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Technology

  • Intro To Engineer Design

    Introduction to Engineering Design – (DMACC)
    Credit: 1.0
    Offered to grades: 9‐12
    Category: Elective
    Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra I

    In this introductory course, students learn about the impact engineers have on our everyday lives. They learn how products are designed and created. Using computer aided design (CAD) software, students use the design process to create, sketch, analyze, render, and construct solutions to various challenges. This is the first course in the acclaimed Project Lead the Way series and is a prerequisite for all other PLTW courses. Additional course fee is $75.

  • Computer Science Principles

    Computer Science Principles
    Credit: 1.0
    Offered to grades: 10‐12
    Category: Elective
    Prerequisite: POE or Computer Programming I
    CSP is a PLTW course where students develop computational thinking and solve problems. The course covers the College Board’s new CS Principles framework. The course does not aim to teach mastery of a single programming language, but aims instead to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about the field of computing, and introduce computational tools that foster creativity. The course also aims to build students’ awareness of the tremendous demand for computer specialists and for
    professionals in all fields who have computational skills. Students will consider the present and future impacts computing has on society. Additional course fee is $75.

  • Computer Apps

    Computer Applications                                                      
    Credit:  0.5                                                                           
    Offered to grades:  9-12
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                             Prerequisite:  None

    The purpose of this course is to develop students’ talent in the following technology areas: Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, and Presentations), Office 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), effective internet research techniques, and the use of OnCampus. Students will be able to transfer these skills into other curricular areas during their time at Dowling Catholic and beyond. The impact of social networking will also be addressed. Keyboarding skills should improve throughout the course, especially in the areas of speed and accuracy.

  • AP Computer Sci (RAI)

    AP Computer Science – (RAI)                                       
    Credit:  0.5                                                    
    Offered to grades:  11-12, 2nd semester
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                    Prerequisite:  C or above in Computer Programming II

    This course is intended as a first-year college-level course. It is both an introductory course and a substantial course for those involved in programming. Emphasis is on methodology, algorithms, and data structures. The programming language taught will be JAVA.

  • Computer Prog I

    Computer Programming I                                             
    Credit:  0.5                                                                             
    Offered to grades:  9-12
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                    Prerequisite:  Intro to Computer Science

    This course introduces the concepts of computer programming by teaching the basics of language, code structure, and efficiency while coding. Students will create basic programs, evaluate code, analyze for errors, work in a partner or group setting, and will practice peer review of their work. The languages of Python and Java will be used in this course.

  • Computer Prog II

    Computer Programming II                                            
    Credit:  0.5                                                   
    Offered to grades:  10-12, 2nd semester
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                  Prerequisite:  Computer Programming I

    This course takes what was covered in Computer Programming I and allows the students to work in more complicated situations. Test Driven Development will be covered, and those principles will be applied in our projects and coursework. The languages of Python and Java will be used in this course.

  • Digital Animation

    Digital Animation
    Credit: 0.5
    Offered to grades: 9-12
    Category: Elective
    Prerequisite: None
    Students will learn to design and create animations and graphics. A variety of software will be used including Adobe Photoshop, Audition, and Flash.

  • Digital Photo I

    Digital Photography I
    Credit: 0.5
    Offered to grades: 10-12
    Category: Elective
    Prerequisite: Digital SLR camera (DSLR)

    This is an introductory course in color photography where students will learn how to set the functions of the DSLR camera so that the camera can be used in any lighting situation. Emphasis will be on techniques in Bridge and Photoshop. Projects include editing, lights and studio, experimental processes, documentary storytelling, mixed media, and critiques. The variety of projects will help to further the student’s knowledge of how to be a professional photographer.

  • Digital Photo+

    Digital Photography + (DMACC)
    Credit: 0.5
    Offered to grades: 10-12
    Category: Elective
    Prerequisites: C or above in Digital Photo I and DSLR camera

    This course allows students to continue work with the functions of the DSLR camera. Students will explore creative techniques in Photoshop, set-up studio situations, work on hands-on projects, participate in critiques, and be challenged to photograph in
    different environments. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • Graphic Design I

    Graphic Design I                                                             
    Credit:  0.5                                                                            
    Offered to grades:  9-12
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                        Prerequisite:  Art & Design

    This course introduces students to graphic design as a form of visual communication using type, image, form, and color. Projects explore design processes in two and three dimensions, visual identity, creative problem solving, and basic design practice of critiques, and discussion. Students will use Adobe Programs including Bridge, Photoshop, and Illustrator to create logos, posters, advertisements, and more. This class accepts all types of drawing skills. Interested students who do not meet the prerequisite will be given the opportunity to complete pre-work prior to the course to learn the required basics of art and design.

  • Graphic Design+

    Graphic Design + (DMACC)                                                             
    Credit:  0.5                                                                            
    Offered to grades:  10-12
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                        Prerequisite:  C+ or above in Graphic Design 1

    Students will continue to explore the Adobe Programs of visual communication. This class will be an opportunity for students to freely explore projects of their own area of interest. Students will have the opportunity to recreate menus, logos, design billboards, and work with product labeling. Critiques will be held regularly to encourage brainstorming, discussion, and suggestions toward project ideas and personal goals. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • Intro to Comp Science (RAI)

    Introduction to Computer Science – (RAI)                  
    Credit:  0.5                                                                             
    Offered to grades:  9-12
    Category:  Elective                                                                        
    Prerequisite:  None

    In this course, students will be introduced to different topics within computer science, with an emphasis on security and ethics. Students will discuss data, operating systems, networking, algorithms, databases, artificial intelligence, and programming structure using Scratch.

  • Virtual Reality Ed Path

    Virtual Reality Education Pathfinder
    Credit: 0.5
    Offered to grades: 9‐12
    Category: Elective
    Prerequisite: Instructor approval
    Using the open source 3D modeling software, Blender, students have an opportunity to create cutting edge technology projects.  This course is self‐directed, giving students the freedom to design projects based on their own areas of interest and to decide what
    technologies to use. Working with peers within their own school and across the VREP consortia, students will complete projects, research and design their own virtual programs, and create 2D and 3D imaging that is then transferred into stereoscopic displays to create immersive virtual environments. Students may be asked to make presentations of their work. Because of the independent nature of the class, only students with a strong work ethic and self motivation will be considered for entrance into the class.  Interested students may be asked to write a one‐page request for enrollment explaining why this course would be a good fit for them. The course may be repeated for credit.

  • Web Design

    Web Design                                                                    
    Credit:  0.5                                                                           
    Offered to grades:  9-12
    Category:  Elective                                                                                                                          Prerequisite:  None

    This class is an introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites. Students will: evaluate website quality, create and maintain web pages, learn about web design standards and why they're important, and learn to create and manipulate images. The course progresses from introductory work on web design to a culminating project in which students design and develop websites using Web Design software and HTML code. A variety of software will be used including Adobe Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, and PhotoShop.

  • Video Production

    Video Production                                                           
    Credit:  0.5                                                                           
    Offered to grades:  9-12
    Category:  Elective
    Prerequisite:  None

    Learn the camera technique and editing skills needed to make creative videos with tools that you already have!  We will be creating trailers, interviews, promotional videos, music videos, and short films using our phones and free online video editing software. Some of our projects will be featured on Maroon Crew News and the gym scoreboard during games. This class requires a lot of group collaboration. You also must have your own phone to record video footage.

Department Faculty

Dowling Catholic High School

1400 Buffalo Rd.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Main: 515-225-3000
Attendance: 515-222-1001
Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.
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