Visual Basic for Kids is an interactive, self-paced tutorial providing a complete introduction to the Visual Basic programming language and environment. The tutorial consists of 10 lessons explaining (in simple, easy-to-follow terms) how to build a Visual Basic application. Numerous examples are used to demonstrate every step in the building process. The tutorial also includes detailed computer projects for kids to build and try. Visual Basic for Kids is presented using a combination of course notes (written in Microsoft Word format) and many Visual Basic examples and projects.
Course Prerequisites:
To use Visual Basic for Kids, you should be comfortable working within the Windows environment, knowing how to find files, move windows, resize windows, etc. No programming experience is needed. The course material should be understandable to kids aged 10 and up. You will also need the ability to view and print documents saved in Microsoft Word format. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. The first, and easiest, is that you already have Microsoft Word (or a compatible equivalent) on your computer. The second way is that you can download the Microsoft Word Viewer. This is a free Microsoft product that allows viewing and printing Word documents - it is available for download at all the major shareware internet sites (ZDNet, Download.Com, SoftSeek).
Finally, and most obvious, you need to have Microsoft Visual Basic. Visual Basic is a separate product that must be purchased if you do not have it. This course is generic for the most part. The tutorial can be completed using any edition (Learning, Standard, Professional, Enterprise) of Visual Basic 4.0 (32 bit version), Visual Basic 5.0, or the newest Visual Basic 6.0. Older versions of Visual Basic can be purchased at low prices from used software stores and on-line auction sites. The newer versions can be purchased at software stores (in your area or on-line) and at auction sites. If you are a student, try finding academic versions.
A Brief Word on the Course:
Though this course is entitled "Visual Basic for Kids," it is not necessarily written in a kid's vocabulary. Computer programming has a detailed vocabulary of its own and, since it was developed by adults, the terminology tends to be very adult-like. In developing this course, we discussed how to address this problem and decided we would treat our kid readers like adults, since they are learning what is essentially an adult topic. We did not want to 'dumb-down' the course. You see this in some books. We, quite frankly, are offended by books who refer to readers as dummies and idiots simply because they are new to a particular topic. We didn't want to do that here. Throughout the course, we treat the kid reader as a mature person learning a new skill. The vocabulary is not that difficult, but there may be times the kid reader needs a little help. Hopefully, the nearest adult can provide that help.
Installing Visual Basic for Kids:
The course notes and code for Visual Basic for Kids are included in one single ZIP file. Use your favorite 'unzipping' application to write all files to your computer. The course is included in the folder entitled VBKids. This folder contains two other folders: VBKNotes and VBKCode.
The VBKNotes folder includes all the notes needed for the class. Each file in this folder has a DOC extension and is in Microsoft Word format. The files are:
StartHere.doc This file in Word format
Contents.doc Course Table of Contents
Class1.doc Class 1. Introducing Visual Basic
Class2.doc Class 2. The Visual Basic Environment
Class3.doc Class 3. Your First Visual Basic Project
Class4.doc Class 4. Project Design, Forms, Command Buttons
Class5.doc Class 5. Labels, Text Boxes, Variables
Class6.doc* Class 6. Scroll Bars, Decisions, Random Numbers
Class7.doc* Class 7. Icons, Frames, Check Boxes, Option Buttons
Class8.doc* Class 8. Picture Boxes, Mouse Events
Class9.doc* Class 9. Game Design, Lines, Shapes, Images
Class10.doc* Class 10. Timers, Keyboard Events
Bonus.doc* Bonus. Other Topics, Other Projects
(Classes marked with a * are not included in the shareware version.) The VBKCode folder includes all the Visual Basic projects developed during the course. This folder has three other folders: VB4Projects, VB5Projects, and VB6Projects. Use the one corresponding to your version of Visual Basic.
How To Take the Course:
Visual Basic for Kids is a self-paced course. The suggested approach is to do one class a week for ten weeks. Each week's class should require about 3 to 6 hours of your time to grasp the concepts completely. Prior to doing a particular week's work, open the class notes file for that week and print it out. Then, work through the notes at your own pace. Try to do each example as they are encountered in the notes. Work through the projects in Classes 3 through 10. If you need any help, all completed projects are included in the VBKCode folder.
What If You Have Questions?
It is recognized there may be times when you need clarification on some point about the notes, examples, or Visual Basic. We will gladly help. The preferred method of relaying your questions to us is via E-Mail. The E-Mail address is:
support@kidwaresoftware.com
Please include a clearly defined subject for all questions to get past our anti-spamming filters. All questions should be sent to the attention of Lou.
Who Produces Visual Basic for Kids?
This course has been developed by Lou Tylee, a partner in KIDware, a producer of quality children's educational programs for over 15 years. The course notes have evolved based on Lou's experience in writing children's software. KIDware may be contacted via:
KIDware
PO Box 28234
Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 721-2556
FAX (508) 464-0455
E-Mail: support@kidwaresoftware.com
Web Site: http://www.kidwaresoftware.com
Shareware Version of Visual Basic for Kids
Visual Basic for Kids is distributed under the shareware concept. You get to try the course free-of-charge. If you find it doesn't meet your needs, simple erase the files from your computer. If, however, you find the course useful, you are asked to pay for it. The current registration fee is US$19.95 (shipping included). The shareware version includes the first five weeks of the course. Upon registration, you will be sent the complete 10 week course on 3.5" disks (or via e-mail if desired), with all notes and all applications. Examine the Contents.doc file to get a flavor for what each week's class entails.
To register your version of Visual Basic for Kids, simply fill in the form on the next page and mail, E-mail or FAX it to KIDware. A portion of all registration fees is donated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. You can also purchase the course directly from our website at:
http://www.kidwaresoftware.com
REGISTRATION FORM - VISUAL BASIC FOR KIDS, VERSION 1.0
VISUAL BASIC FOR KIDS is offered as shareware. This means you get to try the course free of charge. If you use the course, however, you are asked to pay for it. The registration fee is just $19.95 (add $1.70 sales tax if resident of Washington and $2.00 postage if outside the US or Canada). Upon receipt of your registration fee, you will be sent the complete 10 week course on 3.5" disks (or via e-mail if desired), with all notes and code. A portion of the fee is donated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. All information on this form will only be used by KIDware.
Name ___________________________________________________
