The Tech Lab program offers students a great introduction to the world of computers and technology exploration. This hands-on program covers a variety of computing concepts, such as programming, electronics, IT, and cybersecurity. Students who enroll in this program develop problem-solving skills and gain industry-relevant experience through courses that align with college credits. Importantly, no prior technology or programming experience is needed for success!
Tech Lab Course Descriptions
The Tech Lab program offers students a great introduction to the world of computers and technology exploration. This hands-on program covers a variety of computing concepts, such as programming, electronics, IT, and cybersecurity. Students who enroll in this program develop problem-solving skills and gain industry-relevant experience through courses that align with college credits. Importantly, no prior technology or programming experience is needed for success!
First Year
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Students will survey a range of programming languages and understand how computers work from the bottom up. The course begins by learning how 1s and 0s work and ends with learning about Artificial Intelligence. By the end of this course, students will be able to build small programs using a range of languages and also understand how computers work at a fundamental level.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits for CS160
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Students will be introduced to the infrastructure that powers modern information technology systems. Students will learn how to build computers, explore networks, repair mobile devices, and configure operating systems. This course is deeply hands-on, featuring labs with real physical hardware alongside virtual labs for the best exposure of skills and technologies.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
3 MHCC Credits for ISTM183A
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Semester 1
Web Programming: Students are exposed to the fundamentals of developing content for the web. Throughout the year, students will learn how to build web pages using HTML and CSS.
.5 High School CTE Elective Credit
3 MHCC Credits for CIS197HTM
Semester 2
Tech Lab Studio: This course equips students with the essential skills for career readiness in technology, including building portfolios, exploring educational pathways, and preparing for job seeking.
.5 Higher Education & Career Path Skills Credit
Second Year
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Students will learn how to solve problems with code and build increasingly complex programs using a fully-featured programming language. This is a dedicated programming course and is currently using the C++ programming language, which is in alignment with the college-credit coursework. By the end of this course students will be able to build small-to-medium sized programs independently.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits for CS161
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Students will build on their knowledge of I.T. systems and consider technology infrastructure from the perspective of both an attacker and defender. Students will survey a range of topics related to cybersecurity, starting first with how to secure their own accounts and digital persona, and ending with strategies to secure enterprise environments.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
3 MHCC Credits for ISTM183C
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Students will be exposed to electrical circuits, electricity, and embedded hardware. Students will program microcontrollers to control a range of components such as sensors, motors, LCD screens, and more. This is a project-based course and places a large emphasis on prototyping and a rapid design process.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
Meet the Team
After graduating from CAL, I went on to earn a Masters degrees in Cybersecurity and Education. My journey has come full circle, and I’m grateful to be here, this time as a teacher. I love sharing my passion for technology with my students and helping them navigate their own high school experience. CAL has played a big role in shaping who I am, and I’m excited to do the same for the next generation.
For over 20 years I have been sharing my love of digital storytelling with CAL students. I love creating creating digital art in all forms and I'm grateful to share that love with students. I have a masters degree in fine art from Auburn University and a masters degree in education from Portland State.