Teaching Python

In Episode 143 of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. John Chapin, a renowned computer science educator and presenter at CSTA. As the CS Pathway Leader at the Academies of Loudoun, Dr. Chapin brings over a decade of experience in primary and secondary education, creating and implementing rigorous curricula for post-AP CS students. He shares insights into the transformative power of Computational Thinking 2.0, emphasizing the importance of Python and data science in today's educational landscape. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how integrating machine learning, data analytics, and mobile app development into CS education can foster a culture of inquiry, creativity, and collaboration among students and educators.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Chapin discusses his recent research on the impact of whiteboarding on student self-efficacy in CS1 classes, as presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's Global Computer Education Conference (CompEd2023). He also shares his experiences conducting professional development workshops for CS teachers across Virginia and his efforts to align CS programs with the evolving needs of the workforce and society. This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about the future of computer science education, offering actionable ideas and inspiration to enhance their teaching practices and curriculum design.

Special Guest: Dr. John Chapin.

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In Episode 142 of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes are joined by Kelly Powers, a fellow middle school educator and curriculum designer, to explore the dynamic world of middle school instruction. As a passionate advocate for computational thinking, Powers shares valuable insights on introducing students to the concepts of AI, data science, and cybersecurity in a way that is both rigorous and joyful.

Kelly Powers transitioned from the business world to education, bringing a fresh perspective on teaching computational thinking. She offers invaluable insights into making rigorous and joyful learning experiences for middle school students.

Whether you are an experienced teacher or new to the field, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and inspirational moments that will help you create a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Tune in for a lively conversation that celebrates the magic of middle school teaching and the endless possibilities of computer science education.

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Special Guest: Kelly Powers.

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• CodeHS - Teach Coding and Computer Science at Your School | CodeHS

Join hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor as they welcome esteemed Python expert Trey Hunner to the show. This episode is a delightful mix of practical insights, engaging stories, and thought-provoking discussions about Python and teaching.

Trey shares his experiences with listeners, starting with his recent venture into launching a 10-week Python course called Python High Five. He talks about the excitement and challenges of teaching across different time zones with this unique setup, highlighting the importance of accountability and the fun of learning alongside his students.

Throughout the episode, Sean and Kelly discuss the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on learning. Trey emphasizes the critical skill of asking the right questions, saying, "Knowing how to use that tool is a really valuable thing, but also knowing what to stick into the tool and how to evaluate the output of the tool is a really valuable thing."

The conversation transitions into the heart of Python programming, where Trey, Sean, and Kelly share their favorite features and nuances of Python. They explore the value of looping helpers and marvel at the elegance and simplicity of Python's tools and functions. Sean recalls a memorable teaching moment about Python turtle graphics, reflecting on the joy and discovery that comes with coding: "It was so cool that this sixth grader showed me how to do it."

This episode is not just about technical insights but also about the joy of teaching and learning. Trey, Kelly, and Sean discuss strategies for balancing the basics with advanced learning and the importance of having fun in the process. Join them for a warm, inclusive conversation that invites you to be part of their journey through the wonders of Python programming.

Special Guest: Trey Hunner.

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• Python Morsels: Write better Python code

In this episode of Teaching Python, Sean and Kelly are joined by Renee Noble, a dynamic Microsoft Cloud Advocate and CEO of a nonprofit dedicated to helping women and gender-diverse individuals learn to code. The discussion delves into Renee's inspiring journey from chemical engineering to tech advocacy, her role in the Girls Programming Network (GPN), and how she has helped thousands of individuals build their coding skills and confidence. Renee emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, explaining the unique methodologies used at GPN to cater to diverse learning levels. The conversation also covers the role of mentors and the significance of having role models at different stages of one's learning and professional journey in tech. Finally, Renee shares her insights on her advocacy work at Microsoft and the impact of clear, approachable guidance in onboarding new learners to cloud technologies. Tune in to discover valuable lessons on building supportive tech communities and fostering diversity in the industry.

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• ConnectEd Code

In Episode 139 of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes welcome back Brianne Caplan, the dynamic founder of Code Your Dreams. The conversation explores the exciting advancements in coding education since Brianne's last appearance in 2019. They delve into the importance of blending play and learning, the impact of generative AI, and the power of community-driven innovation. Brianne shares inspiring success stories from students of all ages, from first graders creating mindfulness apps to adults developing solutions for police transparency. The episode also examines the role of failures in the learning process and the opportunities for growth they present. Tune in for an uplifting discussion about leveraging technology to create positive change in diverse communities and fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to innovate.

Special Guest: Brianne Caplan.

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• Code Your Dreams | Teaching Inner-City Chicago Kids To Code

In episode 138 of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes welcome Pamela Fox, a Principal Developer Advocate at Microsoft, to discuss the dynamic world of teaching, coding, and creating. Pamela shares her experiences working with Python in the cloud, emphasizing the various applications from serverless functions to web application backends using frameworks like Flask and Django. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how cloud-based environments like GitHub CodeSpaces and CoLab make programming more accessible and reduce the friction often associated with setting up development environments.

Pamela dives into her approach to teaching and the unique challenges posed by different educational formats. Drawing from her work at institutions like UC Berkeley and her development of AP Computer Science Principles content for Khan Academy, she highlights the importance of making learning engaging and personalized. Pamela shares insights into the design of interactive and project-based curricula, touching on how tools like Parsons problems can scaffold learning effectively and make complex concepts like recursion more approachable.

The conversation also explores the significance of visualizations in learning programming, as exemplified by Pamela's recursion visualizer tool. The episode concludes with reflections on the breadth of topics covered in AP CSP and the value of exposing students to a wide array of programming experiences. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the balance between teaching fundamental concepts and encouraging creative expression through code, along with practical tips for educators at all levels.

Special Guest: Pamela Fox.

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• GitHub - pamelafox/recursive-visualizations: An online tool to visualize recursive JS functions step-by-step as a tree.

In this insightful episode of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes engage in a dynamic conversation with the eminent Kelsey Hightower. The episode delves into Hightower's journey from self-taught programmer to distinguished engineer at Google, touching on the significance of lifelong learning and the non-traditional paths that many successful technologists follow. Hightower's anecdotes are not only inspiring but also provide valuable lessons on perseverance and the importance of staying curious.

The episode tackles key themes around the entrepreneurial mindset, advising both students and educators on how to take calculated risks and break away from conventional norms. Hightower shares his unique insights on how thinking like an entrepreneur can lead to personal and professional growth, and how these principles can be applied even in structured educational environments. His stories about facing and overcoming challenges offer a blueprint for anyone looking to innovate within their current roles.

For educators, Hightower's discussion emphasizes the need to look beyond the standard curriculum and foster an environment where students feel empowered to explore and experiment. The episode is rich with ideas on how to cultivate a nurturing yet challenging atmosphere that encourages students to think independently and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Whether you are a teacher, student, or tech enthusiast, this episode provides a wealth of wisdom on nurturing potential and achieving excellence.

Special Guest: Kelsey Hightower.

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• Kubernetes: Up and Running: Dive into the Future of Infrastructure: Burns, Brendan, Beda, Joe, Hightower, Kelsey, Evenson, Lachlan: 9781098110208: Amazon.com: Books

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Chuck Severance about making programming accessible to everyone, the importance of practical applications in learning, and the potential of remote internships in programming education.

In this episode of Teaching Python, hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor chat with Dr. Chuck Severance, widely known as Dr. Chuck, about his innovative approaches to make Python and programming accessible to everyone. They discuss Dr. Chuck's methods for engaging learners of all ages, the critical role of practical application in education, and how creating connections can help students retain complex concepts.

The conversation also delves into the potential for scalable, remote internships and how empowering students with programming skills at a younger age can have far-reaching effects on their future careers. Dr. Chuck shares his experiences, strategies, and vision for the future of programming education, making this episode a must-listen for educators and learners alike.

Special Guest: Dr. Charles Severance aka "Dr. Chuck".

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• PY4E - Python for Everybody

In this episode of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes dive deep into the innovative intersection of law and coding with special guests Morgan Gray and Wes Oliver from Duquesne University's School of Law. This fascinating conversation explores how Python programming is being integrated into the law curriculum to enhance the analytical and information processing skills of law students. The episode kicks off with introductions and personal anecdotes, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of legal education.

Morgan and Wes share their unique journey of incorporating Python into their legal courses, detailing their beginning stages and the progression they've seen in their students. They discuss the challenges and rewards of teaching coding to future lawyers and the significant benefits it provides to their legal studies and careers. Through real-life examples and success stories, listeners gain insight into how Python is not only a tool for software development but also a powerful aid in legal problem-solving and decision-making.

The episode wraps up with a look at the broader implications and future opportunities for law graduates who possess coding skills. Sean and Kelly highlight the feedback from employers and the growing demand for tech-savvy lawyers in the industry. Whether you're a law student, educator, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a compelling look at how the integration of coding into non-traditional fields can open new avenues for innovation and efficiency.

Special Guests: Morgan Gray and Wes Oliver.

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• Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University

In this episode, we have a candid conversation with Jay Miller, the founder of Black Python Devs. Jay shares his journey into the tech world, highlighting the inspiration behind starting Black Python Devs and the essential role it plays in extending the reach of the Python community into the black ecosystem. We discuss how his organization fosters safe, equitable, and accessible environments for Black developers, breaking down barriers and creating pathways for new talent to enter and thrive in the industry.

Our discussion touches on the critical need for diversity and inclusion within tech communities and companies. Jay elaborates on practical strategies to make tech events and workplaces more welcoming for historically excluded groups. From the importance of having a strong code of conduct to providing logistical support like childcare and travel reimbursements, Jay emphasizes how small actions can make a significant impact in creating a culture where everyone feels they belong.

We also dive into the often overlooked challenges that Black tech professionals face, such as negotiating salaries and finding mentors who look like them. Jay offers invaluable insights on why visibility and representation matter, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice for both aspiring developers and established leaders. Whether you're an educator, a tech professional, or someone interested in creating more inclusive communities, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and actionable takeaways.

Special Guest: Jay Miller.

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• Black Python Devs | About Us