Module 1: Introduction to Computer Programs

This module introduces the software development process and fundamentals of computer software. Students will learn how computer programs execute, and the types of programs that developers are generally asked to build. They will also learn about different programming languages, techniques, and technologies used by developers in the software development process.

Lessons

• Overview of Software Development
• Phases in the Execution of a Computer Program
• Overview of Problem-Solving Techniques
• Overview of Program Types

Lab: Determining the Program Phases and Examining Them in Code

• Determining Program Phases
• Finding the Program Phases in Code

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 2: Introduction to Scripting

This module introduces the concept of scripting, and shows how scripting can be used on the Web, to create macros, and in Windows. Students will also learn about Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and its use on the Web.

Lessons

• Using Web Scripting
• Using Macro Scripting
• Using Windows Scripting

Lab: Writing Scripts

• Creating "Hello World" with a Web Script
• Creating "Hello World" with a Macro
• Creating "Hello World" with a Windows Script

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 3: Using Data and Variables

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of variables and data types, which are common to almost all programming languages. Students will learn how to implement variables to store data and how to use operators to manipulate data and variables.

Lessons

• Using Variables
• Using Operators
• Using Programming Syntax

Lab: Using Arithmetic Operators

• Calculating the Annual Remuneration of an Employee

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 4: Using Program Logic

This module introduces common programming constructs used in software development to control program flow. Students will learn how to implement conditional expressions and looping statements. They will also learn how to identify errors that can occur in computer programs as a result of incorrect program flow.

Lessons

• Using Branching
• Using Loops
• Identifying Logic Errors

Lab: Selecting Candidates Based on Interview Results

• Writing the Pseudocode

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 5: Using Procedures and Functions

This module introduces the use of procedures and functions to create more modular computer programs. Students will learn about arguments and parameters and how functions return values.

Lessons

• Using Procedures
• Using Functions

Lab: Identifying Functions and Passing Arguments to a Procedure

• Identifying Functions
• Passing Arguments to a Procedure

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 6: Introduction to Developing a User Interface

This module explains how to design user interfaces for software applications. Students will learn best practices for user interface design and learn how user interfaces are created in Microsoft Visual Studio .NET.

Lessons

• Designing a User Interface
• Building a User Interface

Lab: Building a User Interface

• Building a Web Interface

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 7: Introduction to Working with Data

This module introduces the concepts of data storage and management. Students will learn about relational data, entity relationships, and primary and foreign keys. They will also learn how XML can be used to describe and structure data.

Lessons

• Introduction to Managing Data
• Using the Entity Relationship Model
• Sorting Data by Using Keys
• Using XML

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 8: Programming Approaches

This module introduces common programming methodologies and compares procedural programming to object-oriented programming. Students will learn the advantages afforded by object-oriented programming techniques. They will also learn how classes of objects can be defined.

Lessons

• Using the Procedural Programming Approach
• Using the Object-Oriented Programming Approach

Lab: Examining Classes

• Identifying Classes

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 9: Introduction to the Software Development Process

This module introduces the four phases of the software development lifecycle, and explains the use of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to identify use cases and to simplify software design.

Lessons

• Software Development Phases
• Introduction to the Unified Modeling Language
• Developing Use-Case Diagrams
• Examining Other UML Diagrams

Lab: Developing a Use-Case Diagram

• Identifying Use Cases
• Creating a Use-Case Diagram

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Module 10: Where Do We Go From Here?

This module reviews material covered in the course and introduces advanced topics that students may wish to pursue. Students will learn how to apply the skills and knowledge obtained in the course to construct a software solution. They will also learn what options are available for pursuing a career in software development.

Lessons

• Looking Back
• Looking Forward

Lab: Putting Programming Fundamentals Together

• Developing a Windows-based Application
• Developing a Web-based Application

After completing this module, students will be able to: