For many, Python is the programming language of choice for use in the classroom. Why?
There have been many ways to get at Python and make it successful. As mentioned previously, and it will come up with any computer science teacher, there’s nothing like a silly missing semi-colon to drive the introductory programming student crazy. In many cases, people will introduce Scratch or Alice as an introductory language since building with blocks overcomes this situation. The programming concepts are great for those getting started.
But, not well enough to base an entire secondary school program around them.
After playing with trinket.io, I think this may be a good logical next step. It’s designed to present a Python programming environment right in your browser. There’s no need to put in a call to technicians for installation and updates to the latest version…you’ve got it all here.
To get a sense of the trinket environment, check out their “Hour of Python“.
Everyone is familiar with programming turtles in your language of choice. Why not do it here?
The concept in the tutorial is not one of exhaustive typing; you’re presented with the contructs and can modify and run right your efforts from the webpage. The examples are simple enough to introduce the Python essentials and lend themselves to a bit of exploration to see what you can do.
Give it a shot and see if it doesn’t present the type of environment that you want for your class?
If so, the next step is to put it into your class environment. You’re covered there as well.
doug --- off the record 