[Edu-sig] Considering Python for an algebra course

[Edward Cherlin]

On Tue, May 12, 2009 at 12:20 PM, Daniel Ajoy <da.ajoy at gmail.com> wrote:
>> From: Maria Droujkova
>>
>> Geogebra was created specifically for the type of projects I want to run. It
>> is easy enough to start, for kids. I find its specialization to be a
>> limiting factor, though - it would be nice if kids saw the environment's
>> potential beyond math.
>>
>> With Python, I have more questions than answers, because I am just starting
>> to learn it. Do you think it will work for my purpose?

NumPy and SciPy can do any math you will need. I am working on a
project to teach algebra with analytic geometry in Turtle Art, which
is written in Python. I can graph anything I can construct in TA now,
and I intend to use the programmable block in TA to add more Python
code.

>> Do I need to get a
>> real programmer involved, or can I learn enough Python in a few months to
>> help kids well enough, without being a specialist?

Wrong question, actually. The community will pitch in. You can learn
enough Python to handle the math, no question. You may need other
programming help if you want to create an application that you can
distribute. Talk to us when any such issues arise. You can also talk
to the Sugar Labs development people about anything that you might
want to offer for the OLPC XO, and get Python help there.
lists.sugarlabs.org/ or /join #sugar on irc.

>> What questions do I not
>> know to ask?

Best question I know of, but hard to answer at the beginning. Tell us
what you want to accomplish, and we can tell you the relevant
questions and some of the answers.

>> I would appreciate any pointers.
>
>
> You speak about the "the type of projects you want to run". What are those? Maybe with that information the pointers could be more specific.
>
> Do you want to publish your projects online? I think a good question is: how to do that with python.
>
> Daniel
>
>
>
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