Hi all This month is a coding meet - so we'll be pairing up to work on building engines for a tool for learning Python. This is an exercise inspired by a simple Python script [1] I wrote for the STEM Raspberry Jam [2] at MOSI - just a single Python file with comments to lead through the fundamentals of coding in Python.
Similar existing tools: *Codecademy* [3] A web-based tutorial where concepts are explained and the user is instructed to type lines of code (into a console in the web page) to demonstrate their understanding, which are verified on submission. Progress is measured by sections completed and "Badges" are collected as progress is made. *Python Koans* [4] A package of files you download. The exercises are set as failing unittest assertions, with all assertion expected values set to 'FILL ME IN'. Progress is measured by the test runner, parsed and printed in English by the koans engine. *Python Challenge* [5] A linear set of riddles on the web designed to inspire the user to figure out the answer using Python, once they understand the cryptic nature of the clue. Googling and reading the Python docs is recommended. Coding performed offline with answers submitted in the URL. The Python Koans is the closest to what I want, in its technical form. Codecademy is the most child friendly one. Python Challenge is the most fun :) The requirements of the learning tools we will be building are: - Should consist only of a set of files available for download, without online dependencies - Answers should be verifiable immediately - Progress should be measured and fed back to the user regularly - Guidance, hints, instructions, progress and feedback should be given in pure English Writing the koans-style engine is, in itself, quite a fun exercise. I've done it before in PHP [6]. Pairs are free to choose the style of their tool, but if we all have the same aim, it'll be interesting to compare approaches taken. If we have something good at the end of the night, it might be worth us continuing as a real project and eventually putting it to use at Madlab U18 CoderDojos, Raspberry Jams and whatnot. [1] https://github.com/madlabU18/Python-Intro/blob/master/intro.py [2] http://networking.stemnet.org.uk/blog/pupils-celebrate-first-raspberry-jam-schools-mosi [3] http://www.codecademy.com [4] https://github.com/gregmalcolm/python_koans [5] http://www.pythonchallenge.com/ [6] https://github.com/bennuttall/php-koans<https://github.com/bennuttall/PHP-Koans> -- -- To post: [email protected] To unsubscribe: [email protected] Feeds: http://groups.google.com/group/python-north-west/feeds More options: http://groups.google.com/group/python-north-west --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Python North-West" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
