Why Comm Tech?
Communication Technology is an exciting, hands-on learning pathway that prepares students for dynamic careers in media, design, and technological fields. This stream emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and technical skill development across multiple disciplines, evolving with the rapid pace of digital innovation. Students will have the opportunity to use their creativity to produce a variety of projects, with the help of Adobe or similar applications.
Comm Tech path...
From grade 9 to grade 12, students progressively explore real-world applications of media production, graphic design, and technology integration. The curriculum combines digital literacy, workplace safety, and ethical considerations with practical skills in photography, video production, animation, social media asset production, web design, and audio editing. Throughout the journey, students gain insights into environmental and societal impacts while investigating education and career pathways, including skilled trades, higher education, and emerging media professions.
Communication technology Learning
Each course is designed to build a strong foundation in technology and design principles, fostering both artistic expression and technological proficiency. By the time students complete the program, they are equipped with transferable skills, critical thinking capabilities, and a portfolio of creative work that reflects their growth and potential in the ever-changing world of communication technology. It will also prepare them for the rigorous demands they will navigate after high school, with improved abilities in focus, time-management, life-long learning, and independent problem-solving.
Gr 9 Comm Tech -TGJ1O
Course description
Throughout the program, students will explore a variety of topics, including digital literacy, ergonomics, graphic design, audio production, and Photoshop. They’ll develop projects addressing real-life problems, such as designing posters, creating social media assets, and producing multimedia content. They will also have a chance to create an original emoji in a spreadsheet!
Certification in digital literacy
A key highlight of this stream is the opportunity for students to earn a certification in digital literacy, equipping them with essential skills for today’s technology-driven world. This will introduce them to the world of certifications Harbord offers its students.
Original Pixel Art - Annabelle Boadway
Gr. 10 Comm TEch - tgj2O
course description
In this course, students dive into the exciting world of media and technology! They’ll explore creative projects like designing websites, editing photos, creating animations, and more. Along the way, students will discover how technology impacts the world around us, learning about important environmental and social issues. This course also helps students start thinking about their future, introducing them to different education and career pathways in the field of communications technology.
Certifications in Adobe animate
Students are encouraged to study for and obtain a certificate in Adobe Animate, which is one of the primary focuses of this course.
Rotoscoping- Nicole Pacheco
gr 11 Comm Tech - tgj3M
course description
In this course, students are introduced to the trifecta of Adobe software applications! They’ll create advanced projects with photos in Photoshop, graphic design. in Illustrator,, and video production using Premiere Pro. Projects include a "Spontaneous Video" production, face swaps where we seamlessly merge two different people, and vector art, creating an original bumper sticker. Along the way, they’ll explore how media influences society and the environment and investigate exciting career paths and challenges in today’s ever-changing technology landscape.
Certifications in ADOBE CC
Students are encouraged to study for and obtain a certificate in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Premiere, after learning the fundamentals of each application.
Bumper Sticker - Andy Chen
Gr 12 Comm Tech - tgj4M
In this course, students take their media skills to the next level! They’ll create advanced projects in graphic design, animation, and video special effects. Projects may include video production, Photoshop, and kinetic text, while students also learn how to teach themselves new Adobe tools. Along the way, they’ll explore how media influences society and the environment and investigate exciting career paths and challenges in today’s ever-changing technology landscape.
Pre-requisite for TGJ4M is Grade 11 Comm Tech, TGJ3M
"Megan Thee Stallion Low Poly Image" - Nicole Pacheco
Certifications
Students are encouraged to study for a complete certifications not only for Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, but also for Microsoft Office applications and more! Exposure to Adobe applications starting in grade 10, and through grade 12, allow students to obtain certificates which are recognized in the industry and ensure their proficiency in using the software.
Questions?
If you have additional questions about Communication Technology at Harbord, please contact Mr. Shalaby at adam.shalaby@tdsb.on.ca
How to apply
When choosing courses in MyBlueprint, navigate to Technological Education, then the Communication Technology course you wish to take. If you have any trouble finding the course, reach out to Mr. Shalaby or your guidance councillor. Communication Technology is available to all students as an elective and can be used in your top 6 courses for University and College pathways.
Prerequisite for Gr 11?
Grade 11 does not require a prerequisite
If you do not take grade 10 Communication Technology, you can still enrol in Grade 11 Comm Tech, however, TGJ3M, the grade 11 course, is required in order to take grade 12 Comm Tech.
Final word
Technological Skills
The world is changing fast, and technology is at the center of it all. From artificial intelligence and automation to social media and digital marketing, businesses and industries are relying more on technology than ever before. That means having strong technological skills isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.
Employers are looking for people who can adapt to new tools, think critically about digital information, and use technology to solve problems. Whether you’re interested in media production, graphic design, coding, engineering, or even skilled trades, technology plays a role in every career path.
Learning how to edit videos, design graphics, build websites, or analyze data can open doors to exciting opportunities. Even soft skills like image manipulation and cybersecurity awareness are becoming essential. By developing these skills, students will be better prepared for the jobs of the future—many of which haven’t even been invented yet!
Credits:
Created with images by Tierney - "Future technology concept with person using a laptop computer" • pathdoc - "Young man using a laptop with light bulb plugged in it and info graphic plan written on concrete wall " • fgnopporn - "Application icons interface on hand. Social media concept" • Summit Art Creations - "Quality Assurance and Quality Control Concept - Modern graphic interface showing certified standard process, product warranty and quality improvement technology for satisfaction of customer." • Tierney - "Question marks with downtown skyline buildings in the night" • Summit Art Creations - "3D rendering artificial intelligence AI research of robot and cyborg development for future of people living. Digital data mining and machine learning technology design for computer brain."