Learn C# by creating projects!
Projects
Beginning C#
Learn programming fundamentals as you create a text-based adventure game with C#. This online text was created for those with little or no programming experience.
Intermediate C#
If you already have experience with C#, or have completed the C# Adventure Game, learn more about object-oriented programming with these intermediate projects.
- C# Programming: Card Games
- C# Programming: Crafting Application
About the Projects
Teaching programming at an arts and communications school, I've found that many students want to learn in a way that is:
- In context
- Relatable to their interests
- Hands-on
To support these learning preferences, I developed project-based curriculum. Programming topics are introduced as they are needed.
For instance, in a text-based adventure game the setting, characters, events, and actions are all described with text. While explaining how to print these text descriptions to a console window, the concept of strings is introduced (objects that store text). When counting how many points a player has, integers are covered (objects that store whole numbers). Discussing programming concepts as needed (in context) has worked well with my students. I hope it works well for you, too, if you have randomly found this site!
Learning is often more meaningful when creating something tangible1. Instead of a long lecture or passive reading, some people respond better to "learning by doing"2. Building reinforces their understanding of the concepts and provides an example to return to later. These projects are meant to be built - create your own version as you move through the content.
Relatable projects, assignments, and examples often make it easier for people to invest the time needed to really learn and understand programming. For many creatives, making a game is more motivating than a calculator or budget application. I've tried to think of projects that are fun to make while still covering essential fundamentals - ones that I wish I had been able to create when I was learning to program.
- Wadsworth, Barry J. Piaget's Theory of Cognitive and Affective Development: Foundations of Constructivism. Pearson, 2003. 978-0205406036.
- Aldrich, Clark. Learning by Doing: A Comprehensive Guide to Simulations, Computer Games, and Pedagogy in e-Learning and Other Educational Experiences. Pfeiffer, 2005. 978-0787977351.