Technology
Kirby understands that students must have technological proficiency to succeed in the twenty-first century. A dedicated computer classroom is used for programming and digital media courses and is available for use by instructors incorporating technology use in their curriculum on a daily or long term basis. A separate omputer laboratory equipped with the latest software and technology is open for student use during school hours. An audio engineering lab and recording studio enable students to use sound software and recording equipment.
Programming 1
The course begins with a review of HTML, basic Web authoring techniques, and a discussion of HTTP and Web technology. It then moves into programming fundamentals using PHP. Content areas include basic program structure, data types, control statements, and debugging techniques and progresses to Web-centric concepts such as HTML form processing, session management, cookies, and HTTP. Students employ this knowledge to create complex programs in a Web context. JavaScript, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and databases are also introduced. Programming 1 is a hands-on class with a heavy practical focus.
Programming 2
The course begins with a review of procedural programming concepts. Students then gain mastery in the Java programming language. Course material moves on to advanced procedural programs and expands into learning data structures, sorting and searching, and object-oriented programming. As with Programming 1, the class primarily embraces a hands-on pedagogy, but students are also introduced to some of the more theoretical concepts such as binary math, Boolean logic, and algorithm analysis.
Computer Science (AP)
The course prepares students for the Computer Science advanced placement examination. Topics include object-oriented program design, program implementation, program analysis, standard data structures, and standard algorithms. Advanced students are further challenged with assignments that meet their level of mastery. (Offered in 2008-2009)
Audio Engineering
In Audio Engineering students explore the nature of sound and the technologies, past and present, used to capture, synthesize, digitize, and manipulate it. Students investigate, learn, and apply professional multi-track studio recording techniques; learn how to use industry-standard Pro Tools digital audio software; and are taught to use MIDI and virtual instruments to design sound and to compose music electronically. All students complete the course with an electronic portfolio of sound and music they have recorded and produced.