[PyAR2] pyArkansas - 7 days out

[Brad Allen]

It seems like a bad idea having the Python Teach-In scheduled against
the Introduction to Python.

Maybe we should keep the Intro to Python in the morning, but try
having the Python Teach-In afterward and just rename it to "Lab
Exercises: Python Koans".  The "Python Teach-In" concept won't really
fly unless it is coordinated with registration to wrangle all the
experienced Pythoneers into being tutors at the start of the day.
However, if the goal/expectation is only lab exercises, it won't
require a small army of Python tutors; I can run it with only one or
two experienced Python developers to help. Once people students get
going through the Koans, they will only need help occasionally when
they get stuck.


On Sat, Oct 9, 2010 at 8:25 AM, Greg Lindstrom <gslindstrom at gmail.com> wrote:
> We're in the homestretch.  My thanks to everyone working to make this happen
> (and there are quite a few of you!).  Here's the (pretty close to) final
> schedule:
>
> 8:30-9:00 - Registration
>
> 9:00-10:15: Morning Session I
> A.  Introduction to Python (Dr. Carl Burch)
> B.  Python Teach-In (Brad Allen and Volunteers)
> C.  Data Visualization with Python (W. Emeneker)
> D.  Intro to the Google Application Engine (Chris Harris)
>
> 10:15-10:30 - Break.  Allow people to deposit their tickets for door prizes.
>
> 10:30-11:30 - Morning Session II
> A.  Introduction to Python (cont)
> B.  Python Teach In (cont)
> C.  Introduction to GUI Programming (Wayne Werner)
> D.  Web Security and Django (Chad Files)
> 11:30-1:00 - Lunch on your own.
>
> 1:00-2:00
> A.  Simple Game Design (Dr. Bernard Chen)
> B.  Blender I (Gordon Fisher)
> C.  Web Framework Overview (Gloria W. Jacobs)
> D.  Scientific Computing (W. Emeneker)
>
> 2:00-3:00
> A.  Python Packages (Jeff Rush)
> B.  Blender II
> C.  MongoDB (Gloria W. Jacobs)
> D.  Python Meets 3-D CAD (30 min, Nicholas Seward)/Real-time Image
> Processing (30 min, Dr. Gabriel Ferrer )
>
> 3:00-4:00
> A.  What Does This Code Do? (Jeff Rush)
> B.  Concurrency (Gloria W. Jacobs)
> C.  Freeseer - A Live Presentation Recording Application (L.J. Estorninos)
> D.  Open Space
>
> Gloria has agreed to present a class on MongoDB.  If you are into database
> applications you will want to see this!  Mongo also sent some cool stickers
> to put out for swag.  Jeff Rush will present a class on packages and
> distribution.  It makes for a killer line up of classes.  Kelley, would you
> update the web page (thanks for all of your help, btw).
>
> Since schedules for mini-conferences remain pretty fluid up to the day of
> the conference, I want to propose the following to help assign rooms (we
> have 4 rooms; 2 large (40 people) and 2 small (24 people)).  I will make
> 8-1/2 x 11 inch signs for each class and use either sticky-tack or
> architectural tape to make a master schedule on the wall of the hallway at
> UCA.  This way, classes can be moved from small to large or large to small
> on the fly.  When people register, they will be handed 15 raffle tickets and
> some adhesive dots.  Using the dots, they will indicate which classes they
> are likely to attend by placing a dot on the sign for each class.  We can
> then arrange the classes with more dots to the larger rooms.  Not exactly
> scientific, but I think it will work.
>
> Brad Allen (Texas Users Group) is going to get more information concerning
> the "Teach-In".  It's an independent study type class using some very cool
> software.  Students are able to work at their own pace while helpers
> circulate.  It's an innovative idea that, I hope, will have quite a few
> takers.  We also have the traditional classroom presentation by Dr. Burch as
> well as some more advanced classes for experienced Pythonistas.
>
> All rooms will have a projector and computers for all students.  Attendees
> are welcome to bring their own machines, of course.
>
> If you are teaching a class and want/need additional software installed
> please let me know ASAP.  UCA will install just about anything, but they
> would like some lead time.   I have asked about temporary accounts from UCA
> so attendees could have Internet access but have not heard back on it.
> Michael is on this email and, perhaps, he can give a yes/no on it?
>
> All speakers are invited to a post conference dinner (location to be
> decided).  We may have a short meeting after the conference to discuss what
> went well and what to improve on next year (and next year we are going to
> try some new ideas).
>
> If I've missed anything please let me know (and be gentle).
>
> Thanks!
> --greg
>