An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python

This two-part certification course is designed to help students with very little or no computing background learn the basics of building simple interactive applications. Part 1 of this class will culminate in building a version of the classic arcade game "Pong".

( 139 Reviews )

Created by: John Greiner

Produced in 2013

What you will learn

Statements, expressions and variables.
Functions, logic and conditionals.
Event-driven programming.
Canvas, drawing and timers.
Lists, inputs and the basics of modeling motion.

Quality Score

Content Quality

Video Quality

Qualified Instructor

Course Pace

Course Depth & Coverage

Overall Score : 98 / 100

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Course Description

This two-part course is designed to help students with very little or no computing background learn the basics of building simple interactive applications. Our language of choice, Python, is an easy-to learn, high-level computer language that is used in many of the computational courses offered on Coursera. To make learning Python easy, we have developed a new browser-based programming environment that makes developing interactive applications in Python simple. These applications will involve windows whose contents are graphical and respond to buttons, the keyboard and the mouse.

Beginner Level

Time: 6h 40m

Pros

Cons

- Two-part split makes it much easier for beginners to break into Python programming.
- A total of 30 hours of course material creates a comprehensive learning experience.
- By focusing on building a game from the ground up, application of the course feels more intuitive and enjoyable than more theoretical teaching methods.
- Course focuses on peer grading, which can be inconsistent.
- Part 1 focuses more on programming in general than the deeper aspects of using Python specifically.
- Project-focused learning will not suit students who excel in theoretical environments.

Instructor Details

John Greiner

4.9 Rating
139 Reviews

John Greiner has been teaching Computer Science at Rice University since 1997. While focusing on introductory computer science, he has also taught many algorithms, theory, and systems courses. He is active in curricular development and policy as well as outreach to high school students. John earned a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.A. from Rice University.