Exploring Python as a learning and teaching language

Since adopting Python for our first two computer science courses we have come to appreciate its simplicity and power. We have also seen Python creep into other courses in our curriculum because it makes the presentation of concepts so easy and clear. In this workshop, participants will explore the Python programming language and consider ways that it can be used to facilitate the understanding of typical introductory computer science concepts. After a brief introduction to the Python essentials, we will implement a number of examples ranging from graphics and image processing to data structures, recursion, threading, and network programming. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of the basic features of Python as well as an appreciation for the ease and clarity it can bring to the problem solving process.