This unique computer curriculum offers 3 different environments of graduated
complexity: a programmable RPN (Reverse Polish Notation) calculator, an Intel
8051 microprocessor that is programmed using assembly language, and finally the
high-level C and C++ languages.
Each of these 3 languages comes complete with an
integrated development environment
(IDE) that provides an editor, compiler, and debugger. You
get fully explained solutions to fun programming projects such as
a scrolling electronic signboard, a robotic mouse in a maze, an audio
peak detector using an LED bar graph, and the Breakout video game.
All of these example programs have been designed to be highly visual,
audible, and fun.
In addition to the introduction to assembly language programming and
the introduction to C and C++, this curriculum offers an introduction to
Windows programming and graphical user interfaces.
You can find screen shots and further description of each of these
programs on the Catalog page.
How did I choose to teach assembly, C, and C++? These 3 languages are
used in 89 % of the embedded devices (i.e., laser printers, camcorders, MP3
players, etc.) in your home and car. In contrast, Java is employed in
only 3 % of embedded devices due to its poor performance.
This curriculum has been used and praised by degreed engineers
who are already working in industry. It is also being used in universities,
high schools, charter schools, and home schools
(minimal computer savvy is required on the part of the homeschool parents!).
A magazine that reviews educational software for children
asked a computer systems administrator to evaluate
the software and he concluded it was “brilliantly” done.
Another review appeared in Jack Ganssle’s column for the Nov 2005
issue of the Embedded Systems Design journal, a magazine for engineering
professionals. In short, he loved it but you can read the full review for yourself
here.
Here are some unsolicited comments from the hundreds of customers in 40 different
countries who have verified the quality of these materials:
| “Thanks for making such a product and thanks for making it affordable.”
a computer science teacher in Houston, TX |
| “I’m finding your course to be very well thought out in its
design & execution. A great bargain!” a financial analyst in Richmond, VA |
“I am a computer science professor with a PhD in electrical & computer
engineering. There appears to be a plethora of programming packages out there that purport to give kids the “feel” of programming, e.g., by using point and click to select icon objects that represent certain programming operations. However, I can’t see the connection to going from that to developing “real” code. I was impressed with your approach because it culminates in learning an industry accepted language: C/C++.” a university professor in Charlotte, NC |
| “I want to encourage your type of curricula as it gives the most…
for a liberal arts education which develops the entire student for life generally. Keep plugging, but be warned that your curricula is probably too demanding on most computer science teachers, not the students.” a computer science teacher in Calgary, Canada |
| “Great tutorial, VERY well written.
‘Bout brought tears to my eyes to see such well written material… I think you have a great piece of software at a VERY affordable price, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the level of dedication that is apparent in your work.” a computer systems administrator in Atlanta, GA |
| “very easy to use and works
well… As a home-school product, I think it is great!! “ a homeschool Mom in Loveland, CO |
| “I am a retired Navy officer and
subsequently also retired from employment in industry as a systems engineer. My educational background includes degrees in mathematics, physics and electronics engineering… I agree that [your software] is an excellent teaching tool. “ an engineer in Fort Collins, CO |
| “Am I glad I purchased the CD from you!
It is SIMPLE and SO EASY to understand! Attached is my first “professional” program, thanks indeed to you!” Bangalore, India |
| “Hello John,
I studied your tutorial and must say that I am really fond of the way you arranged the presentation and selected the topics. I think there is no way to make it better. Ostbevern, Germany |
| “I have had no problems at all, in fact I enjoyed the tutorials
very much, you did a wonderful job. This has helped quite a lot.” Maple Grove, MN |
If after exploring this web site (use the hyperlinks seen at the top of each page)
you still have questions about these materials then send an e-mail to:
