Computer Studies

Computer Science Program

It is no surprise that we are living in the Internet age.  Communication and information technologies are evolving more rapidly than ever.  The computer studies program at Acton High School allows students to learn about and discover the amazing power of computer programming using a web-based language (PHP).  

Students will learn all of the fundamental syntax, structures and skills behind any programming language using a web-based approach.  Students will design, and build dynamic web-sites that use PHP, MySQL (databases), JQuery and of course HTML5 and CSS3.

Students pursuing a future in Computer Science, Computer Software Engineering, Web development, Web design, App development, Graphic Design, Science, and Engineering will all benefit from this program.

Grade 11

Topics include:

• History of Programming, Social Responsibility, use of Web Browsers, FTP software, Image Editors, Text Editors, Basic Programming Skills, Trouble-Shooting, File Management, Careers in Computer Science, Trends in Computer Science

• HTML5 and CSS3 - learn the basics of web design using current programming techniques (Create nice online GUIs)

• PHP - learn to make pages interactive and dynamic using the PHP programming language.  Make forms, calculators, e-mail forms, etc. [Server Side Programming] - {variables, inputs/outputs, form validation, functions, conditional statements, loops, arrays, trouble-shooting, file managment, team building, software design life-cycle, group programming topics, recursive algorithms, sorting algorithms}

• JQuery - make your pages cool and flow better using a Javascript library.[Client Side Scripting]

Grade 12

Topics expand on the grade 11 course:

• Advanced use of FTP software, text editors, image editors, and a large focus on careers related to programming as well as topics related to ethics.

• HTML5 and CSS3 - learn the basics of web design using current programming techniques - advanced use of css and html5 elements will be learned.

• PHP - Expand our learning to make pages interactive and dynamic using the PHP programming language.  Make forms, calculators, e-mail forms, etc. [Server Side Scripting] - {variables, inputs/outputs, form validation, functions, conditional statements, loops, arrays, trouble-shooting, file managment, team building, software design life-cycle, group programming topics, recursive algorithms, sorting algorithms}

• JQuery - make your pages cool and flow better using a Javascript library.  We will be doing a whole unit on JQuery and Javascripting [Client Side Scripting] and basic Game Design and Development

• MySQL databases - use online databases to store and retrieve data from a table and use it on a webpage.  We will be building complex store fronts and social media websites using MySQL and PHP.

• C & C# - additional learning around C programming will be investigated and learned.