Business and Information Technology

Accounting students study the basic principles, concepts, and practices of the accounting cycle for a service business and a merchandising business. Topics covered include analyzing transactions, journalizing and posting entries, preparing payroll records and financial statements, and managing cash control systems. Business ethics and professional conduct are emphasized. Students learn fundamental accounting procedures.

Advanced Accounting students gain knowledge of advanced accounting principles, procedures, and techniques used to solve business problems and make financial decisions. Students work in a technology-integrated environment, using accounting and spreadsheet software to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and interpret business financial data related to inventory, fixed assets, notes/accounts payable and receivable, implementation of a partnership and a corporation, and other specialized accounting systems. Using authentic workplace scenarios that reflect current industry trends and standards, students analyze financial data and acquire knowledge of business ethics.

Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through Advanced integrated software applications, including multimedia presentations, printed, electronic, and web publications. Students work individually and in groups to explore Advanced computer maintenance activities, website development, programming, networking, emerging technology, and employability skills.

In this course, students acquire advanced skills in design, multimedia, and web development by applying project management principles to create professional quality digital media projects. Work-based learning experiences allow students to apply layout and design techniques in real-world situations. Students create portfolios that include a résumé, certifications earned, and a variety of print, multimedia, and website projects produced in the course.

Students will work collaboratively in teams to refine their game design skills as they apply graphic design, animation, audio and writing skills to create innovative games for education and entertainment. This project-based course enhances problem-solving, project management, and communication skills through the analysis, design, construction, and critique of interactive games. Students will learn about career opportunities in game design and development and investigate the training and certification requirements.

Building on their foundation of programming skills, Advanced Programming students use object-oriented programming to develop database applications, interactive multimedia applications including game applications, mobile applications, and web applications. Students continue to develop their employability skills as they research pathways for continuing education and careers in the information technology industry and engage in various career-building activities.

**Check with your counselor to see if this course is offered as Dual Enrollment at your school.

Students examine the foundations of the American legal system and learn the rights and responsibilities of citizens and businesses. Students gain knowledge and skills by exploring economic and social concepts related to laws governing business and individuals. Focus areas include contracts, consumer protection, criminal law, tort law, international law, family/domestic law, employment law, cyber law, and careers in the legal profession. Students may combine classroom instruction and work-based learning opportunities in an approved position with continuing supervision.

Students study basic management concepts and leadership styles as they explore business ownership, planning, operations, marketing, finance, economics, communications, the global marketplace, and human relations. Quality concepts, project management, problem solving, and ethical decision making are an integral part of the course.

Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and integrated software activities. Students work individually and in groups to explore computer concepts, operating systems, networks, telecommunications, and emerging technologies.

This course includes database design and Structured Query Language (SQL) programming. Students study database fundamentals, including database development, modeling, design, and normalization. In addition, students are introduced to database programming with SQL. Students gain the skills and knowledge needed to use features of database software and programming to manage and control access to data.

Web-based technologies used throughout industry, including interactive websites, accounting programs, research tools, search engines, e-learning environments, email managers, and numerous other applications, depend upon relational databases. PL/SQL, an extension of the SQL programming language, provides additional database functionality through variables, conditional statements, iterative controls, and packaging. Students enhance their relational database design and algorithm design skills by learning to write PL/SQL code that includes anonymous blocks, sub programs, procedures, functions, control structures, packages, and triggers, all within a browser-based programming environment.

Students apply creativity and technology to create visual design, multimedia projects, and web projects, using industry-standard software. Work-based learning experiences allow students to apply layout and design techniques in real-world situations. Students create portfolios that include a résumé, certifications earned, and a variety of projects produced in the course.

Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and integrated software activities. Students work individually and in groups to explore computer concepts, operating systems, networks, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and career opportunities related to the information technology field.

This course meets the graduation requirement for Economics and Personal Finance. The following PWCS courses may be substituted to meet this requirement: AP Economics, IB Economics, Personal Living and Finances, AP Macroeconomics and Microeconomics through Virtual Virginia (must take both classes), AICE Economics, IB Business Management. Students learn how to make informed decisions related to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, saving, investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, living independently, and inheritance. Development of financial literacy skills and an understanding of economic principles help provide the basis for responsible citizenship and career success. In addition to developing personal finance skills, students in the 36-week course study basic occupational skills and concepts in preparation for entry-level employment in the field of finance. The course incorporates all economics and financial literacy objectives included in the Code of Virginia. Students must successfully complete the online curriculum in order to satisfy a graduation requirement.

This course introduces students to the exciting world of creating, owning, and launching their own business. Students learn concepts and techniques for planning an innovative business and living the entrepreneurial lifestyle.

**Check with your counselor to see if this course is offered as Dual Enrollment at your school.

The game design industry is the fastest revenue growing entertainment medium and has created many new job disciplines. In this project-based course, students will create innovative games through the application of graphic design, animation, audio, and writing skills. Students will work in teams while developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. They will analyze, design, prototype, and critique interactive games within a project management environment. Career opportunities across multiple industries, including the entertainment and educational arenas, will be explored.

Building on their foundation of programming skills, IT Advanced Programming students use object-oriented programming to develop database applications, interactive multimedia applications including game applications, mobile applications, and web applications. Students continue to develop their employability skills as they research pathways for continuing education and careers in the information technology industry and engage in various career-building activities.

Students will engage in website development process using HTML, XHTML, Dynamic HTML, XML, Server-side technologies, Java applets, tables, frames, metadata and Cascading Style Sheets. Industry certification competencies will be used for the course.

Students will engage in website development process using HTML, XHTML, Dynamic HTML, XML, Server-side technologies, Java applets, tables, frames, metadata and Cascading Style Sheets. Industry certification competencies will be used for the course.

IT Programming introduces students to systems design, programming for web applications, and programming hardware. Emphasis is placed on the programming process starting from system design to program completion. Current software and programming languages are taught.

Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the internet and essential webpage development skills using extensible HTML, and incorporating images, hyperlinks, tables, forms and frames. Students will learn to write code manually, as well as use GUI authoring tools. Industry certification competencies will be used for this course.

Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the internet and essential webpage development skills using extensible HTML, and incorporating images, hyperlinks, tables, forms and frames. Students will learn to write code manually, as well as use GUI authoring tools. Industry certification competencies will be used for this course.

Information Technology Fundamentals introduces the essential technical and professional skills required for students to pursue programs leading to professional careers and information technology certifications. The course introduces skills related to digital technology, digital applications, maintenance/upgrading/troubleshooting, and networking fundamentals. Students also explore ethical issues related to computers and Internet technology and examine webpage and game design.

Students complete the Office Specialist sequence identified locally or progress in the sequence until prepared to transfer into other business courses. Students develop skills in areas including keyboarding, word processing, office procedures, and records management. If a fourth year is needed, the teacher should use simulated activities in the following areas: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, desktop publishing, and records management.

Students complete the Office Specialist sequence identified locally or progress in the sequence until prepared to transfer into other business courses. Students develop skills in areas including keyboarding, word processing, office procedures, and records management. If a fourth year is needed, the teacher should use simulated activities in the following areas: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, desktop publishing, and records management.

Students complete the Office Specialist sequence as identified locally or progress in the sequence until prepared to transfer into other business courses. Students develop skills in areas including word processing, office procedures, and records management. If a fourth year is needed, the teacher should use simulated activities in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, graphic design, and records management.

Students discover the roles of business and marketing in the free enterprise system and the global economy. Students examine basic financial concepts of banking, insurance, credit, taxation, and investments to provide a strong background for making sound decisions as consumers, wage earners, and citizens. The real-world effects of technology, effective communication, and interpersonal skills is evident throughout the course. This course also supports career-development skills and explores career options.

Students in the Programming course explore programming concepts, use algorithmic procedures, implement programming procedures with one or more standard languages, and master programming fundamentals. Coding is used throughout the course. Graphical user interfaces may be used as students design and develop interactive multimedia applications, including game programs. In addition, students employ hypertext markup language (HTML) or JavaScript to create webpages. Students develop their employability skills through a variety of activities.