This three-chapter guide provides simple explanations about BASIC programming for a teacher to use in a classroom situation, and suggests procedures for a "hands-on" course. Numerous examples are presented of the questions, problems, and level of understanding to expect from first-time, adult users (ages 13 and up). The course materials are designed to work for all microcomputers and cover the Introduction to BASIC Course (representing 3 2- to 3-hour classes), as presented in ComputerTown classes for the general public. The goal is for students to understand the commands as tools, to gain an overall picture of how a microcomputer works, and to have a positive experience with computers. Topics in the first lesson include hardware, software, memory, commands (PRINT, LIST, RUN, GOTO), editing, and the break key. The second lesson covers variables, counting to infinity, INPUT, IF-THEN, and programming syntax and theory, while the third introduces string variables, nested loops, and the STEP and FOR-NEXT commands. An appendix contains the following course handouts: (1) Introduction to BASIC Programming; (2) BASIC: Getting Turned On; (3) Big Bucks Banking Automated Checking Program; (4) Rules for Variable Names; (5) Number Guessing Game; and (6) A Word on Buying Software. (LMM)