Academy of Information Technology

This pathway is designed for students interested in computer programming.

Students will develop standard programming techniques and learn the logic tools and methods typically used by programmers to create simple computer applications.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Coding Pathway is a part of the Information Technology career cluster. The Information Technology Career Cluster includes careers related to the design, development, support, and management of computer systems. This cluster involves building, maintaining, and repairing hardware, software, and information technology systems.

Pathway Courses

Level 1: AP Computer Science Principles

• AP Computer Science Principles is an introductory college-level computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems—including the internet—work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical.
• Aligned Industry Credential: Not available

Level 2: Coding II

• Coding II challenges students to develop advanced skills in problem analysis, construction of algorithms, and computer implementation of algorithms as they work on programming projects of increased complexity. In so doing, they develop key skills of discernment and judgment as they must choose from among many languages, development environments, and strategies for the program life cycle. Course content is reinforced through numerous short- and long-term programming projects, accomplished both individually and in small groups. These projects are meant to hone the discipline and logical thinking skills necessary to craft error-free syntax for the writing and testing of programs. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will demonstrate an understanding of object-oriented programming language using high-level languages such as FOCUS, Python, or SAS.
• Aligned Industry Credential: Not available

Level 3 Course: AP Computer Science A

• AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures.
• Aligned Industry Credential: Not available

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests.

This pathway is designed for students interested in careers such as network administrator, network technician, computer systems analyst, information systems operator, or PC support specialist.

The course content is competency-based, introducing students to fundamental information technology concepts, then progressing to cover key topics such as industry standards and specifications; troubleshooting, replacing and upgrading computers; designing, managing, and diagnosing network hardware and software; cabling system design; and cabling installations.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Networking Systems Pathway is a part of the Information Technology career cluster. The Information Technology Career Cluster includes careers related to the design, development, support, and management of computer systems. This cluster involves building, maintaining, and repairing hardware, software, and information technology systems.

Pathway Courses

Level 1: Computer Science Foundations

• Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Coding, Web Design, and Cybersecurity. As a result, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two of four focus areas. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various information technology (IT) occupations and professional organizations. Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate logical thought processes and discuss the social, legal, and ethical issues encountered in the IT profession. Depending on the focus area, proficient students will also demonstrate an understanding of electronics and basic digital theory; project management and teamwork; client relations; causes and prevention of Internet security breaches; and writing styles appropriate for web publication. Upon completion of the CSF course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which Information Technology program of study to pursue.
• Aligned Industry Credential: CompTIA IT Fundamentals
  • The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam focuses on the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, software development, and database use.

Level 2: Computer Systems

• Computer Systems is an intermediate course designed to prepare students with work-related skills and aligned certification in the information technology industry. Content provides students the opportunity to acquire knowledge in both theory and practical applications pertaining to hardware, operating systems, safe mode, command prompt, security, networking, printers, peripheral devices, laptops, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and customer service management. Upon completion of the course, proficient students will have acquired skills and knowledge to install, configure, and maintain computer systems.
• Aligned Industry Credential: CompTIA IT Fundamentals
  • The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam focuses on the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, software development, and database use.

Level 3: Networking

• Networking is an advanced course designed to emphasize the conceptual and practical skills necessary to design, manage, and diagnose network hardware and software. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will identify types of networks, understand the layers of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model, prevent security risks, and apply troubleshooting theory to the successful execution of networking tasks. Course content covers transmission control protocol, internet protocol, wired and wireless topologies, switching and routing, network hardware, wireless networking, and network operating systems (NOS). Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared to sit for the CompTIA Network+ exam.
• Aligned Industry Credential: CompTIA Network+
  • The CompTIA Network+ certification measures knowledge and skills in networking components and the ability to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols, and services.

Additional Course(s) in this Pathway

• IGCSE Computer Science. Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners develop an interest in computational thinking and an understanding of the principles of problem-solving using computers. They apply this understanding to create computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. Learners also develop a range of technical skills, and the ability to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions.
• Cabling and Internetworking. Cabling and Internetworking is an advanced course intended to equip students with the conceptual and practical skills necessary to install voice and data network cabling. This course emphasizes industry standards and types of media and cabling.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

• Credit Type: Dual Credit
• Institution: Nashville State Community College (NSCC)
• Dual Credit (by assessment): Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests.

This pathway is for students who wish to pursue careers such as web designer, web developer, social networking specialist, search engine optimization specialist, or search engine marketing specialist.

Course content covers key topics including pixilated and vector-based web design, web graphics, web animation, web hosting, and eCommerce.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Web Design Pathway is a part of the Information Technology career cluster. The Information Technology Career Cluster includes careers related to the design, development, support, and management of computer systems. This cluster involves building, maintaining, and repairing hardware, software, and information technology systems.

Pathway Courses

Level 1: Computer Science Foundations

• Computer Science Foundations (CSF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Coding, Web Design, and Cybersecurity. As a result, students will complete all core standards, as well as standards in two of four focus areas. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe various information technology (IT) occupations and professional organizations. Moreover, they will be able to demonstrate logical thought processes and discuss the social, legal, and ethical issues encountered in the IT profession. Depending on the focus area, proficient students will also demonstrate an understanding of electronics and basic digital theory; project management and teamwork; client relations; causes and prevention of Internet security breaches; and writing styles appropriate for web publication. Upon completion of the CSF course, students will be prepared to make an informed decision about which Information Technology program of study to pursue.

• Aligned Industry Credential: CompTIA IT Fundamentals
  • The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam focuses on the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, software development, and database use.

Level 2: Website Development

• Website Development builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Web Design Foundations to further prepare students for success in the web design and development fields. Emphasis is placed on applying the design process toward projects of increasing sophistication, culminating in the production of a functional, static website. As students work toward this goal, they acquire key skills in coding, project management, basic troubleshooting and validation, and content development and analysis. Artifacts of the work completed in this course will be logged in a student portfolio demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared to pursue a variety of postsecondary programs in the computer sciences, sit for industry certification, or apply their skills in a capstone Web Design Practicum.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Adobe Certified Associate - Dreamweaver
  • Becoming an Adobe Certified Professional in Web Authoring enables a student to show their skills on Adobe Dreamweaver, the all-in-one visual development tool for creating, publishing, and managing websites and mobile content.

Level 3: Web Design Foundations

• Web Design Foundations is a course that prepares students with work-related web design skills for advancement into postsecondary education and industry. The course is intended to develop fundamental skills in both theory and practical application of the basic web design and development process, project management and teamwork, troubleshooting and problem solving, and interpersonal skill development. Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the web design and development industry; where interaction with a “client” is indicated in the standards, it is expected that students’ peers or the instructor may serve as mock clients in lieu of an actual relationship with an industry partner. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in the Web Design program of study.

• Aligned Industry Credential: Adobe Certified Associate - Dreamweaver
  • Becoming an Adobe Certified Professional in Web Authoring enables a student to show their skills on Adobe Dreamweaver, the all-in-one visual development tool for creating, publishing, and managing websites and mobile content.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

• Credit Type: Dual Credit

• Institution: Nashville State Community College (NSCC)

• Dual Credit (by assessment): Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests.