Mission Statement:

Program Description:

The Academy of Information Technology is a four-year information technology-oriented sequence of courses that align relevant academic, employment, and workplace standards. This program offers a broad foundation of knowledge, skills, and concepts to prepare students for employment in the information technology industry and to develop and support a systemic solution to the growing demand for core information technology workers.
The content includes the development of the following information technology skills and concepts: computer application skills including computer keyboarding, software applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, desktop publishing), e-mail, Internet browser applications, computer programming, web page design and advanced web tools, systems support and maintenance, basic network concepts, basic concepts of relational database engines and the tools to use them, digital media (e.g., audio, video, graphics, text, and animation tools), and multimedia tools; extensive exploration of information technology careers; strategies for success including goal setting, study skills, organizing skills, learning styles, employability skills, and service learning; and core academic skills with a strong emphasis on effective communication skills.

Back to Top

Courses:

Required:

Introduction to Information Technology

This course is designed to provide an introduction to information technology concepts and careers as well as the impact information technology has on the world, people, and industry and basic web design concepts. The content includes information technology career research; operating systems and software applications; electronic communications including e-mail and Internet services; basic HTML, web commands and design; and emerging technologies and Web page design. Software incorporated: Macromedia Suite: Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash; Microsoft Visio.

AOIT Technical Support/Networking

This course focuses on system support, maintenance, and basic network concepts. The content includes information technology career research and emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of various computer software and hardware applications including installation, troubleshooting, diagnostic techniques, and repair of system components, operating systems, and application software; common safety and preventive maintenance procedures; basic networking including physical and logical network connectivity; and effective behaviors that contribute to customer satisfaction. Software incorporated: LabSim for Core Hardware, Operating Systems Technologies.

AOIT Programming/Database

This course introduces computer programming concepts for information technology applications and an introduction to database fundamentals. The content includes information technology career research, computer functions, programming techniques and concepts, data modeling and advanced database techniques. Emphasis is placed on the techniques needed to develop well-documented, structured computer programs. Software incorporated: Scheme, Visual Basic, Microsoft Access,SQL.

AOIT Web/Digital Media

This course focuses on digital media and advanced web tools. The content includes information technology career research; advanced HTML commands, CSS and web page design; advanced web topics such as web scripting and web server administration; and basic multimedia applications including audio, video, graphics, text, and animation tools. Software incorporated: Adobe Creative Suites: Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive, Acrobat.

AOIT Internship

The AOIT internship course provides students with the opportunity to stimulate their career interest and to demonstrate human relations, communications, and employability skills necessary for entry-level employment in the information technology industry. Students will enhance and apply instructional competencies learned in the classroom through the internship experience.

Recommended:

Computing for College and Careers (replacing Business Systems and Technology)

This course is designed to provide a basic overview of current business and information systems and trends and to introduce students to the basics and foundations required for today's business environments. Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency with touch keyboarding and fundamental computer applications, so that they may be used as communication tools for enhancing personal and work place proficiency in an information-based society. This also includes proficiency with computers using databases, spreadsheets, presentation applications, and the integration of these programs using software that meets industry standards. Software incorporated: Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

AOIT Directed Study

This course is designed to provide students with additional competencies that will enhance students’ opportunities for employment in the occupation chosen by the student. The content is prescribed by the instructor based upon the individual student’s assessed needs for the directed study, and can include job shadowing and independent study toward certifications.

Back to Top

Request Admission:

Read more about Career Academies.

Apply for the program through Pinellas County Schools.

Back to Top

How does your child benefit from this program?

By providing a new framework for learning, the Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) helps build the motivation, confidence and sense of personal worth that will lead students from all backgrounds to success. The AOIT serves students of all abilities, but the program is of particular interest to those who desire to achieve their full potential.

Beyond building self-esteem, the Academy of Information Technology’s student outlook includes:

• High percentage of AOIT students graduate from high school.
• Four out of five go on to four year colleges.
• Special graduation ceremonies, and access to AOIT awards and scholarships.
• Problem-solving and teamwork skills necessary to succeed in higher education and beyond.
• Preparation for employment and a more positive career outlook.
  
  Back to Top

Member of the National Academy Foundation:

The National Academy Foundation (NAF) builds partnerships between high schools and businesses to develop career-themed academies--smaller learning communities where students can make a relevant, experience-based connection between rigorous studies and practical work experiences. This unique model enables local business communities to make a direct investment in their economic future by helping local students develop marketable skills, while the academies offer students a personalized, supportive environment that actively engages them with learning. Each NAF Academy operates as a "school within a school" in public high schools across the country.

Back to Top

Contact Information:

Back to Top

Back to Top

AOIT Business Partners:

Catalina Marketing
Raymond James
Technically Speaking
St. Petersburg College

Back to Top

Back to Top

Back to Top

Contact Information:

Back to Top