands-on lab activities. Topics to be covered are: operating systems, PC hardware, troubleshooting, Microsoft Windows, system boards, input/output devices, video displays, printers, data communications, multimedia systems, and preventive maintenance. Finally, the students will learn basic computer programming through the use of ALICE programming software. Consistent attendance is mandatory.
Digital Communications
The Digital Communications course is designed to give students experience in using software as a means of communicating ideas and concepts. Society is bombarded and impacted daily by graphical images through television, magazines, newspapers, billboards, advertisements, etc. Today, more people communicate electronically than any other medium using electronic graphics in the form of video and stills. We will explore several software for creating quality digital communications in this class which include photographs, printed materials such as informational flyers, advertisements, posters, packaging, etc., and electronic presentations such as PowerPoint and digital video. We will learn to use electronic equipment such as digital cameras, image scanners, & NewTek Studio. We will also learn to use digital and video software's such as PowerPoint, InDesign, Publisher, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and After Effects.
Digital Communications II
The Digital Communications II course is designed to give students an advanced experience in communicating through graphical and electronic means. This class will advance the students' skills in Adobe Photoshop. Today, more people communicate electronically than any other medium using electronic graphics so the students will have an extended concentration in Web Design using Adobe Dreamweaver. Web Design is a hands-on introduction to designing, building, and launching websites. The students will also learn industry standard layout designs through the use of Adobe InDesign software.
Graphic Communications I
The Graphic Communications course is designed to give students experience in using software and machinery to develop products produced on a variety of printing media and/or heat transfer machines and equipment. Graphic Communications is an elective designed to advance and promote the understanding of visual design. Students will be introduced to the field of graphic communications using Photoshop, InDesign, GlowForge, Cut Out Studio, & Illustrator software/equipment as the primary tool. Students will explore their creative abilities and increase their creative confidence while learning about the world of print and design, its history, and its career opportunities. Students will also learn the basics of printing operations, sublimation printing, heat transfers & laser engraving.
Graphic Communications II
The Graphic Communications II course is an advanced version of the Graphic Communications I course designed to give students real life experience using their skills learned from the previous course to produce actual products for the school community and themselves. The students will develop their visual ideas from a variety of software and transform them into actual products using Photoshop, InDesign, GlowForge, Cut Out Studio, & Illustrator software/equipment as the primary tool. Students will also learn advanced printing operations, sublimation printing, heat transfers & laser engraving.
WELCOME/ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The AOTC operates as a small learning community, providing a program of study that introduces students to the broad career opportunities in today's digital workforce and equips them with the personal, analytical, technical, and communication skills they need to thrive. By introducing high school students to the broad career opportunities of the Information and Communication industries, AOTC opens the door to new options, with which students are better able to make sound choices for the future.
Laurel Highlands offers students the opportunity to join one of several academies including Academy of Technology & Communications (AOTC). Students who qualify must apply to participate in an Academy program. The Academy is a four-year program to supplement and enrich the traditional curriculum. Academy courses are scheduled as electives and do not interfere with students who wish to take Honors or Advanced Placement classes.
Classroom theory activities include: communication skills, safety, business math, consumer information, economics, and career and job exploration.
Laurel Highlands currently has an Articulation Agreement with Penn State/Eberly Campus for the Technology & Communications Program, meaning that if a student completes the above program at the Laurel Highlands High School, they will automatically be accepted into the Information Technology Program at Penn State as long as they apply and are accepted into the college.
Through their Academy experience, students gain an understanding of the connections that exist between their education and the workplace. Academy teachers and industry mentors provide students with the curriculum and guidance necessary for rewarding careers.
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