Python and Teaching Programming

Eric · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:47 am Post subject: Python and Teaching Programming

OK. I am going to be teaching this fall (middle-school and high-school). Nothing major, just some basic computer classes.

I am thinking about teaching some basic programming as well (only a couple of weeks worth). Python was recommended to me. So was Squeak.

My question is: Where can I find the minimum system requirements for Python? I don't mind using command line stuff, since it can be easier to teach to people (especially those who aren't computer savvy).

Algorithms · Dragon Joined: 21 Oct 2004 Posts: 343 Location: Florida

Everything you could want to know is available at http://www.python.org. It runs on Linux, Windows, Mac, Be, etc.. I have it running on a machine that acts as a simple NFS and the machine is only a 233MHz w/ 64MB of memory. The footprint is around 6MB for the installation with all the libraries.

I think that it is excellent that you are considering teaching Python. If you don't choose it, well, you should Razz

hehe. It is really a great language for beginners and veterans alike. I hope your class goes well.

If you have a text book budget, considering Learning Python, Second Edition By Mark Lutz, David Ascher. If you don't, then consider http://www.diveintopython.org. I think both give very good coverage of the material in a way that gets new programmers programming.

Eric · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 4:08 pm Post subject:

The class will not have internet access, but I can print out stuff. I might have a book budget. I go to meet with my pastor and the principal this weekend (teaching at the Christian school where I go to church).

I think I can get them to let me teach some basic programming. The biggest issue is that most of the computers are old Compaq's (100 to 200 MhZ). So that rules out C#, and I'd rather not learn Java right now. Razz

Ankou · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 5:45 pm Post subject:

Go old school... bust out Basic and teach them that.

WbHack · Bushi Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 335 Location: Seattle

WannaBe · Wiggles Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 714 Location: CA

I think that maybe you should show good ways to use a computer, like firefox instead of IE, spyware protection, virus protection. I know so many people (including teens/kids) that have no idea what it is or how to use the computer well.

bdi · Nobody Joined: 21 Oct 2004 Posts: 1646 Location: Chicago

I would seriously consider how much you can cover in a few weeks before deciding to do programming. I mean, if you are thinking 2 weeks, what can you really do in that time? If there is a programming section, I would make sure that at completion the students could have created something useful in the real world to give them the sense of accomplishment. In all my programming classes in school, the basics like building a program and including files and such took more than a few weeks. I like the idea of teaching some programming but if you are just going to show them some quick lines, it will make it harder for them later to learn good practices.

As an alternative, you might consider some basic scripting. This is something that is used by IT managers as well as programmers. You could create a few scripts for automating things they have already learned in the course.

Eric · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:14 pm Post subject:

Good point Josh. I have been thinking about that. Right now, I don't think I can get them to go with a full programming course. Maybe next semester (spring) or next year.

I could do some basic office scripting. Or skip it altogether (well, give an overview of what programming is as part of the "basic computers" but not go into detail).