Category: Special Electives

Google Workspace graphic

Google Workspace Career Tech

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Business Education, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This course will introduce students to the Google Workspace suite of applications and tools. Programs covered include Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides with the goal of using them as a learning and workflow tool. In addition, students will work in Typing.com to improve their overall typing skills with a focus on speed and accuracy.

Prerequisites:

Students should have basic tech-savvy.

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Google Workspace Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Students must have access to a Google Workplace account for assignments.  Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, Microsoft Works, iWork, and alternatives are not supported.  MTDA does not provide student access to Google Workspace accounts.  MTDA staff strongly advises that districts provide accounts and not rely on students creating personal accounts.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: semester available
Spring: semester available
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Cindy Schultz, Sentinel High School Missoula, cindy.schultz@montanadigitalacadeny.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Photoshop Introduction

Photoshop Introduction

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Business Education, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the world of Adobe Photoshop. Students will get an insight into what it is like working in the visual and graphic design industry. Over 11 modules, students will learn everything from absolute basics like navigating Photoshop to performing complex tasks like editing and retouching photos, applying filters and effects, and even creating original artwork. The course contains guided, do-it-yourself projects, and great resources that will help students practice and learn how to work in Photoshop.

Prerequisites:

none

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Photoshop Introduction Public Syllabus

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Access to Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud on a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop is a minimum requirement for this course.  MTDA does not provide access to this software so please confirm you have access via your school or personal access before you enroll in the course. You are not required to purchase any books for this course.

Photoshop is a powerful processing/robust software program. Please review the minimum system requirements to run Photoshop on your own computer before you sign up for a Creative Cloud subscription.

You must also always back up your work to multiple storage devices. You may also want to purchase an external hard drive for backing up your work. You can also use Google Drive, Dropbox, or Adobe Creative Cloud Files to backup and store your files.

Recommended Materials: A graphics tablet is also strongly recommended when working in Photoshop. 

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

At least two current (most recent update) web browsers from the following list:

Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Apple Safari (MAC)

This course does not support Chromebooks.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: semester available
Spring: semester available

Lead Teacher:

Cindy Schultz, Sentinel High School, cindy.schultz@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality and Tourism Marketing

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Business Education, Special Electives.

Course Length: 

One semester

Course Description: 

Where is your dream travel destination? Now imagine working there! You’ll be introduced to a thriving industry that caters to the needs of travelers through managing hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, resorts, theme parks, and any other kind of hospitality you can imagine. Operating busy tourist locations, creating marketing around leisure and travel, spotting trends, and planning events are just a few of the key aspects you will explore within this exciting field.

Prerequisites:

none

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Hospitality and Tourism Marketing Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: available
Spring: available

Lead Teacher:

Nicole Bogunovich, Billings West High School, nicole.bogunovich@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Public and Global Health

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Health Science, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One Semester

Course Description: 

What is public health? Who decides which diseases get funding and which do not? What are the reasons for health inequality? Study both infectious and non-communicable diseases as well as learn how we conquer these on a community and global level through various methods, including proper hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition. Explore the role of worldwide current and future technologies and the ethics and governance of health on a global scale, and discover unique career opportunities you can pursue to make a difference.

Prerequisites:

Public Health is designed as an elective for students interested in Health Science. Students should successfully complete Health Occupations or the equivalent before enrollment.

Comprehensive Syllabus: Public and Global Health Syllabus

Required Materials:

All required materials are provided in the course.

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

This course requires students to have access to desktop development platforms.  ChromeOS/Chromebooks are not compatible with this course.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available

Lead Teacher:

Dr. Constance K. Haan, MD, MS, MA, Billings Career Center, constance.haan@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

 

 

Music-Appreciation

Music Appreciation

Written by Jodie Hirsch on . Posted in Course Catalog, Music, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This course will use an overview of music theory and music history to create a foundation on which each student can build a deeper appreciation of all music. There is no prerequisite for this course; those of you with a musical background may find some activities easy, but everyone can access and learn from this course content.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Music Appreciation Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

This specific course requires that students use a word processor (Microsoft Word or Google Docs) and students will need to create a Spotify and Noteflight account.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: semester available
Spring: semester available
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Tyson Reiter, Helena Middle School, tyson.reiter@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Native-American-Studies

Native American Studies

Written by Jodie Hirsch on . Posted in Course Catalog, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This course employs the 7 Essential Understandings about Montana Indians as a framework or organizing principle; students will investigate each of the 7 EUs in depth with use of primary sources from the 12 Montana tribes throughout, and an emphasis on critical thinking, interaction with others, and digital projects that display understanding of the course content.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Native American Studies Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: semester available
Spring: semester available
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Jordann Lankford, Great Falls Public Schools, jordann.lankford@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Interior-Design

Interior Design

Written by Jodie Hirsch on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Family & Consumer Science, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

Are you constantly redecorating your room? If so, the design industry might just be for you! In this course, you’ll explore what it is like to work in the industry by exploring career possibilities and the background that you need to pursue them. Interior designers do it all—from planning the color scheme to choosing furniture and light fixtures—with the end goal of creating a space where people can live or work comfortably, safely, and happily.  Get ready to try your hand at designing as you learn the basics of color and design then test your skills through hands-on projects. In addition, you’ll develop the essential communication skills that build success in any business. By the end of the course, you’ll be well on your way to developing the portfolio you need to get your foot in the door of this exciting field.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

http://mtda.link/interiordesign

Required Materials:

  • Digital camera
  • Materials for your upcycling project
  • Colored pencils
  • Measuring tape
  • Sketchpad
  • Paper
  • Scissors

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: not available
Spring: semester available
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Patricia Palin, Missoula County Public Schools, patricia.palin@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Now-Were-Cooking

Now We’re Cooking: Introduction to Culinary Arts

Written by Jodie Hirsch on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Family & Consumer Science, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

Food is fundamental to life. Not only does it feed our bodies, but it’s often the centerpiece for family gatherings and social functions with friends. In this course, you will learn all about food including food culture, food history, food safety, and current food trends. You’ll also learn about the foodservice industry and try your hand at preparing some culinary delights. Through hands-on activities and in-depth study of the culinary arts field, this course will help you hone your cooking skills and give you the opportunity to explore careers in this exciting industry.

Prerequisites:

Although this is an introductory course, it is an intensive introduction to the subject.

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

http://mtda.link/culinaryarts

Required Materials:

Students will need access to the following:

  • A friend and/or family member to help act out scenarios in videos
  • Props for Videos (fake items may be subbed for real ones):
    • First-aid tools and materials (band-aids, gauze, ointment, antiseptic, etc.)
    • Plastic knife, butter knife, or basic dinner knife
    • Food items to practice knife skills on like chilled sticks of butter, potatoes, etc.
    • Kitchen with appliances like a sink, stove, refrigerator, etc.
    • Pots and pans for washing demonstration
    • Four boxes or buckets to use as sinks
    • Dishwasher or an item to stand in for a dishwasher
    • Chemicals used for dishwasher cleaning (or pictures of them)
    • Meat thermometer
    • Gloves, hair restraints, closed-toe shoes, apron, etc. – all for demonstrating proper kitchen hygiene
    • Various foods to use in video demonstration of dry heat and moist heat cooking methods
    • Salad and salad dressing ingredients
    • Vegetable and starch ingredients
    • Cold cooking tools

Supplies for the cooking labs: 

  • A medium-size skillet
  • A flat spatula
  • A gas or electric range
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 16 oz shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)
  • 1 cup sliced green chilies
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • Sour cream and/or guacamole for toppings (optional) Kitchen mixer
  • 7 egg whites
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 14 Tbsp sugar
  • Medium-size frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Spoon
  • Paper towel
  • Knife
  • Gas or electric range
  • 1 chicken breast and thigh with skin on
  • 6 Tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 oz vegetable oil (1/4 cup)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh shrimp (any size)

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

  • Computer with:
    • Internet access
    • Word processing program
    • Slideshow presentation program
  • Video recording device

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

This course has limited enrollment availability and is first-come, first-serve. This limit is firm.

Fall: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Spring: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Lorie Martinez, Columbus High School, lorie.martinez@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Astronomy

Astronomy

Written by Jodie Hirsch on . Posted in Course Catalog, Science, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

Astronomy is not built to be a casual elective, as it is the study of the entire universe, so it is quite in-depth.  To be successful in this course, students should expect to spend 4 to 7 hours a week completing reading assignments or research and hands-on labs.   The course is built for students that have 9th/10th-grade reading level or better to navigate the text-based lessons.

Prerequisites:

Algebra I

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

http://mtda.link/astronomy

Required Materials:

Most materials are common household products or can be borrowed from teachers at the school you are attending such as metric rulers, tape, index cards, balance scales, and possibly even sand.  Some materials you may need to find at a local dollar store if you don’t have them at home such as a balloon for the expanding universe lab.  Each lab has a materials list which you will need to get together for each unit.  For a complete list of needed materials please click here.

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

This course has limited enrollment availability and is first-come, first-serve. This limit is firm.

Fall: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Spring: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Jaret Stump, Glacier High School, jaret.stump@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Coding-for-Web-Design

Coding for Web Design

Written by Jodie Hirsch on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Business Education, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This project-based course is an introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites.  Students will learn about netiquette, copyright, and how to critically evaluate website quality. Students will learn how to plan, design, and create web pages in a WYSIWYG program, HTML coding, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript.  Students will learn how to resize images, the function of pixels, image optimization, image filters, create navigation bars, and how to test and publish websites.

Prerequisites:

Students should be familiar with operating systems, web browsers, managing files and folders, downloading software and file extensions.

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Coding for Web Design Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

At least two current (most recent update) web browsers from the following list:

Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Apple Safari (MAC)

Common Plugins:
Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Acrobat Reader

One of the following Text Editors:
Notepad (included in all versions of Microsoft Windows )
Notepad++ (Windows)
TextEdit (MAC) (included in all versions of MAC Computers)
TextWrangler (MAC)

Web Authoring Software:
BlueGriffon
(Note: if you have access to Adobe Dreamweaver, you can use this)

Graphic Software:
GIMP
(Note: if you have access to Adobe Photoshop, you can use this)

FTP Software:
We will be using an FTP program, Cyberduck, to transfer web pages from a server to a user’s browser. You will need to download this program on your computer.
Cyberduck (FTP Program) – free and works on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux”

This course does not support Chromebooks.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: semester available
Spring: semester available

Lead Teacher:

Cindy Schultz, Sentinel High School, cindy.schultz@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

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Montana Digital Academy
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education
The University of Montana
32 Campus Drive – Room 365
Missoula, Montana 59812
Phone: 406-203-1812
Fax: 406-203-1815

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