Learn how to program in C++ from a master programming instructor and published author. In this project-oriented course, you'll skip all the gobbledygook and get right to programming--even if you have no prior programming experience! Before you know it, you'll be putting together programs that have their own windows and controls, and you'll see how easy programming really is.

In the course, you'll see how the world around us is built up by objects--things that have qualities and capabilities, and you'll explore how you can take that information and write a computer program that models the world around us. You'll then see that this is the actual technique that professional programmers use to build their programs. By the end of the course, you'll be using Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition to write real programs for Microsoft Windows.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Microsoft Windows 2000, 2003, XP, or Vista, Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Express Edition (free Express edition can be downloaded from Microsoft), Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Jeffrey Kent.

Jeffrey A. Kent is a Professor of Computer Science, teaching both traditional and online classes. He has taught a number of computer programming languages, including C, C++, Java, and Assembly. He has authored several computer programming books on different programming languages including Visual Basic, C++ and C#. He's also an attorney, and has combined both careers by writing applications for law firms.

“ At first I was skeptical about taking an online course as I never took one before, however after the first few lessons I had no cause to worry. This online course has taught me better than most actual classroom courses have and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in getting a sound tutorial in this subject, regardless of experience as a programmer. ”

“ Great class! Covered everything you need to know to get you started. Sometimes "beginner" classes don't start out at the beginner level. I knew nothing going in and was quite comfortable with the level that this course started with. Thanks! ”

“ Helped a lot. I now feel like I can start doing independent projects to increase my learning. Before I couldn't understand all the jargon online. Now it all makes sense. Thank you, Mr. Kent. ”

“ I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I recommend everyone interested in a technical field take a similar course. Thank you,this course really motivated me to take advanced courses in this area. ”

“ Jeffrey is one of the best professors I have ever had the privileged to study with. Being my first online course, I wasn't sure it would work out for me. I usually flourish with human-to-human contact. By the second week with Jeffrey and his clear, fun, and uplifting writing style, I knew I had made the right decision. And I felt that my professor was just as accessible as any teacher I have had. I appreciate this experience so much; I look forward to signing up for another online class with my school, and hopefully with Jeffrey. ”

“ The course was done quite well, and I liked the approach to how it was taught, good style. The course work explained concepts very well, and made it easier to understand. ”