Emerging Technology Academy

Willowridge High School

Program Tracks

Software and Game Design
Computer application software engineers, better known as Software Designers, create and design computer software programs which includes graphics, animation, and sound effects. At Willowridge High School, students use Alice and java programming languages. Software design can open the door to a world of exciting career options such as video game programmers, software and graphics engineers.

Operating Systems
An operating system is the software component of a computer system that is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the limited resources of the computer. In this area students will build a PC, install various OS and learn networking Skills. OS jobs include PC
technicians, Operating Systems Engineers, etc. Students will take the Industry Certification 3 test.

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Advanced Technology- This course is a practical course which exposes students to the world of designing software and offers opportunities for developing effective software designing skills. Typical units will include the study of the modern methods, technologies, languages, principles and practices that make it possible to conceive, create, validate and evolve complex software systems. This course provides a firm foundation for additional designing courses. Programming Languages used are Alice and java.

Operating Systems- Students will learn the functionality and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety. Through hands-on activities and labs, students assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software and trouble-shoot hardware and software problems.

Computer Porgramming Advanced I- This class prepares students for advance programming which is introduction via algorithms, design, coding, and execution on computers. Emphasis will be on data structures and recurrence. The course also introduces a variety of topics in theoretical and applied computing science. Students apply logical thinking skills and object-oriented, event driven programming techniques to create programs in Visual Basic. The course is intended for students who have no programming experience. Students will be encouraged to enter contests involving web mastering, graphics and multi-media events.

Advanced Operating Systems II-This second-year computer course examines various operating systems (DOS, Mac OS, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Professional, Linux and Unix). Topics include installation and configuration, file management, memory and storage management, control of peripheral devices and use of utilities.

Computer Programming Advanced II-This course teaches students how to write key classes for games, draw and manipulate vector graphics, apply translation, rotation, and scaling of shapes, load and drawing bitmap images, use timing methods and thread for the game loop, create a sprite class as well as keep track of animation features in preparation of game design.

Advanced Operating Systems III- In this third-year course, students will comprehend advanced topics in operating systems, including systems management, process communication, resource allocation, multiprocessor, network operating systems, and kernel philosophies.

Software Design Internship- Students should have completed three or more courses within the Software Design Academy with an 85 or higher grade point average and teacher recommendation. Students must apply by application and provide own transportation. This course provides students who plan to enter the software designing field with a remarkable experience daily from a field experience with software designers. Students will work in an unpaid internship directly under the supervision of software designers for a minimum of 10 hours per week.

Contact Information
Willowridge High School
16301 Chimney Rock
Houston, TX 77053
Academy Liaisons – George MacGregor, Carolyn Nevills
281-634-2586/ 281-634-2565