Python Programming in Context wins Award

The second edition of Python Programming in Context was recently named the recipient of the 2014 Texty Award.

Learning @ Scale 2014

Brad and I will be demonstrating the Runestone Interactive toolset at the first ACM Learning @ Scale conference to be held in Atlanta (March 4-5).  It is the same week and same location as SIGCSE.

500,000 Milestone

This past week, the user count at interactivepython.org passed the 500,000 mark.  Brad Miller and I are pleased with all the positive response we have received regarding our interactive textbook project.  If you have not had a chance to take a look, please do so.

pythonworks.org

Resources for all of our paper textbooks can be found at pythonworks.org.

New and Improved interactivepython.org

Take a look at the new and improved version of interactivepython.org.  Loads of new features, great content for learning python and computer science. You can use the existing books, create your own version of the existing books, or write your own book or chapter using the Runestone Interactive toolset.  All open and free for you to use.

Second Editions!

Looking for paper textbooks.  Both of our popular introductory computer science textbooks are now available in second edition.

China Jterm Blog

For those interested in reading the blog entries for my JTerm trip to China, here is a link.

http://chinajterm2012.weebly.com/

I just realized that it had never been published here.

Python Programming in Context

The second edition of Python Programming in Context is now in final production.  It should be available December 2012 or January 2013.  Here is a first look at the cover.  The major change will be the use of the standard turtle module.

InteractivePython.org

Check out our newest project

http://interactivepython.org

More details soon.

Runestone Interactive

We are in the process of consolidating all of our work with open source, electronic textbook resources. Please visit RunestoneInteractive.org for more details and links to all the github repositories and books.

http://runestoneinteractive.org

Interactive Python eBook

Brad Miller and I have been teaching CS150 this fall using a new online, interactive textbook. A public version is available at http://thinkcspy.appspot.com. Take a look. The text allows users to read and program, all from within the browser.

JTerm 2012 Study Abroad in China

China

Computer Science 239: Technology and Culture in the Year of the Dragon
INSTRUCTOR: David Ranum (Computer Science)

Course Description: This travel course to China will explore the influence that the technology sector is having on one of the world’s oldest cultures as it becomes one of the world’s fastest growing economies. Students will participate in corporate site visits (in Beijing and Shanghai) to some of the most important businesses in China. They will meet with representatives of companies with local as well as global economic influence in order to study the role that technology and business are playing in this transformation. In order to gain an understanding of the interplay between new and old, students will also visit important sites such as Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Yuyuan Garden (Old City), the Bund, and the Great Wall. A weekend home stay in Beijing is planned to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Students will experience the traditions of Chinese culture while seeing first-hand the impact of technology, modernization, and rapid economic growth on that culture.

Second Edition Cover

Here is the cover image for the new second edition.

Second Edition Blog

Please visit pythonds.blogspot.com for up to date information about the second edition of the Python Data Structures textbook.

Python Data Structures Second Edition

The second edition of our Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures using Python has gone to press. The text includes increased use of complexity analysis, linked lists, balanced trees, and great graphical recursive examples (with no special graphics packages...just Python turtle). Python 3.x compliant. Check out the Franklin Beedle (fbeedle.com) website for details on availability.

Craig Cornelius from Google

We are pleased to welcome a friend back to campus on Wednesday, September 29th.

Craig Cornelius is a graduate of Luther College and former teacher in the chemistry and computer science departments. He is now working for Google, Inc. He will be returning to campus to discuss opportunities at Google and to share some experiences and lessons learned from computing outside the classroom. Please join us for his talk on Wednesday evening at 7pm titled:

Computing Beyond CS - An Iowa Farmboy in Silicon Valley

2010-2011 Computer Science Staffing

Just a quick note in response to some questions I have been receiving about this upcoming school year. Our colleague Brad Miller will be on sabbatical this year. Kent Lee and I will be teaching most of the coursework with help from Steve Hubbard. Steve has usually taught our advanced data structures and algorithms course. This year he will be teaching CS151 both semesters. Kent Lee will be leading the senior project. This also means we will not be offering the Silicon Valley JTerm trip in 2011. We hope it will return for January 2012. If you have any logistics questions, please let me know.

YouTube Channel

I've been experimenting this semester with creating support material for my Introduction to Computer Science course using short, YouTube videos (video podcasts). You can check out my channel at http://www.youtube.com/davidranum or follow the link in my favorites list.

Strong Enrollments

Our fall enrollment for CS150: Introduction to Computer Science 1 continues to be strong following a trend seen over the past three fall semesters.

Python Programming in Context blog

If you are using Python Programming in Context, be sure to check the blog to find additional information and corrections to the text.