The department of technology and computer science prepares students for success in all aspects of technology. The department includes courses in computer programming, use of computers in the arts, in website design, and in the use of technology to support all academic disciplines.
Many of our students earn Advanced Placement (AP) credit for college in computer science. Our classes feature hands-on labs where students engage in designing and using applications. Abington Friends School is committed to using technology in all areas of the curriculum to transform the way faculty teach and students learn.
Course Offerings
Teacher availability and/or student enrollment will determine which courses the department offers each year. Students will be informed of the choices available at pre-registration time.
Introduction to Computer Programming (major, Honors option with permission of the instructor)
This is an introductory course in the general principles of computer programming and in object-oriented programming in particular, using the Java language. Students will design, debug, and implement simple stand-alone applications and web-based applets using an integrated development environment. Projects will proceed from very simple programs to creating graphics, simple animations, and interactive objects and event handling.
AP Computer Science A (major, Advanced Placement)
This is a rapid-paced course in the general principles of computer programming and in object-oriented programming in particular, using the Java language. Students will design, debug, and implement stand-alone applications using an integrated development environment. Projects will proceed from simple programs to creating graphics, simple animations, and interactive objects and event handling. Coverage on each topic will be more in-depth than the Introduction to Computer Programming course. The AP Case Study will be included in the second semester. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Computer Programming, honors mathematics, or permission of the department.
AP Computer Science AB (Major, Advanced Placement)
The course extends the concepts studied in the AP Computer Science A course and focuses on data structures, sorting, and interactive programming with file I/O, event-handling and web-based programming. Other topics may include database programming and game programming. The AP Case Study will be included. Pre-requisite: AP Computer Science A or permission of the department.
Computer Graphics and Design (minor, one semester)
(May be taken as an arts credit for graduation)
This introductory course focuses on both instruction in design principles (unity, variety, balance, repetition, and space) and in the production, manipulation, and enhancement of digital images and publication layouts. Students use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Pagemaker, two computer programs that are standard in the graphic arts professions today. Students work on projects and tutorials and participate in peer review and critiques of the graphic elements and computer techniques in publications.
Web Authoring and Design (minor, one semester, may be taken as an Arts credit for graduation)
This course focuses on the graphics, design, and multimedia features of web pages as well as the structure of web sites. The students will learn to write html, will use Adobe Photoshop, Image Ready, and Macromedia Flash. Students research and evaluate web site architecture and design in conjunction with creating their own site(s). This hands-on class also includes image optimization, automating actions, creating rollovers, and simple animations.
