[Year 12 SofDev] choosing a language for 2008

[Mark Kelly]

VB6 'cos...

1.  I already was familiar with it and did not have time to learn a new 
language in 2007
2.  It's free for gov't schools
3.  Lotsa support
4.  It has all the classical programming constructs (except pointers), 
making a good jumping-off point to other languages
5.  It's RAD
6.  It's relatively easy to teach (BASIC began as a teaching language)

Next year, however, I'm going to start with the non-GUI aspects such as 
loops, IF, arrays, variables.  If kids start with textboxes etc some 
never comprehend the concept of code in the background behind the GUI.

Actually, I'm tempted to dust off QuickBASIC 4.5 to force them to learn 
classic coding before letting them get near listboxes etc.

Oh.  And why am I not using VB2005 Express?  'Cos we had endless trouble 
with .NET permissions and could not get it stable in time for the first 
programming outcome.

Mark

Andrew Grimshaw wrote:
> HI every1
>  
> as a new teacher of SofDev i am hoping to get some advice about which 
> language to use next year
>  
> the students have used visual basic this year in Unit 1 and 2
>  
> i have basically narrowed it down to a choice between:
>  
> visual basic, C++  and J#
>  
> what languages do u all use?
>  
> i am also hoping people can recommend some good source books for me to 
> use to get myself up to scratch also - i have not used C since uni and 
> have never used Java
>  
> thx
> andrew grimshaw
> colac college
>  


-- 
Mark Kelly
Manager - Information Systems
McKinnon Secondary College
McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085
School Phone +613 8520 9000
School Fax +613 95789253
kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com
Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List

It's 'i' before 'e' except after 'c'.
Spelling is not an art, it's a sceince.