Course Description

This course develops JavaScript literacy through creating interactive PDFs in Adobe Acrobat, by coding a gradable test on materials safety. This first unit is foundational for later courseware that dives deeper into JavaScript-based projects, and which will have lesson plans targeted at various grade levels. The material covered is equivalent to a 3 day workshop and requires no previous experience with coding.

The courseware is currently formatted for PC users and Acrobat version X.



Topics Covered:

• Coding in JavaScript Using Adobe Acrobat
• Setting Up the Coding Environment
• Enabling JavaScript in Acrobat
• Setting Up the External Editor
• Acrobat Pro vs. Acrobat Reader
• Documents and Fields
• Looking Around the Document Page
• Targeting Fields
• Creating Code
• Script, Buttons, Run Code
• Manipulating Code
• Looking Around the Coding Environment
• Grading and Matching Document Choices
• Clearing the Document
• Creating and Coding Results Pages
• Creating the Submit, Retry and Congratulations Pages
• Student Score Triggers Field Visibility
• Placing All the Results on the Same Page
• The Completed Safety Test
• Where is Your Code on the Document Page?
• Relating Acrobat Script to JavaScript
• JavaScrip Syntax
• The Interpreter, Statements, Comments, Viewing Output, Variables, Data Types
• Operators, Assignment, Comparison, Loops, Functions, Arrays
• Getting the Code out of the Console
• Learning How to Learn JavaScript
• References


Curricular Mapping to BC’s Digital Literacy Framework

Technology Operations and Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations, and develop computational thinking skills.
a. General Knowledge And Functional Skills
¬ A digitally literate person knows the basics (terminology, navigation, functionality) of digital devices and can use them for basic purposes.

The student:
• possesses general computer skills (typing, using computers, launching a new program). (Gr. 6-9)
• can design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, such as controlling or simulating physical systems. (Gr. 6-9)
• can solve programmatic problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. (Gr. 6-9)
• is familiar with the meaning of terms commonly used in user manuals for the operation of hardware and the installation and configuration of software. (Gr. 10-12)
• troubleshoots systems and applications. (Gr. 10-12)

Required Equipment and Software
• A laptop or desktop running Windows 8 or higher
• Adobe Acrobat 10 or higher

• A Code Editor such as Notepad ++ (free-open source)


Andrew Henry

I am a student centered instructional designer with a keen interest in creating personalized and engaging content. I view technology based education and e-learning as unique vehicles that allow the learner to take responsibility for pace and place of instruction, and take ownership of their learning.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Coding Javascript in Adobe Acrobat PDFs

    • Coding Javascript in Adobe Acrobat