Computers are capable of doing fantastic things, ranging from mundane calculations to exciting virtual reality. However, it is a programmer’s job to teach the computer how to do meaningful tasks. That's where you come in.

This course is an exploratory programming course that uses one of the easiest programming languages in the world today, Visual Basic. It's a graphically-oriented language that allows for the easy construction of useful programs. Students will gradually build a vocabulary and syntax to create programs that meet specific guidelines. The logic and creativity used in solving the course problems will enlarge a student’s capacity for problem-solving in all other disciplines.

The course activities provide a great introduction to programming in general. With the support of the course instructor and the rest of the class, students will experience a non-threatening laboratory in which to experiment with their ideas.

Recommended: Intermediate level of Windows OS navigation.

After completing the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the difference between sequential and event driven programming.
  
• Understand the concepts of objects, methods, and events as they pertain to programming.
  
• Create attractive program interfaces. (What the user sees when a program runs!)
  
• Understand variables and data types.
  
• Create programs that can solve problems in different disciplines.
  
• Create programs that can make decisions, choosing between several courses of action.
  
• Create programs that can efficiently do repetitive actions.
  
• Create programs employing simple animations.

Please refer these requirements to your school's technology staff prior to registering for the course. Schools must install and allow student access to the resources listed here, in order for a student to participate in the course.

Please see software manufacturers' websites for further information and system requirements.

In addition to VHS system requirements:

Hardware used: PC only (running Windows XP or newer)
Software used: Visual Studio Express for Desktop
Specific URLs accessed: multiple addresses at domain “microsoft.com”

**Please Note: This course may not be appropriate for students with specific accessibility limitations as written. Please refer to the VHS Handbook policy on Special Education/Equity for more information on possible modifications. If you need additional assistance, please let us know at service.goVHS.org.

Please note: This course requires regular access to a computer with a Windows[/Mac] operating system in order to install the software required for the course. This part of the course cannot be completed on a Chromebook or mobile device.