Budding web designers and programmers wanting to learn how to develop Silverlight applications can look to Microsofts new .toolbox site. You earn badges for completing certain tasks along your way to becoming a Silverlight expert. It looks fun, and isn’t a dry, boring course to take.

.toolbox features two core learning paths: Design Scenarios and Design Principles. Both begin with teaching basic techniques and build skills and knowledge incrementally. In Design Scenarios, designers and developers learn to create dynamically-rich Silverlight applications using Expression Studio. You will learn to add code-free functionality to designs by following step-by-step tutorials that illustrate how to create interactive user experiences. In Design Principles, you will learn fundamental design concepts (e.g., choosing the right colors and the right fonts) along with tips and techniques in how to apply them to your creations.