Visual Basic Programming

Teacher: John Maxwell, jmaxwell@mcquaid.org or 256-6131 days

Required Text: Thompson, Visual Basic FUNdamentals, Computer Literacy Press

Pocket folders for assignments, tests and projects

Course Description: This course covers the fundamentals of Microsoft Visual Basic providing ample opportunity for the development of hands-on projects. Many projects involve elements of game programming including tic-tac-toe, rock-paper-scissors, hangman, connect four, and other simple games. The philosophy of the text is betrayed by the capitalization of F-U-N in fundamentals. It is the author’s and the instructor’s intent to offer a rigorous but enjoyable experience with Visual Basic. The basics covered in this class offer a solid foundation for upper level elective and college level computer programming study.

Outcomes and Means:

Students will demonstrate mastery of the generalized and VB specific programming constructs through the completion of reading and homework exercises.

Development of logic and problem solving skills as well as the application of basic programming techniques will be evidenced through hands-on projects.

Students will evidence skill in both programming and problem solving by the successful completion of original written problems on tests and quizzes.

The development and understanding of a "professional" program writing style will be accomplished via the interpretation of classroom programs modeled by the teacher, case studies and other examples from the text.

September	Chapter 1, 2, 3	Course introduction, history of computers and programming, introduction to the IDE. Basic Interactive Development Environment, Explanation of objects and properties. Variables, functions (built-in), and assignment statements.
October-November	Chapter 4	Strings & String handling (Mid, Len, InStr etc)
December	Chapter 5	Decision Making- logical expressions and IF statements. Complex & compound IF Statements and Select Case
End of 1^st semester midterm-in-class

January- February	Chapter 6	Loops-For Next Loops-Do While and Do Until
February-March	Chapter 7	Arrays-Control and Variable
March	Chapter 9	Sorting-selection & bubble
April	Chapter 8	Sequential files User defined types and random access files Random Access Files continued
April-May	Chapter 10	Semester projects
Final Exam (in-class)

Grading

There will be regular tests and quizzes during this course. Time will be allotted for short and long term programming assignments, some of which will be taken from the textbook.

Homework will accompany some assigned readings. This is a good way to prepare for quizzes and exams. The homework will be reviewed in class and its completion, or lack thereof, will be noted. As homework is reviewed on its due day in class, late assignments generally are not accepted for credit.

Exams & Quizzes 70% mostly scores will be based on 2-3 chapter tests per m.p.

HW & Projects 30% approximately 5% homework & 25% projects

For seniors, this class will never permit late arrival, and only rarely offer early dismissal. Additionally, as seniors make up the minority of this class, work will continue during periods missed due to Magis service, however, major assignments, test or other integral work will not occur during this time. Underclassmen should come prepared to work on Magis days. For anyone missing class due to athletic, academic or service requirements, please check class board or the homework web site for the day’s assignments.

Class Rules

· Respect others. Do not be abusive of others in language, physical contact or other interaction.

· Keep your work area neat and push your chair under the desk after each class.

· Cheating on tests will result in immediate referral to the Assistant Principal for Academics, and shall be considered a violation of the school’s Student Conduct Code.

· Submitting copied projects for credit will result in the loss of credit for all parties involved regardless of who “did the work”. Share your ideas and approach but guard your work carefully.

· Work diligently on projects and avoid distracting others while working or after completion.

· Check the assignment board if you have missed a class.