Category: Special Electives

Computer Science I: Joy and Beauty of Computing High School Credit

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

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

The goal of this course is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. This way of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, and natural science. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to denote ideas (specifically computations). Like engineers, they design things, assembling components into systems and evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the behavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions. The single most important skill for a computer scientist is problem-solving. Problem-solving means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express a solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning to program is an excellent opportunity to practice problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites:

Intended for incoming high school junior or senior students

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

http://mtda.link/computerscience

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 the following:

Online Learning Resources (No Textbook Required)

  • Learning with Python: Interactive Edition (Using Python 3.x) – site . Links to the sections that you will be required to read are provided as part of the activities for the class. The on-line textbook contains more than will be covered in the class.
  • Python 3.x Tutorial – site . This is an additional resource to use when using Python.

Mandatory Software Download

  • Python 3.x with the IDLE editor – site

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: semester available
Spring: semester available
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Buffy Smith, Helena School District, buffy.smith@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Crow Indigenous Language

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, Indigenous Language, OC, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

 This course focuses on building Bíiluuke (Crow) language skills and related cultural knowledge. Students will learn vocabulary, basic greetings, introductions, and simple conversational sentences. Successful students in this course have an intrinsic interest in language and culture. They keep an open mind while learning about cultures that may not be their own. Successful language students also have the courage to record themselves pronouncing the language and receiving feedback to improve their skills.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Crow Indigenous Language Public Syllabus link

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):

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

Fall: available
Spring: available

Lead Teacher:

TBD@mtda.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Cree Indigenous Language graphic

Cree Indigenous Language

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, Indigenous Language, OC, Special Electives.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This course focuses on building Neyio (Cree) language skills and related cultural knowledge. Students will also learn basic greetings, introductions, and simple conversational sentences. The successful student in this course has an intrinsic interest in language and culture. They keep an open mind while learning about cultures that may not be their own. Successful language students also have the courage to record themselves pronouncing the language and receiving feedback to improve their skills.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Cree Indigenous Language 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):

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

Fall: available
Spring: available

Lead Teacher:

Adonius Benson, adonius.benson@mtda.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

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Video Production

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

Course Length:

One Semester

Course Description: 

The course is structured so as to have students experience the entire filmmaking process from idea to completion. Learn the fundamentals of crafting a script, shot designing a scene, capturing sound, the basics of cinematography, and cinematic techniques through various tried-and-true exercises. No prior video experience is required.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Video Production Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

All required materials are provided in the course.

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Free Open Source Video Editing Software: Davinci Resolve https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
Access to privately upload video assignments to YouTube for instructor review
This course requires students to have access to desktop development platforms.  ChromeOS/Chromebooks are not compatible with this course.

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:

Paul Furthmyre, paul.furthmyre@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Cybersecurity graphic

Cybersecurity

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

NEW FALL 2022!

Course Length:

one-semester course

Course Description:

Cybersecurity lays a foundation for understanding networking technology basics, risk assessment, cryptography, and a variety of cybersecurity tools – all the essential knowledge and skills needed to begin a future in the cybersecurity workforce. Delving into a variety of topics within the course seeks to demystify the technological world and provide opportunities for further learning.

Prerequisites:

Introduction to Computer Science or IT Fundamentals (Background knowledge of IT fundamentals and/or computer science)

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Cybersecurity Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

There are no required materials needed for this class.

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: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Summer: Not available

Lead Teacher: 

Diane Marsh, Columbia Falls, diane.marsh@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Google Workspace graphic

Google Workspace Career Tech

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Business Education, OC, 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 that allows access to publicly shared documents from the montanadigitalacademy.org and mtda.org.  Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, Microsoft Works, iWork, and alternatives are not supported for this course.  MTDA does not provide student access to Google Workspace accounts.  MTDA does not recommend that districts have students create personal accounts for the purpose of completing this course.

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, OC, 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:

Required Materials:

Access to Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Bridge Creative Cloud on a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop is a minimum requirement to 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.

Bridge is a powerful creative asset manager that lets you preview, organize, edit and publish multiple creative assets quickly and easily. Please review the minimum system requirements to run Bridge on your 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 Marketing

Written by Christen Cole on . Posted in Course Catalog, CTE: Business Education, OC, 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, OC, 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: available
Spring: 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

 

 

Creative Writing

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

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

This creative writing course will develop observation and reflection skills as well as develop the creative use of grammar in the writing process. Students will hone skills as they utilize a variety of technology to write for a variety of audiences, share writing with others, and give constructive feedback to peers. This is not a course to write for only yourself or to avoid communicating with a variety of peers. Students will study excellent creative writing in books of their choice.

Prerequisites:

English I

Comprehensive Syllabus:  

Creative Writing Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

Student-selected novels or creative nonfiction, student-selected children’s literature, and other built-in course materials

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 access to a microphone, speakers, and headphones for a computer.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: available
Spring: available

Lead Teacher:

Roger Scruggs, Helena High School, roger.scruggs@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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