Homeschool Programming - KidCoder Series (TOS Review)

Do you have kids interested in computer science? How a computer works and why? What language the computer speaks, and it isn't English? Not a computer Geek yourself but want to satisfy your child's desire to learn? Then this program is for you.

Homeschool Programming, Inc. Computer programming courses for kids and teens We were given the KidCoder series to review. This is geared for kids 4th-8th grade (TeenCoder is for 9th-12th grade). We were given the complete Year Pack which includes the student and teacher book for Windows Programming to be used for one semester, and the student and teacher books for Game Programming that is to be used for the next semester. Also included was a CD which has the quizzes and solution guides for everything. Total price for this program is $120. It is in its 2nd edition now (we received the 1st edition).

I misunderstood the requirements and thought it said the student didn't need any computer experience at all. It really said they didn't need any computer "programming" experience. I thought, oh well, we signed up we'll give it our best shot.

The prerequisite computer skills is the basic knowledge of using a computer: how to use a keyboard and mouse, to be able to select and run programs, navigate application menu systems, and interact with the Windows operating system. The student should understand how to store and retrieve files on the hard disk, and how to use the Windows Explorer to navigate the file system and directory.

I assigned this to Donald, age 14 and 8th/9th grade, to review. Making it a "boy thing" lol I have to be honest, Donald knew how to use a keyboard with the hunt and peck method and to navigate through a program I'd installed for his use. Other than that, he knew nothing. The program went a little slow for him, but that was OK. The hunt and peck method for typing in the programs was a long process for him. He said that was his least favorite part of the whole program. If he could type faster, it wouldn't have taken so long to get the program up and running. After using it for a few months, he can type faster now :)

Donald said, "I like KidCoder because I got to learn how computers work. I also got to learn the history of computers. I found the step-by-step process explained in the books easy to understand. I learned to make forms for someone to fill out. I didn't know anything about computers when I started but I feel like I learned a lot while using this program. Mom says when I finish both the Windows Programming and the Game Programming and pass all the quizzes, then I'll get a computer science credit for my high school transcript. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn about computers. It does take patience because of all the typing but I am glad I got to use this program."

With the Windows Programming curriculum, kids will learn graphical Windows programs using Visual Basic Programming language. Go here to see a demonstration video. There are also sample lessons and solutions on this same page.

Topics covered:

~ Brief introduction to computer hardware, software, and programming history.

~ Introduction to the Microsoft Visual Basic 2010 Express development environment. ~Managing different types of data such as numbers and text

~ Learning how to make decision about program flow

~ Obtaining and validating user input

~ Working with numbers and math operations

~ Working with strings (text)

~ Learning how to debug (find errors in) your code

~ Learning how to write loops to execute sections of code many times

~ Working with arrays (sets of data)

~ Learning how to publish your programs to other computers

~ Putting it all together - write a simple graphical game!

I believe this program is an invaluable resource for teaching a little how a computer works. I will be having all my kids use this program and issue a high school credit for their transcripts and calling it Computer Science. Even though they may never go into any computer work as a career, but learning the whys and whatfores can't hurt in the use of basic computer skills.

On the Homeschool Programming website, they have their story as to why they designed this program, FAQ's, Program of the month contest, newsletters, and updates for the Visual Studio. Overall, this is a great program!

We are not the only one to review this program, check out what other crewmates had to say here.

Disclaimer: I am an independent contractor with TOS. I was sent the year plan for KidCoder Series for Windows and Games Programming by Homeschool Programmer for my review. No other compensation was received.