Course Offerings

IDEA PCS understands that gaining technology expertise in school can lead students toward success along a variety of career paths. We offer several technology courses. Please note that not every course may be offered every semester.

A+ Certification

This industry certification course will provide the student with the skills to become a computer technician. During the course of the year students will

  • learn common computer terminology
  • understand the function of the motherboard
  • learn the function of the components that attach to the motherboard
  • learn the binary and hexadecimal numbering system
  • troubleshoot common PC problems
  • assemble and disassemble PC systems
  • load operating systems
  • understand the difference between firmware and software
  • understand processors
  • understand memory
  • understand the channels that carry data between components
  • understand printers
  • discuss networking and security.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles of Technology and Computer Repair

Please note that A+ certification is not being offered this semester.

AutoCAD I

This course provides resources for an introductory course in engineering design. The course reviews design principles, creating sketches using pencil and paper and AutoCAD®, solid modeling using Autodesk® Inventor Professional and visualization using Autodesk® VIZ.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Information Technology

AutoCAD II

This course provides resources for an introductory course in architectural design. The course reviews design principles, creating sketches using pencil and paper and AutoCAD 2008, architectural design using AutoCAD Architecture and Revit Architecture.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introduction to Information Technology and AutoCAD I.

Computer Repair

Students will learn to install, use and troubleshoot Windows XP and Windows Vista, build, install and maintain computer hardware and software systems. They will learn to diagnose and repair components and functions and learn how to solve failures when they occur. Students will have an opportunity to practice these skills in a series of hands-on labs.

Prerequisite: Principles of Technology or any other technology class

Digital Video and Web Design

Digital video production provides a hands-on introduction to digital video production. It guides students through all phases of digital video production, from planning, executing, and managing a video shoot to editing footage. Students explore methods of sharing and broadcasting digital videos, including platform versions, CDs/DVDs, and web delivery. They also learn about publicizing a digital video, using techniques such as search engines to direct viewers to the production. Web Design is a hands-on introduction to designing, building, and launching Web sites. Students learn about Web development including HTML coding, usability, design, and Web-based publishing tools. Students determine business requirements, gather Web content, create Web pages, conduct usability testing, launch their Web sites, and plan how to attract traffic. Finally, students take a look at various career opportunities in Web design

Prerequisite: Principles of Technology

Drafting I

Drafting I prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills as each relates to gathering and translating of data or specifications included in basic aspects of planning, preparing, and interpreting mechanical, architectural, structural, civil, electrical/electronic, topographical and other drawings and sketches used in various engineering fields. Instruction is designed to provide experiences in

  • drawing and CAD
  • use of reproduction materials, equipment and processes
  • preparation of reports and data sheets for writing specifications
  • development of plan and process charts indicating dimensions, tolerances, and other engineering data
  • development of models
  • drafting multiple view assembly and sub-assembly drawings as required for manufacture, construction, and repair of mechanisms.

Prerequisites: none.

Principles of Technology

This course will introduce students to computer hardware, basic business technology, basic electronics, basic web page design, CAD, Computer Repair and Networking as well as any state-of-the-art IT. The course will provide both hands-on as well as theory for each module. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a working knowledge of IT and be ready to choose a certification track, if desired.

Prerequisites: None