Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-02-10 Thread Gerald Ardito 
Stephen,  

Thanks for the checking in and for the resource. I look forward to playing with 
it.
The course is going well. I have designed it as a discovery experience, just 
like when I have taught Scratch and Etoys and TurtleArt.  

And, Walter, I have to say that my students with prior Scratch and/or TurtleArt 
experience are doing the best (which is a totally unsurprising finding).

I will be blogging about the course when I have a chance to catch up.

Thanks.
Gerald


On Friday, February 8, 2013 at 1:56 AM, Steve Thomas wrote:

> Gerald,
>  
> Hope the course is going well.  Another resource I just found which you might 
> find useful is Project Euler (http://projecteuler.net/).   
> I am considering using it as "extra credit" problems.  It depends on the the 
> kids in your class. The problems are geared towards math/programming geeks.
>  
> Here are some examples:
> > If we list all the natural numbers below 10 that are multiples of 3 or 5, 
> > we get 3, 5, 6 and 9. The sum of these multiples is 23.
> >  
> >  
> > Find the sum of all the multiples of 3 or 5 below 1000.
> >  
> > ---
> > A palindromic number reads the same both ways. The largest palindrome made 
> > from the product of two 2-digit numbers is 9009 = 91 99.
> >  
> > Find the largest palindrome made from the product of two 3-digit numbers.
> >  
> What we really need (for those who are not mathematical/logical types) are 
> some nice libraries that allow kids to play with images and sounds.
> Two really fun examples (in Scratch 2.0) are You've been Framed 
> (http://beta.scratch.mit.edu/projects/10036009/) by JJROCKER and Round 
> (http://beta.scratch.mit.edu/projects/10036112/) by Jens Mönig
>  
> If we had a simple interface to the TamTam instruments you could do something 
> like Jens' Round.  
>  
> Also if we had a way to simple way to reference each pixel (R, G and B 
> values) in an image and modify them, kids could do some fun mods on You've 
> been Framed.  
> There is a great course from Cousera CS101 
> (https://www.coursera.org/course/cs101)  image manipulation (using 
> JavaScript).  If we had a similar library to the JavaScript one used in the 
> course, it would be a lot of fun for the kids.
>  
> Cheers,
> Stephen
>  
>  
>  
> On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 10:14 PM, Mike Rehner  (mailto:babareh...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > Here is a list of Python resources if that would help-
> > http://www.babarehner.com/ewrench1011/Python/index.html
> >  
> > Cheers,
> >  
> > Mike
> >  
> > On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Gerald Ardito  > (mailto:gma...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > > Stephen,
> > >
> > > I am starting two weeks from tomorrow.
> > > I am still trying to wrap my head about the key goals and projects. It 
> > > would
> > > be great to share ideas.
> > >
> > > Gerald
> > >
> > > On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:
> > >
> > > On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  > > (mailto:fors...@ozonline.com.au)> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More difficult
> > > than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get 
> > > better
> > > value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The goal
> > > could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
> > >
> > > If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello world'
> > > template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
> > > beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box 
> > > for
> > > text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
> > > keyboard and mouse capture.
> > >
> > > Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things 
> > > much
> > > simpler.
> > >
> > >
> > > Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
> > >
> > > Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some
> > > kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
> > >
> > > Stephen
> > >
> > >
> > > Tony
> > >
> > >> mailto:gerald.ard...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > >> > Hello.
> > >> > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course
> > >> > on
> > >> > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
> > >> > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> > >> > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
> > >> > you
> > >> > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
> > >> > transition
> > >> > from consumer to producer would be great.
> > >> >
> > >> > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts
> > >> > and
> > >> > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
> > >> > students
> > >> > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?
> > >>
> > >> Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
> > >> inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
> > >> straightforward.
> >

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-02-08 Thread Walter Bender 
On Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 1:56 AM, Steve Thomas  wrote:
> Gerald,
>
> Hope the course is going well.  Another resource I just found which you
> might find useful is Project Euler.
> I am considering using it as "extra credit" problems.  It depends on the the
> kids in your class. The problems are geared towards math/programming geeks.
>
> Here are some examples:
>
> If we list all the natural numbers below 10 that are multiples of 3 or 5, we
> get 3, 5, 6 and 9. The sum of these multiples is 23.
>
> Find the sum of all the multiples of 3 or 5 below 1000.
>
> ---
> A palindromic number reads the same both ways. The largest palindrome made
> from the product of two 2-digit numbers is 9009 = 91 99.
>
> Find the largest palindrome made from the product of two 3-digit numbers.
>
> What we really need (for those who are not mathematical/logical types) are
> some nice libraries that allow kids to play with images and sounds.
> Two really fun examples (in Scratch 2.0) are You've been Framed by JJROCKER
> and Round by Jens Mönig
>
> If we had a simple interface to the TamTam instruments you could do
> something like Jens' Round.

There is a Turtle Art Python block for this.
>
> Also if we had a way to simple way to reference each pixel (R, G and B
> values) in an image and modify them, kids could do some fun mods on You've
> been Framed.

Also doable in Turlte Art :)

> There is a great course from Cousera CS101  image manipulation (using
> JavaScript).  If we had a similar library to the JavaScript one used in the
> course, it would be a lot of fun for the kids.
>
> Cheers,
> Stephen
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 10:14 PM, Mike Rehner  wrote:
>>
>> Here is a list of Python resources if that would help-
>> http://www.babarehner.com/ewrench1011/Python/index.html
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Gerald Ardito  wrote:
>> > Stephen,
>> >
>> > I am starting two weeks from tomorrow.
>> > I am still trying to wrap my head about the key goals and projects. It
>> > would
>> > be great to share ideas.
>> >
>> > Gerald
>> >
>> > On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:
>> >
>> > On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  wrote:
>> >
>> > Hi
>> >
>> > As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More
>> > difficult
>> > than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get
>> > better
>> > value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The
>> > goal
>> > could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
>> >
>> > If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello
>> > world'
>> > template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
>> > beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box
>> > for
>> > text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
>> > keyboard and mouse capture.
>> >
>> > Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things
>> > much
>> > simpler.
>> >
>> >
>> > Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
>> >
>> > Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to
>> > some
>> > kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
>> >
>> > Stephen
>> >
>> >
>> > Tony
>> >
>> >>  wrote:
>> >> > Hello.
>> >> > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester
>> >> > course
>> >> > on
>> >> > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was
>> >> > already
>> >> > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
>> >> > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
>> >> > you
>> >> > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
>> >> > transition
>> >> > from consumer to producer would be great.
>> >> >
>> >> > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic
>> >> > concepts
>> >> > and
>> >> > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
>> >> > students
>> >> > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an
>> >> > Activity?
>> >>
>> >> Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
>> >> inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
>> >> straightforward.
>> >>
>> >> -walter
>> >>
>> >> >
>> >> > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
>> >> >
>> >> > Best,
>> >> > Gerald Ardito
>> >> >
>> >> > ___
>> >> > Sugar-devel mailing list
>> >> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> >> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Walter Bender
>> >> Sugar Labs
>> >> http://www.sugarlabs.org
>> >> ___
>> >> Sugar-devel mailing list
>> >> sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> >> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>> >>
>> >> _
>> >> This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
>> >> see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
>> >
>> > ___

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-02-07 Thread Steve Thomas 
Gerald,

Hope the course is going well.  Another resource I just found which you
might find useful is Project Euler .
I am considering using it as "extra credit" problems.  It depends on the
the kids in your class. The problems are geared towards math/programming
geeks.

Here are some examples:

If we list all the natural numbers below 10 that are multiples of 3 or 5,
we get 3, 5, 6 and 9. The sum of these multiples is 23.

Find the sum of all the multiples of 3 or 5 below 1000.

---
A palindromic number reads the same both ways. The largest palindrome made
from the product of two 2-digit numbers is 9009 = 91 99.

Find the largest palindrome made from the product of two 3-digit numbers.

What we really need (for those who are not mathematical/logical types) are
some nice libraries that allow kids to play with images and sounds.
Two really fun examples (in Scratch 2.0) are You've been
Framed by
JJROCKER and Round  by Jens
Mönig

If we had a simple interface to the TamTam instruments you could do
something like Jens' Round.

Also if we had a way to simple way to reference each pixel (R, G and B
values) in an image and modify them, kids could do some fun mods on You've
been Framed.
There is a great course from Cousera
CS101 image manipulation (using
JavaScript).  If we had a similar library to the
JavaScript one used in the course, it would be a lot of fun for the kids.

Cheers,
Stephen



On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 10:14 PM, Mike Rehner  wrote:

> Here is a list of Python resources if that would help-
> http://www.babarehner.com/ewrench1011/Python/index.html
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mike
>
> On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Gerald Ardito  wrote:
> > Stephen,
> >
> > I am starting two weeks from tomorrow.
> > I am still trying to wrap my head about the key goals and projects. It
> would
> > be great to share ideas.
> >
> > Gerald
> >
> > On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:
> >
> > On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  wrote:
> >
> > Hi
> >
> > As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More
> difficult
> > than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get
> better
> > value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The
> goal
> > could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
> >
> > If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello
> world'
> > template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
> > beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box
> for
> > text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
> > keyboard and mouse capture.
> >
> > Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things
> much
> > simpler.
> >
> >
> > Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
> >
> > Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some
> > kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
> >
> > Stephen
> >
> >
> > Tony
> >
> >>  wrote:
> >> > Hello.
> >> > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course
> >> > on
> >> > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was
> already
> >> > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> >> > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
> >> > you
> >> > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
> >> > transition
> >> > from consumer to producer would be great.
> >> >
> >> > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts
> >> > and
> >> > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
> >> > students
> >> > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an
> Activity?
> >>
> >> Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
> >> inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
> >> straightforward.
> >>
> >> -walter
> >>
> >> >
> >> > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
> >> >
> >> > Best,
> >> > Gerald Ardito
> >> >
> >> > ___
> >> > Sugar-devel mailing list
> >> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> >> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> >> >
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Walter Bender
> >> Sugar Labs
> >> http://www.sugarlabs.org
> >> ___
> >> Sugar-devel mailing list
> >> sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> >> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> >>
> >> _
> >> This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
> >> see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
> >
> > ___
> >
> > IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> > IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
> >
> >

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-15 Thread Gerald Ardito 
Mike, 

This is great.
Thanks.

Gerald 


On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:14 PM, Mike Rehner wrote:

> Here is a list of Python resources if that would help-
> http://www.babarehner.com/ewrench1011/Python/index.html
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Mike
> 
> On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Gerald Ardito  (mailto:gma...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > Stephen,
> > 
> > I am starting two weeks from tomorrow.
> > I am still trying to wrap my head about the key goals and projects. It would
> > be great to share ideas.
> > 
> > Gerald
> > 
> > On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:
> > 
> > On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  > (mailto:fors...@ozonline.com.au)> wrote:
> > 
> > Hi
> > 
> > As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More difficult
> > than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get better
> > value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The goal
> > could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
> > 
> > If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello world'
> > template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
> > beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for
> > text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
> > keyboard and mouse capture.
> > 
> > Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things much
> > simpler.
> > 
> > 
> > Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
> > 
> > Ditto. When will you start the class? I am also teaching Python to some
> > kids now, and interested sharing ideas.
> > 
> > Stephen
> > 
> > 
> > Tony
> > 
> > > mailto:gerald.ard...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > > > Hello.
> > > > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course
> > > > on
> > > > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
> > > > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> > > > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
> > > > you
> > > > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
> > > > transition
> > > > from consumer to producer would be great.
> > > > 
> > > > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts
> > > > and
> > > > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
> > > > students
> > > > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?
> > > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
> > > inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
> > > straightforward.
> > > 
> > > -walter
> > > 
> > > > 
> > > > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
> > > > 
> > > > Best,
> > > > Gerald Ardito
> > > > 
> > > > ___
> > > > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> > > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --
> > > Walter Bender
> > > Sugar Labs
> > > http://www.sugarlabs.org
> > > ___
> > > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> > > 
> > > _
> > > This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
> > > see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
> > > 
> > 
> > 
> > ___
> > 
> > IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> > IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ___
> > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> > 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Mike Rehner
> Groveport (Columbus) OH 43125
> USA
> 614 497 9774
> www.e-wrench.com (http://www.e-wrench.com)
> aldebaran.dnsdojo.org (http://aldebaran.dnsdojo.org) (Moodle test server)
> www.youtube.com/user/babarehner (http://www.youtube.com/user/babarehner) 
> (YouTube Channel)
> 
> 


___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-14 Thread Mike Rehner 
Here is a list of Python resources if that would help-
http://www.babarehner.com/ewrench1011/Python/index.html

Cheers,

Mike

On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Gerald Ardito  wrote:
> Stephen,
>
> I am starting two weeks from tomorrow.
> I am still trying to wrap my head about the key goals and projects. It would
> be great to share ideas.
>
> Gerald
>
> On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:
>
> On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More difficult
> than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get better
> value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The goal
> could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
>
> If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello world'
> template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
> beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for
> text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
> keyboard and mouse capture.
>
> Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things much
> simpler.
>
>
> Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
>
> Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some
> kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
>
> Stephen
>
>
> Tony
>
>>  wrote:
>> > Hello.
>> > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course
>> > on
>> > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
>> > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
>> > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
>> > you
>> > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
>> > transition
>> > from consumer to producer would be great.
>> >
>> > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts
>> > and
>> > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
>> > students
>> > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?
>>
>> Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
>> inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
>> straightforward.
>>
>> -walter
>>
>> >
>> > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
>> >
>> > Best,
>> > Gerald Ardito
>> >
>> > ___
>> > Sugar-devel mailing list
>> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Walter Bender
>> Sugar Labs
>> http://www.sugarlabs.org
>> ___
>> Sugar-devel mailing list
>> sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>>
>> _
>> This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
>> see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
>
> ___
>
> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>
>
>
>
> ___
> Sugar-devel mailing list
> sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>



-- 
Mike Rehner
Groveport (Columbus) OH 43125
USA
614 497 9774
www.e-wrench.com
aldebaran.dnsdojo.org (Moodle test server)
www.youtube.com/user/babarehner (YouTube Channel)
___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-14 Thread Steve Thomas 
James,

On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 6:24 PM, James Simmons  wrote:

> Steve,
>
> In my book I develop an e-book reader, starting with a standalone program
> and then converting it to a simple Activity, followed by adding toolbars,
> etc.  The examples are simple but not trivial.  I'm not a big fan of "Hello
> World".  I prefer a simple program that actually does something useful.  I
> don't have to understand absolutely every line of code to learn from an
> example.
>
Agreed (on the part about a simple program that actually does something
useful, and hopefully interesting to them).  I was thinking more a template
(as opposed to classic "Hello World) where there were some useful objects
setup that they could use/modify, which is what I thought Tony was talking
about.

I am starting to go through your book. I'll ask questions on the list as I
go.

> James Simmons
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 5:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:
>
>> On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More
>>> difficult than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might
>>> get better value using Pygame and writing something that can run from
>>> Pippy. The goal could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
>>>
>>> If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello
>>> world' template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
>>> beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for
>>> text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
>>> keyboard and mouse capture.
>>>
>> Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things
>> much simpler.
>>
>>
>>> Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
>>>
>> Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some
>> kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
>>
>> Stephen
>>
>>>
>>> Tony
>>>
>>> >  wrote:
>>> > > Hello.
>>> > > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester
>>> course on
>>> > > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was
>>> already
>>> > > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
>>> > > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I
>>> think you
>>> > > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
>>> transition
>>> > > from consumer to producer would be great.
>>> > >
>>> > > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic
>>> concepts and
>>> > > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
>>> students
>>> > > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an
>>> Activity?
>>> >
>>> > Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
>>> > inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
>>> > straightforward.
>>> >
>>> > -walter
>>> >
>>> > >
>>> > > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
>>> > >
>>> > > Best,
>>> > > Gerald Ardito
>>> > >
>>> > > ___
>>> > > Sugar-devel mailing list
>>> > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>>> > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>>> > >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Walter Bender
>>> > Sugar Labs
>>> > http://www.sugarlabs.org
>>> > ___
>>> > Sugar-devel mailing list
>>> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>>> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>>> >
>>> > _
>>> > This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
>>> > see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
>>>
>>> ___
>>> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
>>> IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
>>> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>>>
>>
>>
>> ___
>> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
>> IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>>
>
>
___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-14 Thread Gerald Ardito 
Stephen, 

I am starting two weeks from tomorrow. 
I am still trying to wrap my head about the key goals and projects. It would be 
great to share ideas.

Gerald 


On Monday, January 14, 2013 at 6:08 PM, Steve Thomas wrote:

> On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  (mailto:fors...@ozonline.com.au)> wrote:
> > Hi
> > 
> > As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More difficult 
> > than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get better 
> > value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The goal 
> > could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
> > 
> > If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello world' 
> > template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the 
> > beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for 
> > text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of 
> > keyboard and mouse capture.
> Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things much 
> simpler.
>  
> > Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
> Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some 
> kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
> 
> Stephen
> > 
> > Tony
> > 
> > > mailto:gerald.ard...@gmail.com)> wrote:
> > > > Hello.
> > > > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course 
> > > > on
> > > > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
> > > > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> > > > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think 
> > > > you
> > > > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the 
> > > > transition
> > > > from consumer to producer would be great.
> > > >
> > > > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts 
> > > > and
> > > > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the 
> > > > students
> > > > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?
> > >
> > > Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
> > > inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
> > > straightforward.
> > >
> > > -walter
> > >
> > > >
> > > > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
> > > >
> > > > Best,
> > > > Gerald Ardito
> > > >
> > > > ___
> > > > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Walter Bender
> > > Sugar Labs
> > > http://www.sugarlabs.org
> > > ___
> > > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> > >
> > > _
> > > This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
> > > see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
> > 
> > ___
> > IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> > IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org (mailto:IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org)
> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
> 

___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-14 Thread James Simmons 
Steve,

In my book I develop an e-book reader, starting with a standalone program
and then converting it to a simple Activity, followed by adding toolbars,
etc.  The examples are simple but not trivial.  I'm not a big fan of "Hello
World".  I prefer a simple program that actually does something useful.  I
don't have to understand absolutely every line of code to learn from an
example.

My first exposure to Turbo C was Hello World.  However, I really learned
the language by typing in code for useful programs in "C Chest And Other C
Treasures", especially since I didn't always type them in correctly and
then I had to figure out where I went wrong.

If I was teaching a class I'd probably use the examples in my book.  I've
never taught a class in anything so I have no idea if that would work, but
that's how I would do it.

The worst computer class I ever took was my introductory BAL class.  We had
"Green Cards" (IBM Assembly Pocket Reference) and we spent several class
periods going over BAL instructions and what they did.  It was probably the
dumbest way you could teach BAL.

James Simmons


On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 5:08 PM, Steve Thomas  wrote:

> On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  wrote:
>
>> Hi
>>
>> As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More
>> difficult than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might
>> get better value using Pygame and writing something that can run from
>> Pippy. The goal could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
>>
>> If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello
>> world' template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
>> beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for
>> text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
>> keyboard and mouse capture.
>>
> Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things
> much simpler.
>
>
>> Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
>>
> Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some
> kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.
>
> Stephen
>
>>
>> Tony
>>
>> >  wrote:
>> > > Hello.
>> > > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester
>> course on
>> > > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was
>> already
>> > > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
>> > > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
>> you
>> > > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
>> transition
>> > > from consumer to producer would be great.
>> > >
>> > > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic
>> concepts and
>> > > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
>> students
>> > > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an
>> Activity?
>> >
>> > Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
>> > inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
>> > straightforward.
>> >
>> > -walter
>> >
>> > >
>> > > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
>> > >
>> > > Best,
>> > > Gerald Ardito
>> > >
>> > > ___
>> > > Sugar-devel mailing list
>> > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>> > >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > Walter Bender
>> > Sugar Labs
>> > http://www.sugarlabs.org
>> > ___
>> > Sugar-devel mailing list
>> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>> >
>> > _
>> > This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
>> > see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
>>
>> ___
>> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
>> IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
>> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>>
>
>
> ___
> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>
___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-14 Thread Steve Thomas 
On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 9:58 PM,  wrote:

> Hi
>
> As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More difficult
> than creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get better
> value using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The goal
> could be to create more Pippy built in samples.
>
> If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello world'
> template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the
> beginning. Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for
> text entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of
> keyboard and mouse capture.
>
Agreed. Having a template to build on for an Activity would make things
much simpler.


> Good luck. Please ask if you need help.
>
Ditto.  When will you start the class?  I am also teaching Python to some
kids now, and  interested sharing ideas.

Stephen

>
> Tony
>
> >  wrote:
> > > Hello.
> > > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course
> on
> > > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
> > > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> > > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think
> you
> > > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the
> transition
> > > from consumer to producer would be great.
> > >
> > > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts
> and
> > > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the
> students
> > > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?
> >
> > Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
> > inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
> > straightforward.
> >
> > -walter
> >
> > >
> > > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
> > >
> > > Best,
> > > Gerald Ardito
> > >
> > > ___
> > > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> > > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Walter Bender
> > Sugar Labs
> > http://www.sugarlabs.org
> > ___
> > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> >
> > _
> > This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
> > see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning
>
> ___
> IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
> IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
>
___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-12 Thread forster 
Hi

As a beginner, I found creating a Sugar Activity difficult. More difficult than 
creating a program to run from Terminal or Pippy. You might get better value 
using Pygame and writing something that can run from Pippy. The goal could be 
to create more Pippy built in samples.

If you are going to write an Activity, you could give them a 'hello world' 
template and get them to build on that rather than starting from the beginning. 
Your 'hello world' template could have the basics:a text box for text 
entry/display, a canvas for graphical display and an example of keyboard and 
mouse capture.

Read http://en.flossmanuals.net/make-your-own-sugar-activities/index/

Good luck. Please ask if you need help.

Tony

>  wrote:
> > Hello.
> > I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course on
> > computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
> > settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> > students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think you
> > know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the transition
> > from consumer to producer would be great.
> >
> > I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts and
> > can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the students
> > know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?
> 
> Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
> inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
> straightforward.
> 
> -walter
> 
> >
> > I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
> >
> > Best,
> > Gerald Ardito
> >
> > ___
> > Sugar-devel mailing list
> > sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> > http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> >
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Walter Bender
> Sugar Labs
> http://www.sugarlabs.org
> ___
> Sugar-devel mailing list
> sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
> 
> _
> This mail has been virus scanned by Australia On Line
> see http://www.australiaonline.net.au/mailscanning

___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep

Re: [IAEP] [Sugar-devel] About to teach Python programming

2013-01-12 Thread Walter Bender 
On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 8:59 PM, Dr. Gerald Ardito
 wrote:
> Hello.
> I have been asked by my school district to teach a one semester course on
> computer programming to some of our high school students. I was already
> settled on Python. In my planning, I thought it would be great if the
> students built an application for Sugar/XO Laptop. I have, as I think you
> know, been using them in our school for a few years, I think the transition
> from consumer to producer would be great.
>
> I am not a Python programmer, although I understand the basic concepts and
> can muddle my way through. So,here's my question -- what should the students
> know/be able to do in Python before they are able to write an Activity?

Beyond the basics, understanding the concept of classes and
inheritance is pretty essential. Some GTK stuff, but that is pretty
straightforward.

-walter

>
> I hope this makes sense. And I appreciate your time.
>
> Best,
> Gerald Ardito
>
> ___
> Sugar-devel mailing list
> sugar-de...@lists.sugarlabs.org
> http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/sugar-devel
>



--
Walter Bender
Sugar Labs
http://www.sugarlabs.org
___
IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!)
IAEP@lists.sugarlabs.org
http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep