Center for Career and Technical Education > Computer Software and Media Applications

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Welcome to Computer Software and Media Applications

Formerly Advanced Computer Applications and/or Microcomputer Applications
This award-winning program has been organized into the four semester courses outlined below. Please note that by taking all four courses, students are eligible for nine college credits (three courses) through the Running Start program. Students wishing to take any courses beyond Introduction to MS Office (CSMA #1) must fill out a CTE application. It should be noted that juniors approved through the CTE application process will be given placement priority in scheduling. Outlined below are the four classes that make up this exciting and worthwhile program:

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

CSMA#1: Introduction to MS office
Course # 724 Grade 10-12 CR 1(RS) S
This course will introduce students to the basic elements of the Microsoft Office suite and the use of common computer peripherals (digital cameras, scanners, microphones, etc.). Using Windows-based PC's in a hands-on environment, students will complete the following basic units: Microsoft Word (word processing), Excel (Spreadsheets), Access (databases), and PowerPoint (multimedia presentations). Students will also be exposed to computer terminology and language commonly used within the IT (information technology) industry. Due to high demand for this course, priority will be given to those students planning on taking the entire sequence of CSMA courses (required for the college credits through Running Start).

CSMA#2: Advanced MS Office, honors
Course # 716 Grade 11-12 CR 1(RS) S
Students in this course will be exposed to the more advanced features of the powerful Microsoft Office suite in a rigorous, but stimulating hands-on environment (typically, the topics in this course are reserved for college-level classes or high-end sessions offered at computer training centers). The following advanced units will be completed Microsoft Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), Access (databases), and the integration of the various components of Microsoft Office. Students will also have the opportunity to obtain the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification which is currently required at many of the nation’s leading MBA (masters in business administration) programs. Strong basic math and analytical skills are recommended. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in CSMA#1.

CSMA #3: Advanced Computer Applications 1, honors
Course # 718 Grade 11-12 CR 1(RS) S
Using several programs from the Adobe CS suite (Acrobat, InDesign, PhotoShop, and Illustrator), students will learn the essential elements of desktop publishing including the editing of images, photographs, and the creation of vector illustrations. The skills acquired in this course have proven to aide students in college since they are able to produce exceptional printed materials as part of their assignments. These valuable skills will also help distinguish the student after college and throughout their professional career. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in CSMA#1.

CSMA #4: Advanced Computer Applications 2, honors
Course # 720 Grade 12 CR 1(RS) S
Students in this course will have the exciting opportunity to learn more advanced applications such as: video editing, DVD authoring, and web-page design skills in a fun hands-on environment. Adobe Premiere and Dreamweaver will be the primary applications utilized, but the student will also apply many of the skills learned in the first three courses of the Computer Software and Media Applications program. The skills acquired in this course will provide students with the opportunity to create unique and powerful presentations/projects in college and will certainly distinguish themselves with inimitable software applications skills throughout their careers. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CSMA#3.

Instructor

Curtis Killion

In addition to teaching full time at Salem High School, Mr. Killion teaches industry computer applications classes and continues to work on the side as a private contractor performing light database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and even some computer-based video work. He also teaches computer applications evening courses part time at several local colleges.

Mr. Killion is a past president of the New England Business Educators Association, holds bachelor of science degrees in accounting, finance, and economics, and holds a masters degree in secondary education. Although his personal educational background is business, he has spent 20+ years primarily working with computer applications and related technologies.

Besides teaching, Mr. Killion continues to coach the SHS girls tennis team and is extremely active both as a youth ice hockey coach and a Mass Hockey representative. He loves the game of hockey and continues to play himself (goaltender) in the Raytheon Hockey League and miscellaneous men's pick-up games.

His educational philosophy involves brief demonstrations followed by student activities that requires the student to think and use the software applications to accomplish specific outcomes (similar to the "real world"). He feels the students learn the most when they are actively engaged in problem solving and analytical thinking while using the software features reviewed in class. His classes are very "up-tempo" and have received rave reviews by those students who have taken the CSMA classes.

It should be noted that over 95% of Mr. Killion's students go on to 4-year colleges including such colleges as Harvard, Brown, Holy Cross, and the West Point military academy. Mr. Killion stresses that his classes are for ALL students regardless of their particular college major as everyone will benefit from strong computer applications skills.