Mailman 3 September 2003 - Edu-sig

re: PyCon 2004 Proposals for Presentations...
by Arthur 02 Oct '03

02 Oct '03

Jeff writes: >There seemed to be significant interest when last I asked about this. I >will be submitting two proposals myself. Who else is interested in >working with me to plan for this? Who is willing to do a presentation? As I had mentioned, I hope to do something on PyGeo. The creation of PyGeo as an adventure in self-education? Maybe trying to explore the concept of self-education itself - and Python, and Open Source and Google. What would it take to more actively help people to learn to learn with these kinds of never-before-available kind of resources. or PyGeo, more simply, as something of potential interest to folks involved in/ interested in Python and Education? Some combination, probably. Right now I'm swamped trying to make ends meet - like many of us I'm sure. But I have to believe there will be a break in the action that will allow me to put together a proposal sometime between now and 12/1. Not sure I'm the right personality type to help with planning. What kind of planning do you think is involved, beyond soliciting proposals? For best effect, I think that the solicitation might be a little pro-active. That is, actually contacting folks who have interesting stuff out there, and encouraging them to propose. Rather than leaving it to a general announcement. Is that appropriate? Art

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Re: [Edu-sig] PyCon 2004 Proposals for Presentations...
by Laura Creighton 28 Sep '03

28 Sep '03

>Perhaps we can compare notes down the road to make our respective tasks >easier? I'm hoping that in addition to presentations, we can have >plenty of both formal and informal discussion and brainstorming sessions >at the conference about creating a more visible presence for Python in >education. This sounds great to me. We will have lots of informal space for EuroPython, which is being held at Chalmers University. I'm trying to find out how to get more educators to know about EuroPython and come. Ideas? The Open Book Project, by the way, sounds wonderful. Laura

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PyCon 2004 Proposals for Presentations...
by Jeffrey Elkner 27 Sep '03

27 Sep '03

Hi All, The message below was just sent to the Py-Con mailing list. The deadline for presentation proposals is December 1. If we would like to have a "Python in Education Track", all we need to do is begin submitting proposals and establish a proceedure through this list for proposal selection. There seemed to be significant interest when last I asked about this. I will be submitting two proposals myself. Who else is interested in working with me to plan for this? Who is willing to do a presentation? -- Jeffrey Elkner <jeff(a)elkner.net> Open Book Project <http://ibiblio.org/obp> > Want to share your expertise? PyCon DC 2004 is looking for proposals to > fill the formal presentation tracks. > > PyCon DC 2003 had a broad range of presentations, from reports on > academic and commercial projects to tutorials and case studies, and we > hope to extend that range this year. As long as the presentation is > interesting and potentially useful to the Python community, it will be > considered for inclusion in the program. > > The proposal deadline is December 1; the proposal submission system > should be up by mid-October. Proposals should be 500-2000 words in text > (plain or reST) or HTML. You may request either thirty or sixty minutes > for your timeslot. Proposals will be accepted or rejected by January 1, > 2004. > > If you don't want to make a formal presentation, there will be a > significant amount of Open Space to allow for informal and > spur-of-the-moment presentations for which no formal submission is > required. There will also be several Lightning Talk sessions (five > minutes or less). > > > PyCon is a community-oriented conference targeting developers (both those > using Python and those working on the Python project). It gives you > opportunities to learn about significant advances in the Python > development community, to participate in a programming sprint with some > of the leading minds in the Open Source community, and to meet fellow > developers from around the world. The organizers work to make the > conference affordable and accessible to all. > > DC 2004 will be held March 24-26, 2004 in Washington, D.C. The keynote > speaker is Mitch Kapor of the Open Source Applications Foundation > (http://www.osafoundation.org/). There will be a four-day development > sprint before the conference. > > We're looking for volunteers to help run PyCon. If you're interested, > subscribe to http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pycon-organizers > > Don't miss any PyCon announcements! Subscribe to > http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pycon-announce > > You can discuss PyCon with other interested people by subscribing to > http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pycon-interest > > The central resource for PyCon DC 2004 is > http://www.python.org/pycon/dc2004/ > > _______________________________________________ > Pycon-organizers mailing list > Pycon-organizers(a)mail.python.org > http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pycon-organizers

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Re: [Edu-sig] PyCon 2004 Proposals for Presentations...
by Laura Creighton 27 Sep '03

27 Sep '03

EuroPython is interested in an education track as well. We're meeting in Gothenburg Sweden the week of June 9th, and we haven't made a formal announcement yet, but I already know we are interested. Laura

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Re: [Edu-sig] How to explore Tkinter interactively with IDLE 1.0
by Gregor Lingl 26 Sep '03

26 Sep '03

Kirby Urner schrieb: >Hi Gregor -- > > > >>Shortly, learn how Tkinter works >> >>2. Using turtle-graphics >> >> >> >>>>>from turtle import * >>>>>forward(100) >>>>> >>>>> > >I'm able to accomplish the following without trouble: > > Hi Kirby, this definitely doesn't work on my machine (Windows XP with Python 3.2) after having typed up() the turtle window is created, but it remains behind the IDLE window. I click the corresponting taskbar-button, see the turtle-window and after a few seconds there appears the message "keine ruecklmeldung" (something like "no response") in the title-bar of the turtle window. I cant't draw in that window - but, yes, i can close it with shell-restart. What's going on? Gregor > > >>>>from turtle import * >>>>up() >>>>setx(0) >>>>forward(100) >>>>down() >>>>right(180) >>>>forward(200) >>>>============== RESTART ============== >>>> >>>> > >This last line shows how I close the turtle window, by going up to 'shell' >and clicking on 'restart shell'. I can't find any more graceful way to >exit. > > > >>A Canvas pops up and the turtle starts to move >>and remains ready for the user to interact with >>her interactively. >> >>Alas! Both examples don't work in ordinary IDLE 1.0 - mode >>I'm well aware of the advantages of IDLE 1.0, especially >>the one always to have a clean workspace for testing >>programs - and I'd like to port as much of them to a >>customized development environment I use in my classes. >> >> > >I am using: > >Python 2.3.1 (#47, Sep 23 2003, 23:47:32) [MSC v.1200 32 bit (Intel)] on >win32 >Type "copyright", "credits" or "license()" for more information. > > **************************************************************** > Personal firewall software may warn about the connection IDLE > makes to its subprocess using this computer's internal loopback > interface. This connection is not visible on any external > interface and no data is sent to or received from the Internet. > **************************************************************** > >IDLE 1.0 > > >Re font size, custom colors etc., yes, I believe it, those things do matter. > >Kirby > > > > > >

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Re: [Edu-sig] How to explore Tkinter interactively with IDLE 1.0
by Gregor Lingl 26 Sep '03

26 Sep '03

Kirby Urner schrieb: >>From: Gregor Lingl [mailto:glingl@aon.at] >>Example 1: >> >>Start IDLE (Python 2.3.1, IDLE 1.0) >> >> >>> from turtle import * >> >>> demo() >> >>Now something very strange happens: three squares are drawn slowly and >>then, >>after approximately two seconds the program seems to stop during >>execution. >> >> ># > Hi Kirby! >Over here, demo() executes OK, with 3 small boxes. The 3rd box is filled in >(color filled). > Yes, but demo() produces a lot more when you run it standalone (as a script) > >I wonder if there's any chance your file associations are connecting you to >more than one version of Python. Do your .py and .pyc files all point to >the latest install? Do other Pythons exist on the same machine? > >The Tk() mainloop() example is as you report it -- not sure if that's a bug >(it seems a window without any defined controls *would* be unresponsive -- >there is no chance for the user to generate events, other than to terminate >the loop). > It worked *a lot* different with IDLE 0.8. There you could visually interactivly compose GUIs. If wonder if this also is an update() - problem Gregor >BTW, have you explored GUI event programming with wxPython instead of Tk? >There's a lot more functionality in wx -- just running the wxPython demo >will probably convince you of that. > > O.k., but for me it's to big to use in classes. Maybe wax will be ok? http://zephyrfalcon.org/labs/wax_primer.html Best wishes, Gregor >But that doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't use *both* (plus there's the >win32all approach). > >Kirby > > > > > >

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Re: [Edu-sig] How to explore Tkinter interactively with IDLE 1.0
by Gregor Lingl 26 Sep '03

26 Sep '03

Thanks Kirby, for your experiments. On my machine things work differently and apparently wrong. Two more very short examples. Example 1: Start IDLE (Python 2.3.1, IDLE 1.0) >>> from turtle import * >>> demo() Now something very strange happens: three squares are drawn slowly and then, after approximately two seconds the program seems to stop during execution. Inserting appropriate print statements into turtle.py, for tracing, reveals that the program *is* executed until the end, but this is not reflected on the Canvas. (A stair and som text should have appeared.) Trying to close the Canvas provokes the well known Windows dialog that comes when a program doesn't react any more. There I can terminate it immediatly by pressing the corresponding button. The same happens on a Windows2000 Machine with Python 2.3 Of course demo can be run without problems as a separate process in IDLE 1.0 after having loaded Python23\Lib\lib-tk\turtle.py into the editor. Conlusion: There is a bug somewhere, but I can't even loacate it exactly. Examples 2, concerning a different sort of problem: RestartIDLE >>> from Tkinter import * >>> root = Tk() # Nothing happens; in IDLE 0.8 a tiny empty Tk-Window appeared >>> cv = Canvas(root) >>> cv.pack() # Still nothing happens; in IDLE 0.8 you saw the Canvas packed intp # the TK window (default-size of the Canvas) >>> root.mainloop() # this was not advised in IDLE 0.8 Now the Tk-Window appears on the screen (same appearance as in IDLE 0.8) but - of course - I cannot input any more statements into IDLE, I think because of the running mainloop(). Only when I close the newly created window IDLE is ready for more input. Conclusion: I can't play around any more with Tkinter windows interactively. Any ideas? Gregor Kirby Urner schrieb: >>Hi Kirby, >>this definitely doesn't work on my machine (Windows XP with Python 3.2) >> >> > >I just downloaded 2.3.1 today or yesterday. That couldn't be the difference >could it? Windows XP here too. > >It's true for me as well that when I first say up(), the Tk window is behind >the main one. I see it by sliding the main one out of the way. I don't >touch the secondary one. > >The secondary window (showing the turtle) is not responsive in the usual >way. > >For example, if I hit the maximize icon, nothing happens. But next time I >go up(), the window maximizes (i.e. the action occurs only on programmatic >refresh). Likewise to shrink it down again (using the icon) -- the resize >event is postponed until the next turtle event. > >If the secondary window minimizes to the task bar, I double-click on it. >Then I go up() or setx() or something, and it tends to return to its >previous (open) state. > >If a window moves in front of the secondary window, and then is moved away, >the secondary window will not refresh and is likely blank -- until the next >turtle event. > >Kirby > > > > > >

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Flash Class Browser
by Jason Cunliffe 25 Sep '03

25 Sep '03

A class browser for Flash ActionScript using wxPython http://www.sephiroth.it/phpwiki/index.php/ClassBrowser?PHPSESSID=2997e50b3d… - Jason

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How to explore Tkinter interactively with IDLE 1.0
by Gregor Lingl 25 Sep '03

25 Sep '03

Hi Pythonistas! Today I'd like to ask a question, which at first may look a bit technical, but which in fact for me is of high didactical importance. It concerns the proper use of IDLE in Python 2.3. With Python 2.2 (and IDLE 0.8) I used to use IDLE interactively with my students to explore different features of Tkinter. I'll give you two short examples: 1. Exploring Widgets: >>> root = Tk() >>> cv = Canvas(root, bg="white") >>> cv.pack() >>> btn = Button(root,text="Push") >>> btn.pack() >>> btn.config(bg="red") >>> # pushing the button doesn't do anything! >>> def action(): cv.create_rectangle(50,50,150,100,fill="red") >>> btn.config(command=action) >>> # pushing button creates red rectangle >>> cv.find_all() (1,) >>> cv.move(cv.find_all()[0], 100,150) >>> # rectangle moved , now create a new one >>> # or config existing widgets or canvasitems etc. etc. Shortly, learn how Tkinter works 2. Using turtle-graphics >>> from turtle import * >>> forward(100) A Canvas pops up and the turtle starts to move and remains ready for the user to interact with her interactively. Alas! Both examples don't work in ordinary IDLE 1.0 - mode I'm well aware of the advantages of IDLE 1.0, especially the one always to have a clean workspace for testing programs - and I'd like to port as much of them to a customized development environment I use in my classes. Now, I'm considering to work with both of the two modes in my classes, although I'm not sure, if this will be easy to explain to my students. How do you proceed to "keep it as simple as possible, but not simpler?" Are there other ways for developing Tkinter-GUI-programs interactively. Specifically: can the turtle.module only be used interactively (as intended) with the IDLE -n switch? Although there are many other graphics modules around I certainly will stick to using Tkinter (and IDLE), because I consider it to be a big advantage for beginners to start with tools as they come out of the box. (Aside: nevertheless I use to use IDLE with pythons -Qnew - switch to avoid complications with division, i. e. In my classes I silently import the future - one of my means to minimize computer-hatred ;-) ) Therefore I'm interested in every comment and every idea on how to use the new IDLE optimally for educational purposes. So I'll post this question (in contrast to my usual habit) on tutor, edu-sig and idle-dev. This will remain an exception. Regards Gregor Lingl P.S.: The new possibilities of printing the content of windows and of customizing the appearance of IDLE (fonts, colors etc.) easily e.g. for use with a beamer in a classroom is imho a big advance. Especially when I try to convince my colleagues to use Python, who, accustomed to the usual Windows, VisualBasic etc. comfort, used to critisize the spartanic features of the old IDLE. If you believe it or not, for many teachers (and students) those things matter! P.P.S: Moreover a gentle update of Dennies gentle introduction to the use of IDLE would be a hit!

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Additional remark concerning -Qnew with IDLE 1.0
by Gregor Lingl 25 Sep '03

25 Sep '03

Hi, just observed (for the second time :-( ) that the -Qnew switch dowsn't work with IDLE 1.0 except in -n mode. I.e.: With python.exe -Qnew idle.pyw IDLE does not perform float-division with integer arguments, whereas with python.exe -Qnew idle.pyw -n new division works. This seem strange and inconsistent? Regards Gregor Lingl

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