Jeff's message to this list bounced for some reason. He asked that I forward it to the list. I agree with Jeff that we need to get Python made a requirement for the NOCTI exam. I'd also like to see the requirement for Visual Basic dropped. That is a proprietary technology that may not be available to someone who does not have access to a Windows computer. Anything that can be done in Visual Basic also can be done with Python (with the Glade tool if you need to demonstrate the development of a GUI application.) ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- Subject: [Fwd: Why we need "Fat Python"] Date: Wednesday 26 May 2004 6:40 am From: Jeffrey Elkner <jeff@elkner.net> To: Michael McLay <mclay@python.net> Hi Michael, The message below was bounced back to me from the mailing list because it said I'm not a member (I've been active on the list for years, so I don't know why that happened?) Any chance you could send it to the list for me? I really want to get discussion going around this topic. There have been several opportunities recently to advance Python in education, but distribution difficulties of the software are a big impediment. There are also threats. I just received from my supervisor a sample competency list for a new National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam in Computer Programming. Under the heading "Code Programs" was the following options: Write a BASIC program Write a COBOL program Write a C program Write a Visual Basic program Python is not on the list. Neither is Java, and that will never stand, so there might be an opportunity here to do some more education around the merits of Python. Thanks! -- Jeffrey Elkner <jeff@elkner.net> Open Book Project <http://ibiblio.org/obp> -------------------------------------------------------