Information & Computer Technology
Information & Computer Technology
We offer two pathways in Information & Computer Technology
Pathway #1: Media Design
ADST: MEDIA DESIGN 9
This course will explore a variety of digital and physical media design related topics including 2D design using Photoshop and Illustrator; 3D design using Blender; Web design using HTML and CSS; Podcast using RØDECaster. The course will also allow students to realize their design into physical objects such as poster, cards, 3D printer, laser cutter, T-shirt prints, stickers, etc.
Note: There is a course fee of $25. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
MEDIA DESIGN 10
This course will continue to build on the skills learned in ADST 9: Media Design including 2D design using various Adobe products; 3D design using Blender; Web design using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; Podcast using RØDECaster. The course will also allow students to realize their design into physical objects such as poster, cards, 3D printer, laser cutter, T-shirt prints, stickers, as well as publish their own websites and podcast series.
Note: There is a course fee of $25. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS 11: Media Design
This course will continue to build on the skills learned in MEDIA DESIGN 10 and focus on utilizing the skills to plan and arrange projects of their own and with other people. The course will allow students to dive deeper into or widen their skills of graphic design and build experience in design and project management. Students will be making their own designs which will be part of their graphic design portfolio.
Note: There is a course fee of $25. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
DIGITAL MEDIA AND DEVELOPMENT 12: Media Design
This course will be an extension of Digital Communications 11 and will allow students to pursue their personal interest in the digital design field. Students will be expected to have a genuine interest and solid skills in this area and have the project management skills needed to carry out self-directed projects on their own or in small groups. Students will be making their own designs which will be part of their graphic design portfolio.
Note: There is a course fee of $25. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
Pathway #2: Computer Studies
ADST: COMPUTER STUDIES 9 (Computer Science Discoveries)
This course is a great next step for students that loved the programming part of the Robotics rotation in grade 8. Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course covering problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, data & society, digital citizenship, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The goal is to inspire students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. It empowers students to engage with computer science for creativity, communication, problem solving, and have fun doing so. No programming background is needed. A short video description is given here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4qfsH8bc8s.
Note: There is a course fee of $25. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
COMPUTER STUDIES 10 (Computer Science Principles)
This course will continue to build on the skills learned in ADST- COMPUTER STUDIES 9 (Computer Science Discoveries). This course introduces students to the foundations of computer science and gives them an opportunity to explore the impact of computing and technology to the world. Students learn programming skills using both blocks and text, and work on hands-on real-world projects that may be used as part of a portfolio when applying to universities. Some of the topics covered are binary numbers, how computers work, the internet, programming, algorithms, data visualization, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. If you are interested in designing & creating things, coding your own apps, and solving problems that will have a positive impact to changing the world, then this course is for you. No matter what your future career will be, Computer Science is for everyone!
A short video description is given here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQm0z894CG0
Note: There is a course fee of $25. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING 11 (Topics of Computer Science & Technology)
This course covers several topics in Computer Studies that are highly relevant in today’s digital world. For example, some possibilities of topics are: 3D modeling & printing, blockchain, cybersecurity, computer networks, artificial intelligence, programming in Python, creating AI apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor, cloud computing, and applications of computer science in music/robotics/healthcare/art to name a few. Specific topics may vary each year depending on current trends and student interest.
Some introductory programming experience (eg: using Scratch) is recommended, but not required. This is meant to be a fun class to learn about the applications of computer technology in diverse fields and for students to work on a portfolio for their university applications in their area(s) of interest.
Students will also have the opportunity to obtain external certifications.
A short video description is given here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLrN6pxvfJ4
Note: There is a course fee of $30. The fee covers the cost of materials and resources that students consume or take home that enhance the experience of the course.
COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS – CYBERSECURITY, AI & Quantum computing 12 – District Blended Course
his course will dive into Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. These areas impact many aspects of our lives today and the demand for trained professionals is growing exponentially.
Students will learn about Cybersecurity, Cybercrimes, Phishing, Cryptography, the Internet and how to stay safe online. Students will also compete in CyberTitan – Canada’s largest cyber defense competition. The top ranked Canadian Teams could be invited to Ottawa to go head-to-head for the coveted title of CyberTitan National Champions. The top Canadian team is invited to the USA for the Cyber Patriot National finals.
Students will learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics, training data & bias, machine learning, neural networks, and computer vision. They will work on projects to create a portfolio for application to post-secondary educational institutions, or for their job applications.
Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing field that uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers, using qubits that can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously. This enables massive parallel calculations in areas such as AI, cryptography, and for searching huge datasets, enabling quantum computers to solve certain problems much faster than regular computers. Vancouver, BC, is a significant and growing hub for quantum computing with pioneering companies (D-Wave), world-class research at universities (UBC, SFU), and government initiatives (Quantum Algorithms Institute). Technology giants Google, IBM and Amazon are all researching and investing in Quantum Computing.
Industry & academic experts will come and share their stories and advice with our students.
More information about the course can be found at https://cybersecurityand.ai
Prerequisites
Students are required to have a genuine Interest in learning about Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing. No prior programming experience needed. However, there is an expectation that students in the course will compete in the CyberTitan Competition, which is held over several weekends (either Saturday or Sunday) from September to January, with the World finals being in March and the National finals taking place in May.
Course Requirements:
Students who are selected for this course are required to have their own personal laptop with internet connection
Days and Times
The majority of the course curriculum will be delivered in-person at West Vancouver Secondary School (WVSS). In addition, students are required to attend several weekends (maybe a Saturday or a Sunday) for participating in the CyberPatriot competition,
Days of the Week: Tuesday or Thursday (students will be assigned)
Time: 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Course Fee
The course fee is $350 for the year to cover the cost of the registration for the CyberPatriot Competition as well as equipment. This fee will be collected through School Cash Online, upon registration for the program.
*fees are subject to change
CERTIFICATION OPTIONS AT WEST VANCOUVER SECONDARY
Focus on Information Technology (FIT) Certification, with a Business specialization
(http://www.focusit.ca/teacherseducators/)
FIT is an innovative certificate program that pathways students through both Business and ICT related courses and concentrations during their secondary school education. FIT brings an important real world perspective to business and technology teaching. It serves as a resource to help teachers and curriculum developers make business and technology courses more relevant to students, while showing them how they are all interconnected. It presents ICT in a holistic way – through real problem-solving situations, with real world examples. FIT gives students the opportunity to interact with industry experts and engages them in learning that will make a difference. Finally, FIT provides students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their future studies and career opportunities. FIT is sponsored by Canada’s Information and Communication Technology Council (https://www.ictc-ctic.ca/education-and-skills/).
Please contact Dr. Mahesh Chugani mchugani@wvschools.ca or Jo-Anne McKee jmckee@wvschools.ca
CISCO Networking Academy Certifications
CISCO is a global leader in networking technology and products, known for its hardware, software, and services that facilitate internet connectivity and communication. The CISCO Networking Academy is an educational program designed to teach students essential skills in networking and IT. It offers courses that cover topics such as networking fundamentals, packet tracer, cybersecurity, programming, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, providing students with hands-on experience and preparing them for careers in the tech industry. Students in the Computer Studies pathway will have (with parent approval) an opportunity to obtain CISCO certifications which will benefit them at both university as well as when they join the workforce.
CISCO educational materials are an important part of the Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence course and is required for students participating in the CyberTitan cybersecurity competition.