The path to becoming a programmer starts here! In this course you will develop skills in designing and writing simple computer programs. This course assumes no programming background and provides and overview of the software development process in addition to introducing important programming constructs and methodologies. Topics covered include: programming language characteristics, flowcharts, variables, operators, conditional statements, looping statements, error handling and debugging, object-oriented programming techniques and user interface design.

Important note: This is a web-based online course developed and offered by Cleveland State University (Division of Continuing Education). To participate you need to have average web skills, a computer, Internet access, and an e-mail address. All other directions will be provided to you, via email and Blackboard, during the course. You will need to log into the course web site at least once for each of the lessons. Your work and access time will be monitored by the instructor. You must begin the course within the first week of the time period and may request a one week grace period to conclude all lessons if necessary.

Prerequisite: None

You'll learn to:

1) Discuss programming language characteristics.
2) Read and comprehend flowchart processes.
3) Recognize variables, operators, conditional statements and looping statements.
4) Demonstrate error handling and debugging.
5) Discuss object oriented programming techniques and user interface design.