As a TechApps student, you’ll become a power user of several computer applications. Together with your classmates, you’ll figure out how to be a confident digital citizen. We will work with our Community and Global Citizenship director to make the world a better place by using technology to present research on nonprofit organizations and build websites for nonprofits we wish existed. And whatever coding and programming skills you bring, from zero to fierce, you’ll leave TechApps with even better skills!

S.T.E.A.M. is an exciting and innovative educational experience that combines various aspects of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Through project-based learning, students engage in hands-on activities, including video game design, coding, 3-D printing, digital animation, audio engineering, and robotics. The goal of the class is to expose students to the world of computer science, empower them to use it as a tool to express their ideas, and create a dynamic and interactive learning journey that equips students with essential skills for the future.

This dynamic course will introduce you to a diverse range of technology-related fields. Students will embark on a multifaceted exploration, from programming and web development to robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration, this class aims to foster innovation, creativity, and a comprehensive understanding of the technology landscape. This course will empower students to uncover their individual interests within the vast landscape of computer science and embark on tailored explorations of these captivating domains.

Explore the dynamic world of software development and learn how modern tools and practices bring ideas to life. In this course, you’ll master foundational skills in software design and development, diving into cutting-edge tools like Git for version control, testing, fuzzing, and continuous integration workflows that professional developers use every day. Along the way, you’ll tackle essential concepts in data structures and algorithms, building a solid foundation for problem-solving and efficient coding. Through hands-on projects and engaging exercises, you'll not only develop your technical expertise but also gain insight into how software is crafted in real-world settings. Whether you’re new to programming or looking to refine your skills, this course will equip you with the confidence and knowledge to excel in today’s tech-driven world.

Using the Java programming language, the course emphasizes both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design – proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small, simple problems to large, complex problems. Together we’ll investigate fundamental topics of computer science, such as problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing.

Immerse yourself in a world of web development. Covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP scripting, and database design, this class fosters proficiency in creating interactive, data-driven websites. Beginning with fundamental web development principles, students progress through front-end design, server-side scripting, and database integration. Practical insights into web hosting, deployment, and final project development equip students with real-world skills. Ethical considerations and responsible computing practices are integrated, empowering students to navigate the ethical and social implications of web engineering. Upon completion, students will possess a robust portfolio and the ability to confidently unravel complex web development challenges.

Embark on a journey where creativity meets computer science as you explore the realms of storytelling, character development, digital animation, and video game design. You will have the opportunity to merge your artistic vision with computer science, bringing characters and narratives to life. Animation and Game Design not only encourages individual expression but also fosters teamwork through collaborative projects. As the gaming and animation industries continue to thrive, this course equips you with skills that align with industry demands, making it a perfect launchpad for future careers in game development, animation, and digital media.

Push the boundaries of coding by mastering how software controls complex hardware systems. In this advanced course, you’ll design and program sophisticated embedded systems, working with microcontrollers and advanced hardware interfaces. Through intensive projects, you’ll gain expertise in sensor networks, actuator control, and low-level programming, as well as tackle challenges like optimizing performance and debugging hardware-software interactions. Dive into the cutting-edge of IoT, building secure, efficient systems ready for deployment in real-world applications. This course is ideal for those with foundational experience in programming or hardware design and aims to prepare you for advanced roles in IoT or embedded systems development.

Step into the future of technology with a comprehensive exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the ethical challenges that come with it. In this course, you’ll learn the fundamental principles of AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing, while gaining hands-on experience with real-world AI applications. Beyond the technical aspects, we will dive deep into the ethical implications of AI. How do we ensure AI is used responsibly? What are the societal impacts of automation and AI-driven decision-making? Through case studies, debates, and projects, you’ll critically examine the balance between innovation and responsibility in this fast-evolving field. By the end of the course, you’ll have both a solid technical foundation in AI and a nuanced understanding of the ethical landscape shaping its future. No prior AI knowledge or programming experience is required – just curiosity and a desire to be part of the conversation that will define our technological future!