Hi David, On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 9:45 PM, David MacQuigg <macqu...@ece.arizona.edu>wrote:
> Hi Andre, > > Nice work. I have two suggestions, and a few minor edits. > > On the choice between Python 2 and 3, I would say teach both, but limit the > Python 2 syntax to your specific needs. Most students will see the print > statement as the only difference, and learning both is not much burden, > particularly if we make it an object lesson in not painting yourself into a > corner with an inflexible initial design, which breaks backward > compatibility when the enhancements to the original syntax get to be too > much. > I do like the suggestion ... but there is more than print to consider, even for beginners. The most obvious change is for the integer division. Another significant change deals with input()/raw_input() - longtimer on edu-sig list will probably remember the discussion that took place here and contributed to persuade Guido van Rossum not to eliminate them altogether from Python 3. I have tried to put words to that effect while incorporating your suggestion. > > On the use of a terminal window instead of IDLE, I can't see any advantage, > except in a few very special situations, like when I am editing a program > that uses tkinter, and there is a conflict between the program and IDLE, so > I edit in IDLE and run from the terminal window. Those situations can be > dealt with in whatever help file is guiding the student in each situation. > I don't see any need to say "if you like programming directly from a > terminal window". > You're right, of course, when it comes to students. I was thinking of some "hard-core" teachers and trying to address their "needs" at the same time... I've changed the wording somewhat; let me know (David and/or everyone else) if I missed the boat. > > Here are some suggested minor edits: > prefer to rely on --> prefer to have > If you are among this group, you might --> You might > The purpose of this section ... but to focus only --> Here we will focus > only > potential interests for educators --> potential interest to educators > The following may be of interest for children, --> For children, > and get independent feedback --> and get immediate feedback > much fewer people --> many fewer people > much fewer free software --> much less free software > for making game: --> for making games: > Thanks for pointing out these errors. I should have noticed some (all?) of them - I do mix often "much" and "many" even though I should know better. I'm sure there are a few other "ackward" parts of sentences left here and there - hopefully they will be edited out as I revise the page (and get more suggestions ;-) Cheers, André > > -- Dave > >
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