Program Outline
Instruction Sets
Your program consists of seven Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.
Here's how it works
Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer to complete this program. Penn Foster recommends the following computer specifications: Pentium® III or better processor, using Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional or later, a DVD drive, Microsoft Office 2007 or later. You will also need Internet access.
You will also need to be familiar
with PCs and proficient in the use
of Microsoft® Windows,® especially
in the area of file management (i.e.,
creating directories, saving files,
loading files, etc.). Because of
the technical nature of this training,
a High School Diploma or equivalent
is required.
Instruction Set 1 (Delivered Online Only)
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; and preparing for and taking examinations.
Technology and Society
The impact of technology on individuals, business, the workplace, education, and society; the global economy; and careers in technology.
Instruction Set 2
Introduction to Programming
The program developing cycle; the main components of programming languages; the purpose of program flowcharts; the history of programming languages; and the process of problem solving as it relates to programming.
Graded Project
Instruction Set 3
The Basics of Visual Basic
Evolution of programming languages; characteristics and techniques of object-oriented programming; create a simple Visual basic program.
Textbook: Visual Basic®: An Object-Oriented Approach
Learning Aid: Microsoft® Visual Studio® Software
Instruction Set 4
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Review Visual Studio IDE, the Help system, and the Object browser; discuss how to work with solutions and projects; create several button instances and methods populate a listbox.
Graded Project 2
Instruction Set 5
Data Types and Structure of an Application
Discover more efficient ways to design a program; declare different types of variables; using char data types and character encodings.
Graded Project 3
Instruction Set 6
Arrays, Sequential Files and Structures
Create and manipulate an array, use a loop to search through an array; learn the difference between binary and linear search; read and write a sequential file; discover the function of a structure.
Graded Project 4
Instruction Set 7
Databases and Mouse Events
Connect to a database using the Visual Studio Wizard; retrieve and edit information from a database; identify the graphics device interface (GDI) create colors, shapes, and images; learn about the classes used to create menus and toolbars.
Graded Project 5
Cumulative Graded Project |
Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Microsoft, Visual Basic, Windows, and Visual Studio are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Pentium is a trademark of INTEL and its subsidiaries registered in the U.S. and other countries.