On This Page...
This is your home base for Computer Programming and Computer Programming II. From here you can access lessons, lecture videos, projects, project rubrics, useful external links, and examples of good student projects. You can use this page at school or at home, and be sure to report any errors, whether typographical or technical, to Mr. Miller for extra credit!
Computer Programming I
Computer Programming teaches the basics of computer programming giving students the power to create their own computer applications. The course uses Microsoft's Visual Studio and .NET framework as a tool during instruction, and is taught using the C#, C++, or Visual BASIC programming languages.
The course starts out with a few simple applications to give students a base of programming knowledge. Some early programs may include a Mad Libs program, a movie-quote generator, and an adventure game. After learning the basics students will be prepared to learn how objects work to make programs more efficient.
After learning about the power of object-oriented programming students will be ready to create more advanced programs, including games. Some of the possible programs students will create in the second half of the term include Hangman, Space Invaders, Pong, and a fast-food cash register. The final program will be a bridge to Computer Programming II, and will relate to the focus of the next term of Computer Programming II. For example, if the next term of Computer Programming II will focus on creating a platforming game such as Mario then the final project of Computer Programming I will be a simple platforming game.
The final exam for this course will be a program that students will need to write on the final day of class. The final will challenge students to use all of the skills they have learned throughout the term, but they will be allowed to use their notes and programs to assist them.
Computer Programming II
Prerequisite: Computer Programming I or Visual BASIC Programming I
Computer Programming II expands on the skills taught in Computer Programming I and has students delving deeper into object-oriented programming using the C# or C++ programming languages.
The first week of the course will focus on learning the intricacies of the programming language. Since the students most likely learned a different language during Computer Programming I they will need to know how C# or C++ differs.
After learning about the new programming language students will begin developing skills crucial to creating a videogame. The type of game will depend on the term, but in past terms students have developed role-playing games such as Final Fantasy and platforming games such as Mario. Students may use XNA Game Studio to create their games, which is the same system used by developers of XBox Live Arcade games. Skills such as collision detection, movement, simple artificial intelligence, and music will help students prepare for the next part of the course.
After learning the basic skills to create a videogame students will work in groups to create a larger game, which is how most games are developed in the videogames industry. In fact, larger games can be developed by teams of hundreds! Students will be grouped together based on their specialties so every group will contain good programmers and good artists.
The final project in Computer Programming II lets students create their own project. While most students choose to design a game this project can be anything the student wants as long as it demonstrates skills they have learned throughout Computer Programming II. These projects will be presented on the final day of class. You can download an example of a student's Zelda game and a spaceship game.