Textbooks?

[Dave Reed]

On Sunday 27 April 2003 17:35, Ron Stephens wrote:
> Steven Hodgen <steven at twitch.net> wrote in message 
news:<oproar1sjtx3zh5c at news.mindspring.com>...
> > Hello,
> > 
> > I'm currently teaching a high-school introduction to programming 
course.  
> > I'm currently teaching in Java, but am seriously considering 
changing to 
> > Python.  The problem is that I cannot seem to find any good 
textbooks, much 
> > less ones for students with no prior programming experience.  This 
is the 
> > one area in which Java excels. 
> 
> The only actual "Textbook" I am aware of is Deitel and Deitel's Python
> book, which I found pretty good. However, Learning Python by Lutz and
> Ascher would be excellent (and it includes exercises after every
> chapter) as would Core Python by Chung. I have reviewed all these
> books and more than 20 more and you can find the reviews at
> www.awaretek.com/plf.html
> -- 


John Zelle at Wartburg College just finished a traditional college CS1
Python textbook that is very unintimidating for students so it should
also be apropriate for high school. It is not a huge book like
Deitels' books (i.e., it isn't a Python reference, but is an excellent
beginning programming book).

We used a prepublication copy of it this past fall with excellent
results. The students liked the book and found it very
understandable. John has indicated the book should be officially
available this fall. If you're interesting in using it at the college
or high school level this fall, you may want to contact him at:
john.zelle at wartburg.edu

Dave