As society continues to become more information oriented, computers are becoming an integral part in most jobs. Our students are trained using a state-of-the-art forty-workstation lab running in a variety of operating system environments. Programming concepts are taught using languages such as C#, Python and Java. Web Development concepts are taught using HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Drupal. Using MySQL, a relational database management system, students are also taught how to design, maintain, and utilize a relational database through a variety of applications. Word processing and spreadsheet applications are introduced using the most recent version of Microsoft Office. Students are also trained to qualify for both CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications during their time in the Programming and Web Development program. Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter an entry-level position in information processing, computer maintenance and repair, web development, or to further their education by enrolling in a post-secondary school.
The exploratory program is designed to present to the freshmen students a basic overview of the materials that will be covered if they select Programming and Web Development as their career choice. Students will be introduced to the following: Windows operating system, common computer applications, object oriented programming using Java and the Greenfoot Environment, web design with Photoshop, HTML5 and CSS, common algorithms and problem solving skills, and robotics using a virtual 3D environment. The students will learn about the various hardware components found within a computer system and the available career opportunities that are available within the Computer Science field. It is expected that upon completion of the exploratory program, students will have a solid understanding of the Programming and Web Development curriculum and will have the ability to choose whether they feel that this program will be a good fit for them during their time here at Bay Path.
After choosing the Programming and Web Development program as their career area, students will spend an extensive time learning Object Oriented Programming using the C# programming language and the basic web design fundamentals using Photoshop, HTML5, and CSS. The focus of freshman year is to introduce students to web design best practices, basic programming structures, common algorithms, and essentially a different perspective on problem solving. The major topics of study in C# will include object oriented programming, variable definition, assignment statements, strings, if statements, looping structures and user interface design. Students will write interactive programs that respond to user events such as mouse-clicks and key presses. Developing web pages using HTML5 and Cascading Style Sheets are also studied using a variety of project-based exercises.
During the sophomore year, students will be introduced to the Python programming language, more advanced web design page layouts, CSS, and JavaScript and robotics using a virtual 3D environment. Students will also be prepared to take the industry recognized CompTIA A+ certification by the end of school year. The A+ certification is the ideal certification to get started on a career working with cutting-edge information technologies. It covers mobile, tablets, laptops, desktops and beyond. The certification verifies an individual can troubleshoot networking and security issues within operating systems such as Apple, Android, Windows and more. All steps of the software development lifecycle will be studied with a focus on effective user interface design and usability. Student’s general computer knowledge will be supplemented by examining computer technology trends and how they effect the direction of the industry.
During their junior year, students will complete the nationally recognized AP Computer Science A curriculum, with the opportunity to take the AP CSA exam in the Spring. Concepts will include: object oriented programming, inheritance, arrays, looping structures, decision making, recursion, and developing algorithms to solve problems. Students will also be introduced to dynamic web development with PHP and MySQL along with an introduction to game development. Students will also have the opportunity to begin working on live projects for the school and outside non-profit organizations. Past work has included the new Bay Path website, Massachusetts Vocational Association website, Bay Path alumni website and many more.
During their senior year, students will prepare to take the industry recognized Network+ certification by the end of the school year. Students will spend a lot of time working on live projects along with the senior year curriculum. Students will learn and participate in the full software development lifecycle through a variety of group and individual projects. Students will continue working with the new humanoid robots and will further their understanding of using common algorithms to solve problems. Students will create project plans and estimate time and resource requirements. They will learn how to present a plan and manage it on a go forward basis. Students will be taught how to develop the documentation portion of an application development project. They will learn the methodologies of both the technical and user parts of an application.
