Learn Introductory Programming With COBOL

🌟 Course Headline: Sixty Years And Going Strong

🚀 Course Title: Learn Introductory Programming With COBOL

Course Description:

Are you intrigued by the world of programming and eager to explore a language that stands the test of time? Look no further! In this comprehensive course, Learn Introductory Programming With COBOL, we embark on a journey through the foundational elements of programming using one of the most enduring languages ever created – COBOL.

Why COBOL? Despite its reputation, COBOL is not just a relic of the past. It's still being used today, and with good reason. Its robustness and reliability make it an invaluable tool for many organizations around the globe, including financial institutions that rely on it to process billions of transactions every year.

What You'll Learn:

• 🛠️ Setting Up Your Software Environment: We start by getting you set up with the necessary COBOL software so you can begin your coding adventure.

• 👋 Your First 'Hello World': Learn how to generate output on the screen, the quintessential first step in programming.

• ⏫ Data Input and Output: Master reading and writing data from and to the terminal – a fundamental skill in any programming language.

• 📊 Data Types and Structures: Dive into COBOL's data types, structures, and understand how to work with them effectively.

• 🤔 Control Structures: Get hands-on experience with COBOL's control structures such as if/then, loops, and tables/arrays – the building blocks of any program.

• 🔨 Modular Programming: Discover how to break up your programs into reusable sections or functions, which is key to writing maintainable code.

• 🤝 COBOL's Linkage Sections: Although COBOL doesn't have parameters and arguments like modern languages, you'll learn how it uses Linkage Sections to achieve similar results.

• 🏢 Mainframe Mastery: Understand how COBOL fits into the mainframe environment, the most common platform for COBOL applications.

• 📈 Real-World Application: Learn about report programs and other typical use cases of COBOL in a modern context.

Who Is This Course For?

Whether you're a complete beginner to programming or simply have an affinity for COBOL, this course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in programming concepts through the lens of this classic language. With over 19 years of experience teaching introductory programming courses across various languages, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to your learning journey.

What's Unique About This Course?

• Gain insights into a language that is often overlooked in modern education but remains crucial in many sectors.

• Explore the principles of programming through COBOL, which will give you a better understanding of how these principles are applied across different languages.

• Benefit from real-world examples and scenarios that demonstrate the practical application of COBOL today.

Enroll Now! 🎓

Embark on your programming journey with Learn Introductory Programming With COBOL and unlock the door to understanding one of the most important languages in computing history. Sign up today and join a community of learners who are ready to master programming, regardless of the language they use!

Course Review for "Introduction to COBOL"

Overall Rating: 3.65 out of 5

Pros:

• Instructor's Knowledge: The instructor demonstrates a commanding knowledge of the COBOL subject matter, which is essential for any introductory course on the topic.

• Content Value: The content provided is good and offers valuable information that can be gleaned from the multitude of resources available online.

• Engagement Desire: There is a clear interest in students wanting to refresh their memory or learn COBOL, as evidenced by the reviewer who worked with COBOL 21 years ago and found the course helpful for reacquainting themselves with the language.

• Lesson Plan Suggestion: A suggestion for future improvements includes creating lessons around a sample application or task, which would enhance understanding and engagement.

Cons:

• Delivery Engagement: The delivery of the content is not very engaging. There are instances where the instructor's setup of the recording software and distractions like a whimpering dog or an Amazon product alarm interrupt the flow of the course.

• Video Quality: The videos need better editing. There is a lack of a video demo for the installation or initiation process, which is crucial for students to follow along effectively.

• Teaching Style Concerns: Some reviewers found the teaching style of the instructor somewhat monotonous and prone to digressions that do not contribute to the lesson.

• Lack of Visual Aids: During the course, there are moments when the instructor points out aspects of the code, but without visual aids on screen to reference, students may find it difficult to keep up with what is being discussed.

• Repetitive Content: A couple of lectors repeated themselves on multiple occasions, which could be seen as a waste of time and an opportunity for content streamlining.

• Resource Availability Post-Class: There is a hope for additional resources such as a "cheat sheet" at the end of the class to summarize key concepts and common terms, which could help students during and after the course. The mention of a mnemonic for remembering data areas was fun but might be forgettable without documentation.

Additional Feedback:

• Sample Application: Implementing a sample application that students can follow along with throughout the course would greatly enhance learning outcomes.

• Distraction Management: Ensuring a distraction-free environment for recording videos would improve the viewer's experience.

• Visual Aids and Resources: Providing visual aids during the lesson and compiling resources at the end of the course, such as a cheat sheet, would support students in their learning journey.

Summary: The "Introduction to COBOL" course offers valuable content for those looking to learn or refresh their memory on the programming language. However, the course's delivery, video quality, and some teaching styles need improvement. The incorporation of sample applications, better editing for videos, and additional learning aids such as cheat sheets or visual references would significantly enhance the student experience. With these improvements, the course could be a more effective learning tool for students interested in COBOL.