Advice on preparing/presenting a Python Master Class?

Question

Hi.

I am preparing a master class to present to a group of Technical Artists# at work. Everyone in the group has previously programmed in C/C++/MEL/MAXScript/Python. The purpose of the class is to collectively bring everyone's skill levels and technical understanding on variety of Computer Science topics to a common level.

I would like some advice as this first time I've delivered such a class.

I am planning on structuring the course to be two 2 hour sessions, with 30 minute blocks of content interspersed with Q&A, code-review, and individual assistance.

I know this a multi-part question, so don't feel you need to be able answer everything, just contribute what you can. Any links to articles, SO questions, or reflection on personal learning experiences is greatly appreciated.

Questions/Advice/Links to Further Reading
- What CS topics should I attempt to cover?
- Examples of other Python training courses? - What do you wish someone taught you when you first started programming?
- Python programming best-practices
- Tips for delivering technical content to creative/artist audience?

Using Dive Into Python as a textbook and referencing the MIT OpenCourseware Introduction to Computer Science on Academic Earth. I have also been given a 2 minute overview on adult training (Malcolm Knowles), i.e., working the students through the cycle of: identify the problem, determine the cause, researching a solution, and applying.

# Technical Artists: write tools, create/script rigs, and manages the creation of data in DCC packages (Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max).

Answer 1

Just some quick comments/thoughts from my experience:

• I think your time allotment is tight, so I would focus on a handful of key topics to drive home. Certainly spend some time on basic lists, tuple and dictionary usage and manipulation.
• I like to put together a cheat sheet of libraries and select methods/examples for the students so they get a sense of the "python universe" and how much is available.
• "Dive into Python" is decent book, but I think you can find more succinct and effective tutorials online, or more complete references (Learning Python, by Lutz?).
• Pick good example problems to illustrate points, and personalize them if possible. Have little "extra credit" teasers available for ambitious students.
• Make sure you gauge your audience's preparedness well, and especially consider the spread in their abilities.

Is this a class to prepare them with python skills for specific tasks, or an introduction to python (where they will learn more on their own later)?