The integration of technology into the Upper School curriculum increases every year. Faculty members develop and evaluate technology-enhanced curriculum projects and teaching methodologies, leading to exciting new forms of academic discovery and discourse. A common goal is to enable all students to use technology to enhance their ability to research, assess, process, and present information and ideas.

In the Upper School, technology is not seen as an independent subject, but as a growing collection of tools and methods to be appraised, experienced and mastered by students. In addition to developing core technology skills for all students, OES offers advanced opportunities to help students reach their full potential. Each year, technology winterims or activities may also be offered.

The Computer Science sequence enables students with opportunities for both basic and advanced programming experiences. Given the importance of technology in today’s world, all students are encouraged to take Computer Science I or II.

COMPUTER SCIENCE I
Join us for a gentle introduction to programming using the Alice 3-D graphical development environment. This is a lab class that will teach the computer science concepts of problem solving, project design, and events through the creation of animated scenes and the writing of games. No previous programming experience is necessary. This course prepares students for further study in Computer Science. (Prerequisite: none. One semester.) (F,S)

COMPUTER SCIENCE II
In this course, students will begin to use the Java programming language, focusing on problem solving skills and algorithm development. An object oriented design approach will be used as students learn to read and write Java programs. This course, along with Computer Science III, is recommended for students who plan to take the Computer Science AP exam. (Prerequisite: Computer Science I and Geometry, or permission of instructor. One semester.) (S)

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE III
In Computer Science III students will develop more sophisticated programs and begin to work with standard computer science algorithms and data structures. This course, along with Computer Science II, will prepare students for the Computer Science AP exam. (Prerequisite: Computer Science II or permission of instructor. One semester.) (F)

COMPUTER SCIENCE IV – ADVANCED TOPICS
Computer Science IV is a practical, team project-based course that ties together many fields of computer science. Individual students will work on an area of the project that matches his or her interest and skills. Software Engineering concepts will be used, including gathering requirements, team development, design reviews and revision control. Projects will integrate many advanced computer science topics, including but not limited to: advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence, operations research, network programming, human interface, graphics, alternate programming languages and hardware design. (Prerequisite: Computer Science II or III. May be repeated for credit. One semester. ) (S)

DIGITAL SIMULATIONS
In this semester-long course, students use advanced applications (Terragen and Maya) to create original 3D animations, digital models, and landscapes. Students will learn how computers simulate light, texture, depth, and motion as they gain mastery over tools that are used by major motion picture studios to create computer generated effects as well as full-length animations. Completed projects may be published on the OES internal or external web sites. (Prerequisite: none. One semester. Receives art credit.) (S)

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