Welcome to the BITS Visual Studio Code Mastery Workshop
We’re excited to have you join us on Saturday, August 16th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern for a four-hour journey into the world of Visual Studio Code (VS Code).
This event is tailored for blind and low-vision users, and we’ll guide you step by step from installation to advanced features — all with accessibility in mind.
Quick Links for Rapid Adopters
• VS Code Accessibility Documentation
• VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows with Mac and Linux versions available from the same page)
VS Code Materials (Downloadable Zip File)
What You’ll Learn
Whether you’ve never opened VS Code before or you’re looking to supercharge your skills, this session will guide you from the basics to powerful AI-assisted coding.
Workshop Flow
• Hour 1: Setup & Accessibility Basics
Installing VS Code, enabling screen reader mode, navigating the interface, opening/creating/saving files, and understanding panels.
• Hour 2: Files, Editing, Extensions & Markdown Essentials
Hands-on practice with editing tools, file/folder creation, using the Explorer panel, searching text, installing/removing extensions, and creating formatted documents in Markdown.
• Break: 10 minutes after Hour 2.
• Hours 3–4: Coding Exercises with GitHub Copilot
Guided project using AI-assisted coding, practicing prompts, working through challenges, and applying skills learned earlier in the session.
Getting Started with Visual Studio Code
Follow these steps before the workshop so you’re ready to dive right in.
1. System Requirements
VS Code runs on:
• Windows 10 or later
• macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
• Most modern Linux distributions
Minimum: 1 GB RAM and 200 MB free disk space.
2. Download and Install VS Code
• Windows
A. Go to VS Code Download
B. Click Windows to download the installer.
C. Open the downloaded .exe file and follow the prompts, leaving defaults unless you prefer otherwise.
• Mac
A. Go to VS Code Download
B. Click macOS to download the .zip file.
C. Open the .zip and drag Visual Studio Code into your Applications folder.
Important for Prior BITS Students:
If you participated in our HTML/WordPress or Python programming courses and currently have the portable version of VS Code installed via the BCI (BITS Class Installer), we recommend installing the standard, user-facing non-portable version for this upcoming seminar. This will provide the best compatibility and experience for the features we’ll be using.
3. Enable Screen Reader Mode
• Windows: Press Alt+Shift+F1
• Mac: Press Option+Command+F1
• If prompted, choose Reload so the change takes effect.
4. Update VS Code
• Open VS Code.
• From the Help menu, choose Check for Updates.
• If updates are found, follow the prompts to install them before the workshop.
5. Optional Practice Setup
For those who want to come extra-prepared:
1. Create a new file (Ctrl+N / Cmd+N).
2. Type:
3. # My Heading
4. This is my first Markdown document.
5. Press Ctrl+K V (Windows) or Cmd+K V (Mac) to open the preview and confirm it works.
6. Basics You’ll Use Right Away
We’ll cover these in the workshop, but you can explore them now if you’d like:
1. Opening and Saving Files — Open files, save (Ctrl+S / Cmd+S), and Save As.
2. Creating New Files and Folders — From the Explorer panel, with naming tips.
3. Basic Editing and Navigation — Arrow keys, Page Up/Down, Home/End, search (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F), undo/redo.
4. Opening and Closing Panels — Toggle sidebars (Ctrl+B / Cmd+B), find the integrated terminal, understand panel purposes.
5. Understanding VS Code Settings — Use the Settings UI to adjust basics like font size, line numbers, and word wrap (no JSON editing here).
6. Extensions — Install/remove an extension like Markdown preview.
7. Previewing Markdown — See how # My Heading instantly formats in preview mode.
Workshop Files and Follow-Up Resources
VS Code Workshop Audio Recording
VS Code Audio AI Generated Transcript
VS Code Examples
You will also be invited to join BITS and subscribe to our development or technology email lists for continued support in your Visual Studio Code learning.
Copilot Participation
We will demonstrate GitHub Copilot during the coding exercises.
• If you have an active Copilot subscription, ensure it’s installed and working before the session.
• If not, you can still participate and follow along — you just won’t be able to generate code directly.
How to Prepare Your Workspace
• Use a computer with a reliable internet connection.
• Have a headset or headphones for clear audio.
• Keep your screen reader up to date.
• Open Zoom a few minutes early to check audio.
✅ Before the Workshop Checklist
Please confirm you have:
1. Installed Visual Studio Code on your computer.
2. Opened VS Code at least once to make sure it launches properly.
3. Enabled screen reader mode using the shortcut for your OS.
4. Reloaded VS Code if prompted.
5. Checked for updates via the Help menu and installed the latest version.
6. Upgraded from the portable BCI version if applicable.
7. Tested Markdown preview if you want extra practice.
Helpful Accessibility Resources
• VS Code Accessibility Documentation
• VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows):
(Mac and Linux versions available from the same page)
Accessibility Commitment
We’ll describe all visual elements, and all exercises can be completed using a keyboard and screen reader. Accessibility support is a first-class priority during this session.
Time Zone Reminder
1:00 PM–5:00 PM Eastern
• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Pacific
• 11:00 AM–3:00 PM Mountain
• 12:00 PM–4:00 PM Central
Need Help?
If you have preliminary questions or need installation assistance before the workshop, email ask@bits-acb.org and a BITS team member will be happy to help.
Post-Workshop Access
After the session, you’ll receive:
• A recording of the workshop.
• Written materials and example files used in class.
• Links to resources demonstrated during the session.
• A short feedback form so we can continue improving future events.
Recording Notice
This workshop will be recorded and shared with registrants for personal review. By participating, you consent to being part of the recording.