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Online Computer Basics and Programming

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Basic Computer

Computer Skills for the Workplace

Most jobs today require a working knowledge of certain computer skills. Employers seek and reward employees with the skills and knowledge to send messages across the country via e-mail; use a spreadsheet to create a graph and paste it into a report; add and edit data in a database; understand the implications of file sizes, memory limitations, and network arrangements; and recognize the function and features of modern computer components. Any job candidate who already possesses these skills will stand above those who do not.

This course is designed to provide the fundamental computer competencies you need to survive and prosper in today's fast-changing workplace. You will learn how to implement the powers of modern office software to work faster and more efficiently. We'll focus on practical application for software most common to the workplace. When you finish this course, you will have learned why employers consider technological literacy so critical to the success of any organization. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Microsoft Windows 95 or newer with any edition of Microsoft Office 2000 or newer (please make sure Microsoft Office is installed and operating before the course begins); Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Note: Mac users are welcome, but please note that the course was written using Microsoft Windows. Students using Mac OS X with any edition of Microsoft Office 2004 (Mac) can be supported in the discussion areas.

      Dates:Click here for schedule
      Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
      Location:Online
      Fee:$85
      Additional Information: Computer Skills for the Workplace

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Introduction to Windows XP

Most jobs today require a working knowledge of certain computer skills. Employers seek and reward employees with the skills and knowledge to send messages across the country via e-mail; use a spreadsheet to create a graph and paste it into a report; add and edit data in a database; understand the implications of file sizes, memory limitations, and network arrangements; and recognize the function and features of modern computer components. Any job candidate who already possesses these skills will stand above those who do not.

This course is designed to provide the fundamental computer competencies you need to survive and prosper in today's fast-changing workplace. You will learn how to implement the powers of modern office software to work faster and more efficiently. We'll focus on practical application for software most common to the workplace. When you finish this course, you will have learned why employers consider technological literacy so critical to the success of any organization. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). A computer equipped with a copy of Windows XP is recommended. Students who want to learn about the product before purchase are also welcome.

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Keyboarding

Using the computer software program FasType for Windows, you will learn the basic skills of touch-typing. If you already know how to type, this course will help you improve your typing speed and accuracy. When you are finished with the course, continue to use FasType for Windows to improve your keyboarding skills with its intermediate and advanced lessons. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader) and a Microsoft Windows-based PC (except for Windows Vista).

Whe the class starts, you will be given instructions to download and install a working copy of FasType for Windows. Please do not purchase or download the software from another course.

Note: This course is not suitable for Macintosh users and can not be used with the Windows Vista operating system.

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Navigating the Internet

Become net-savvy in six short weeks! Learn where the Internet came from, what makes it tick, and where it's headed. Learn advanced search techniques so that you'll be able to find fast answers to virtually any question. Build your own start page filled with the news and information that most interests you. Find out how to get free assistance with technical issues, travel planning and major purchases. Take advantage of cloud computing to freely create, edit, and collaborate with others on documents and spreadsheets; use the power of social networking to reconnect with old friends and share photos with other family members; keep your Internet knowledge up-to-date with the help of blogs, wikis, and social bookmarking; gain access to masterpieces of art and literature; entertain yourself and your family with free online games and videos; and find out how to best defend yourself against dangerous hoaxes, viruses, worms, and other forms of malware. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

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Introduction to Perl Programming

Learn Perl, a powerful and easy-to-use scripting language used on PCs, servers, and on the Internet for a wide range of programming problems. Perl is as capable - and often as fast - as C, C++, and Java, but is easier to learn and does not require the sort of software development tools and environments required by those languages. Perl is also more portable and supported on a greater variety of computers than many other computing languages. Perl programming skills are especially valuable for Web developers, software developers, and system administrators. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

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Introduction to Visual Basic 2005 or 2008

Visual Basic is the most widely used programming language for creating Windows applications. Why? It's very easy to learn because it uses keywords that closely resemble the English language, while other programming languages require memorization of commands that bear no resemblance to English.

Another reason for Visual Basic's popularity is its development environment, Visual Basic 2005, which enables you to rapidly build Windows applications. Creating a Windows application ordinarily requires you to write lengthy and complex code. But Visual Basic 2005 relieves you of this task. Instead, it enables you to create the application and its components literally with the click of a button or menu item. It even writes all of the necessary code to get the application started for you. You can view and even fine-tune the code, but it spares you a lot of the grunt work.

While Visual Basic 2005 helps you write a Windows application, you still need to write code and be able to plan your application. This course will show you how. You'll learn the building blocks of programming, including using variables, control structures, and loops. You'll find out how to use the large function library built into Visual Basic 2005, including the .NET Framework, as well as how to write and use your own functions. You'll learn how to use the large and varied library of controls Windows offers. And you'll learn how to access files and handle errors. Since Windows applications are event-driven and everything in Visual Basic 2005 is treated as a programmable object, you'll also learn about event-driven and object-oriented programming, concepts important not just in Visual Basic, but also in other programming languages you may want to learn in the future. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements:
2005
Visual Basic 2005 (free Express version can be downloaded from Microsoft); Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). Please be sure to install this software on your computer before the course begins. This course is not suitable for Macintosh users.

2008
Visual Basic 2008, free Express edition (software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins); Computer with Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003 or Server 2008; Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). Note: this course is not suitable for Macintosh users. Prior programming education or experience is not a prerequisite.

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Intermediate Visual Basic 2005 or 2008

Why is Visual Basic the most widely used programming language for creating Windows applications? Because it's easier to learn and faster to use than most other programming languages.

If you're a VB programmer who wants to go beyond the introductory level to create the sophisticated and powerful programs business users need, this course is for you. As we focus on database applications, you'll learn the in-demand programming skills you need to get new work in the business world.

We'll begin by discussing how to enrich the graphical user interface with custom menus and toolbars. Next, we'll explore multiple form applications, starting with built-in dialog controls, and then turning to helper forms and Multiple Document Interface applications.

After that, we'll deepen your understanding of databases. You'll find out how to access and modify data with data-bound controls, ADO .NET, and Structured Query Language (SQL). And we'll finish up with a survey of other areas you might be interested in studying, including information on additional SQL functionality, Web applications, and XML. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements:
2005
Completion of Introduction to Visual Basic 2005 (or equivalent experience); Microsoft Windows Vista, 2003, XP or 2000; An installed copy of Visual Basic 2005 (the free Express Edition is acceptable for this course); Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

2008
Completion of Introduction to Visual Basic 2005 (or equivalent experience). Visual Basic 2008, free Express edition (software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins); Computer with Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003 or Server 2008; Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). Note: this course is not suitable for Macintosh users. Prior programming education or experience is not a prerequisite.

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Introduction to Java Programming

If you want to learn computer programming but don't have any prior experience, you'll enjoy a tour of Java, one of the most widely used computer languages in the world. It’s a breeze to learn in a friendly and supportive environment. Start with the basics of program design and go on to write your own programs and integrate input and output, calculations, decision making, and loops. Build your knowledge and confidence with easy-to-understand examples and plenty of skill-building exercises. So whether you just want to try it out to see if you like it or plan on doing more with Java, this is a great place to start!

We’ll use the latest release of Java, from Sun Microsystems, the company that maintains and supports the language. We’ll also use BlueJ, a graphical development environment designed especially for students. Both are free open-source products, and I’ll give you the proper instructions to download them. By the time we’re done, you’ll be comfortable with Java programming and ready for more! (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements:Microsoft Windows 98 or better, or Macintosh OS X or better, or Linux; Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). You will also need a working copy of the most recent versions of the Java Development Kit (JDK) and BlueJ (free downloads). Download and installation instructions are available in Lesson 4.

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Introduction to Alice 2.0 Programming

Alice was designed to teach object-oriented principles to novice programmers, all while helping them to create exciting, three-dimensional worlds for animations and games.

This course will show you how to create programs that use basic programming concepts like variables, decisions, events, loops, and arrays. The best part is that you'll be able to learn and practice these techniques while creating programs in a three-dimensional world. This makes programming more fun and easier to learn.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to make interesting three-dimensional worlds that your audience can view like movies or play like interactive video games. You'll also be able to take the concepts you've learned here and apply them to other object-oriented languages like Java, C++, C#, or Visual Basic. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Alice v2.0 is a free download at www.alice.org. There are Alice 2.0 versions for Microsoft Windows (ME, NT, 2000, XP, and Vista). Additionally, there are Alice 2.0 releases for Mac OSX and Linux. You will also need Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Introduction to C++ Programming

Learn how to program in C++ from a master programming instructor and published author. In this project-oriented course, you'll skip all the gobbledygook and get right to programming--even if you have no prior programming experience! Before you know it, you'll be putting together programs that have their own windows and controls, and you'll see how easy programming really is.

In the course, you'll see how the world around us is built up by objects--things that have qualities and capabilities, and you'll explore how you can take that information and write a computer program that models the world around us. You'll then see that this is the actual technique that professional programmers use to build their programs. By the end of the course, you'll be using Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition to write real programs for Microsoft Windows. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000, 2003, XP, or Vista, Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition (free Express edition can be downloaded from Microsoft), Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Introduction to C Sharp Programming

Learn the fundamentals of computer programming with C#, the in-demand and incredibly useful programming language that incorporates the best features of Visual Basic, C++, and Java.

You'll first develop your understanding of programming fundamentals: input/output operations, decision making, and looping. Then, we'll explore the many benefits of object oriented programming, with plenty of vivid, real-life examples.

Then, you'll gain hands-on experience with sequential data files, and you'll be able to build a professional-looking and intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) application on your very own computer.

Because there is no better way to learn programming than hands-on practice, almost every lesson includes practical examples and assignments you can use to develop your knowledge of programming.

Learn to program the right way: by using a state-of-the-art language to build impressive applications on your schedule and on your very own computer. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, the Microsoft .NET Framework (which is included for free with every copy of Windows XP), Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

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Intermediate C Sharp Programming

Build upon your current knowledge of programming logic by writing Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications in the C# programming language. This course will show you how to write professional looking applications with many of the common GUI controls, such as buttons, labels, text boxes, check boxes, and radio buttons. You'll also learn how to put menus and toolbars into your program to make them easier to use. And later in the course, you'll find out how to make your program interact with sequential files, random access files, and databases.

This six-week course will walk you through computer application design and implementation by giving you real examples that you can enter as you learn. Since practicing is the best way to learn programming, most lessons have more than one example, and each provides a programming problem you can solve to demonstrate your new knowledge. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Completion of Mike Orsega's "Introduction to C# Programming" course (or equivalent experience), Microsoft Visual C# 2008 Express Edition, Microsoft Windows XP or Vista, Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Introduction to Python 2.5 Programming

The Python programming language was developed with the idea that programmers should have a way to develop code that's easy to create and understand. While Python contains the same basic structures of other languages, it also offers unique functionality that makes the programmer's life easier.

This course will show you how to create basic programming structures like decisions and loops. After that, we'll move on to object-oriented techniques with classes and exceptions. You'll also learn how to use some unique Python data structures like tuples and dictionaries. You'll even learn how to create graphical elements from simple squares and circles to graphical user interface objects like buttons and labels.

By the end of the course, you'll have the foundational knowledge you need to create a variety of Python files, whether they be short scripts, full programs, or graphical user interfaces. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Python 2.5 and the IDLE development environment. Both are available as free downloads for the Windows, Linux, or Macintosh operating systems at www.python.org. Students will need Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Intermediate Java Programming

Deepen your understanding of the Java programming language, and start writing programs that are more sophisticated and professional. Learn how to save data permanently on a disk by writing it to a sequential data file. See how to read the file to get the data back and process it. Organize information using multiple classes in Java's class hierarchy and inheritance. Explore some of the hundreds of classes that are built into the Java language. Find out how to create GUI applications in Java using tools like windows, menus, buttons, text boxes, check boxes, scroll bars, and other GUI tools.

Over the six weeks of this course, you'll build several complete applications that combine these concepts. You'll also use the knowledge you gain to solve programming problems included with the lessons--problems designed to help you master all the principles you learn. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: Completion of Introduction to Java Programming (or equivalent experience); Java SE (Standard Edition) Development Kit (JDK) Version 5 or later, from Sun Microsystems (software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins); Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X, or Linux;Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Introduction to Ruby Programming

Learn how to create an interactive Web blog that allows visitors to register and post articles and comments. You'll see how to use the Ruby on Rails framework environment to create a full-featured Web blog using the Ruby programming language and the MySQL database server.

We'll walk through the development of a complete Web blog application. During the course, you'll see step-by-step how to create all of the software and database objects used in the application. We'll begin by looking at exactly what the Ruby programming language is. Ruby has taken the Web world by storm, providing an object-oriented approach to Web programming. Its simplicity and user-friendliness make it ideal for beginning programmers to use to dive into the world of dynamic Web sites.

After going through the basics of Ruby programming, we'll turn to the Ruby on Rails framework environment. Ruby on Rails is a relatively new, but already very popular, player in the world of dynamic Web sites. We'll go through the steps of creating the Ruby on Rails framework and then modifying that framework with Ruby programming to customize your Web site just the way you want it. At the end of this course, you'll be able to use the techniques you've learned to build and customize your own dynamic Web application. (2.4 CEUs)

Requirements: A Ruby on Rails software development environment is required for this course. The first lesson walks through installing the InstantRails software package, which provides a complete Ruby on Rails development environment, including the Apache Web server and MySQL database server, for the Windows platform. InstantRails can be downloaded from instantrails.rubyforge.org; You must have a Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista workstation or server to install the InstantRails software. Please note that InstantRails does not work on Windows 95, Windows 98, nor Windows Me. Students using the Macintosh platform may be able to use the default Ruby environment included on Macintosh OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard). Please consult the Apple Web site for instructions on how to update the installed software to the latest version of Ruby on Rails; Prior HTML coding experience is helpful, but not required; Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Online Computer Basics and Programming