Gerald Wichlacz
Computer Science Teacher
Academic Decathlon Coach
Deerfield High School
300 Simonson Blvd.
Deerfield, WI 53531
608-764-5431 ext. 1139
wichlaczg@deerfield.k12.wi.us

Computer Science

Listed below are short descriptions of the various Computer Science courses that are offered at Deerfield High School. Clicking on the name of the course will take you to that course's web site where you can find out more about the course. If you are asked to log in, click on the enter as guest button. You will be able to see all of the resources but will not be allowed to take tests or submit assignments. Please contact me with questions, comments or suggestions. Gerald Wichlacz

In Applied Digital Multimedia, students begin by learning how to use picture editing software such as Photoshop and Gimp. Following that, they are presented with an introduction to principles that make up a great picture. The students are now ready to learn about digital cameras and will spend a lot of time practicing the techniques they have been learning. The second half of the class deals with digital video. Students will learn about digital video cameras and video editing software such as iMovie. They will also work with audio editing software such as GarageBand and Audacity. The course ends with the students doing a variety of projects that are designed to showcase the student's talents by using all of the software and techniques covered in the class. This course is intensely hands-on and emphasizes the "how to" aspects of digital multimedia.

Students in this course will learn about a variety of C languages. We will investigate C, C++, Objective C and Cocoa. As students will already have the fundamentals of programming from their Java course, this course will allow them to investigate how these other languages differ from Java. We will be working with a high level IDE and will be writing full stand-alone programs with graphical user interfaces. Students will need to work in small groups as well as individually.

This course continues where Course I ends. We will be taking a look at more advanced topics such as files, arrays and user-defined classes. The programs that will be worked on will be more complex with more elaborate graphical user interfaces. Student assignments will include both individual as well as small group projects.

Learning how to program a computer can be very exciting. It can also be extremely confusing. This course is designed to keep the confusion to a minimum and the excitement to a maximum. Students are introduced to the priciples of programming using a fun, animated 3-D program called Alice. Working off of what they have learned in Alice, students are introduced to a number of tools a java programmer can use. Using simple examples, the students will quickly be writing desktop applications and web applets. The best way to learn programming is to practice programming, so lectures are kept as short as possible so that students can have a lot of time to work on the computer.

Course II adds some more advanced topics such as file input and output, sound and animation. Students will need to choose a project to program such as a break-out game and will spend a lot of class time working on their program.

Students will learn how to use all of the equipment and software needed to produce a video program. All aspects of video production, from lighting and camera work to sound and on-air personalities will be covered. Students will produce video productions for Deerfield Cable Channel 4 as well as other special projects. Much of the class will be held in the WDEE Cable Channel 4 studio with students using the production equipment supplied by Deerfield Cable 4.

Students in Independent Computer Programming will work on developing a program of their choosing.  Prior to signing up for a course, the student must meet with the instructor to discuss their plans for their program, and then develop a timeline for completion of various aspects of the program.

Students in Independent Digital Multimedia will work on Projects of their choosing to help them master either still picture or movie editing programs.  Prior to signing up for the course, the student must meet with the instructor to discuss their plans for their projects and then develop a timeline for completion of various aspects of the projects.

Topics covered in Middle School Computer Applications include:  The history of computers, how computers work, the internet and search engines, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, careers in computer technology field and the social and ethical issues surrounding computer use. Students earning a grade of C or better, will not be required to take Computer Applications in High School.

On the first day of class, students will decide on a programming project.  Throughout the course, they will act as a group to plan and develop the project to completion.  This course will try to simulate as close as possible, real world practices of computer program development.  Extensive planning will be done in the first week.  Each student will select a different aspect of the program to work on.  Being able to work in a group and communicate clearly will be a necessity.  The final working program along with instructions on how to use it will be due on the last day of class.

Students in this course will learn what is required to create and maintain a good web site.  Design, navigation, and content will be discussed in-depth.  Students will learn and use HTML, XHTML, and CSS. They will also study dynamic web sites and be introduced to PHP, MySQL, XML, CGI, JavaScript and Java applets. 

Academic Decathlon

2006 -2007 was a very good year for the Academic Decathlon Team. They placed 3rd at the U.W - Whitewater Regional Competition and made their first appearance at the State Competition. At State, they placed 2nd in Division 4

Visit our web site to find out more about Academic Decathlon and take a look at our gallery of pictures. Please note that due to copyright regulations, you will not be able to visit our resource area.

Deerfield High School Academic Decathlon Web Site

Please contact me with comments, questions or suggestions. Gerald Wichlacz