June 26, 2013

An Introduction to Interactive Programming with Python




A few weeks ago, I was looking for some MOOCs (massive open online courses) which teaches interactive python, with which I can make a few games or something. My search ended here.
An Introduction to Interactive Programming with Python





The most exiting thing about this course that you will learn to make some cool games. Moreover you don't even have to download anything to make the games. You just have to code it on Codeskulptor through which you can submit the codes , share with your friends, show off your games. Yes, you maybe wondering what is Codeskulptor.

CodeSkulptor is a browser-based Python interpreter. It implements a subset of Python 2.6, plus the addition of two graphical libraries, SimpleGui and SimplePlot.






This course is taught by four professors from Computer Science Department of Rice University , Joe Warren , Scott Rixner , John Greiner and Stephen WongThey are the most fun professors I ever saw. They make this course more fun.

Prof. Scott Rixner, one of the course’s instructors, is a smart cookie with a Ph.D in electrical engineering from MIT. He developed CodeSkulptor, that lets you edit, save and run Python interactively.
It’s based on two open-source packages that let you edit and run Python code in your browser with just a button click. It’s easy enough for anyone to use it.

This is a some games designed with Codeskulptor - 


  • RiceRocks



  • Pyman



  • Rice Racer



Moreover , if you sign up for Signature Track, you can get Verified Certificate which conforms your identity and can be added into your Curriculum Vitae (CV).Find more about Signature Track here. Signature Track will require a fee of around 80 $ (for this course). But if you don't want to pay that you can always get a regular "Statement of Accomplishment" but it does not conforms the identity of the course taker, so the certificate is rather useless, but you will still learn Interactive Python. 
The following is a sample Signature Track Certificate.








As a conclusion, I would like to say that this is a very nice course. I did it myself and it was an awesome experience.

Course Syllabus

Our course syllabus can be seen at www.codeskulptor.org/coursera/syllabus.html.

Recommended Background

High school mathematics
(Well, I did it with 10th standard education)

Course Format


Our course will last nine weeks.  The lectures from each week will focus on the topics listed in the syllabus while an associated weekly “mini- project” will serve to reinforce these concepts in practice.  Grades for these mini-projects will be determined via peer-assessment.  The class will also include two quizzes each week to provide further feedback.

FAQ

  • Will I get a certificate after completing this class?
    Yes. Students who successfully complete the class will receive a Statement of Accomplishment signed by Joe, Scott, John, and Stephen.

  • What resources will I need for this class?
    The only requirement for the class is access to a modern web browser. All coding and program development will be done in a web-based programming environment that supports building interactive applications in Python. The programs that you create will be saved, shared and graded via the cloud.

  • What is the coolest thing I'll learn if I take this class?
    You’ll be able to build your own games in Python.





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