Learn Visual Basic Online: Overview of Online Training Options

Visual Basic is a programming tool created by Microsoft for developing computer applications. Students seeking Visual Basic training online have a wide variety of options, from self-directed study aids to college courses.

Visual Basic Overview

Visual Basic is a computer application created by Microsoft for the development of computer programs in a simple, graphically-based user interface. Visual Basic was originally derived from an interface to allow easier interaction with the BASIC programming language, but has developed into the user interface for Microsoft's entire programming suite. Visual Basic has been instrumental in creating a great deal of the PC software currently on the market.

Options for Online Training in Visual Basic

Online training in Visual Basic comes in a variety of forms and may be as simple as a single-page tutorial explaining a feature of the program or as comprehensive as a training program designed to give students a full working and theoretical knowledge of Visual Basic and all its components and dependent programs. Topics covered in online training programs vary but include subjects such as the functionality of specific features of the Visual Basic interface, as well as general programming organization and conventions. Instruction in programming best practices is often worked in as an integral part of the curriculum.

Web-Based Multimedia Courses

The majority of available online training options for Visual Basic are multimedia courses that, for a fee, can be either accessed and streamed from the course website or downloaded directly to the user's computer. Multimedia courses of this type are often designed on a work-at-your-own-pace model that allows students to advance as quickly or as slowly as they desire.
These courses may come in a variety of forms, from a written tutorial with accompanying sound files for demonstration and explanation to a video-based tutorial with text documentation and a step-by-step interactive presentation. Students may or may not receive a certificate upon completion, though most courses do require users to complete a test in order to successfully conclude the program.

Self-Directed Tutorials

Another common source of online training for Visual Basic is self-help tutorials. These are freely available to anyone with Internet access from many sources, including Visual Basic's official support website. Many organizations provide free databases of articles written by programmers as resources to the public.
The most common form for tutorials is step-by-step text instructions, usually complete with computer code samples and at times accompanied by source files for demonstration. Also common are 5-10 minute instructional videos, though often these only cover the most basic aspects of Visual Basic or else address new features as they are released.

College Courses

College courses in Visual Basic are also available online, both from Web-only universities and traditional universities that have online offerings. These classes usually result in college credit, often around 3 credit hours; courses may be taken in standalone fashion or else completed as part of a degree program in areas such as computer science.
Some colleges offer hybrid courses which may entail some on-campus components. For instance, students may need to complete tests and examinations on site, and some schools may offer optional in-person meetings with instructors. Students in courses that don't offer such options may participate in Web-based seminars, text or voice chats to supplement e-mail as a communication tool.