It should. The code in VB has the same base syntax and the style is relatively the same, but some of the commands are different. I learned Qbasic 20+ years ago, and when I went to VB, it was an easy move. Then to DBP it was pretty easy. There will be a lot of learning in methods of game creation with your loops, timer based gameplay and such, but if you know the syntax, it will be a lot easier.
I would suggest you get into DBP now, and it will make your class that much easier! While everyone else is trying to figure out things, you will be throwing stuff down like nobody's business! I made a bomberman game in VB about 8 years ago.