[Edu-sig] An outline I'm using

[Kirby Urner]

Here's an outline I'm using to help prepare for a talk I'm giving on
Python in Education in July of this year at OSCON (Open Source Conference),
which is here in Portland, Oregon this time.

I'll be using PowerPoint of course, as well as Python in GUI shells
(e.g. IDLE and PyCrust, maybe PythonCard if I can learn it in time).

The outline below doesn't actually map out my talk -- it's more for
background, to guide my information gathering.

In the actual presentation, I'll have more focus on some specific uses of
Python (e.g. Python + Povray).  Of course I'll have some screen shots
(e.g. from PyGeo) to show what kinds of stuff goes on out there.

Kirby

==========================================

Status Quo
   Graphing Calculators
   What languages now used?
      Java, C, Scheme...?
   Where is Python used?
      Current uses of Python
         Add-ons and Bindings (e.g. NumPy, Blender...)
      Currently available publications/resources (inventory)
         (especially those used/usable in school setting)
   History:  CP4E initiative (DARPA etc.)

Trends
   Laptops/PDAs
   Classroom configuration & technology
   Homeschooler demographics
   Teacher training (trends in)
   Projected uses of Python

Curriculum Needs
   What's needed?
      More information about status quo + trends
      More lesson plans for hands-on Python
         K-12  (middle, high), homeschool
         College/Junior College/Adult Education
   Programming in different subject areas
      Computer science (college level)
      Programming as high school elective (AP comp sci)
      Science/Engineering and programming
      Math through Programming
          expanding "numeracy" to mean more familiarity
          with programming (promising door: cryptography)
      Art:  programming and visual arts
          (e.g. povray, animation), music etc.

   Role of the web? (as source of curriculum)
   Problem of cheating (solutions?)

Showcase Phase
   Web sites
   Applications/modules
   Public presentations / talks
   Published Articles
   Success Stories
   "Learn From" Stories
   CDs?  DVDs?  Books?