Is this the best way to learn how to program (in python)?

Question

Possible Duplicates:
Fastest way to learn Python?
How to Learn Python

I want to learn python and become a relatively decent programmer. I feel as though the following classes (first three) and the last item (a book) will help get me there. However, I am missing the class that involves actually building software. I found one on MIT opencourseware that is called "Elements of Software Construction." It uses Java, which isn't the worst thing, but I'd rather find one that uses python. So my question is too fold: 1. Is there a book or preferably a class that teaches Elements of Software Construction in python? 2. Is there anything I need to add to the list below that would be beneficial?

• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
• Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programming
• Computation Structures
• Introduction to Algos
• Data Structures and Algorithms With Object Oriented Design Patterns

Answer 1

Check out Stanford Engineering Everywhere (SEE) Not in Python, but good courses, nonetheless.

If you learn good software engineering techniques from one of those classes. It's not too hard to go from one language to another using web tutorials and practice applications. That is exactly how I picked up Python. I admit, though, Python was a little different from other languages I've learned.

Answer 2

You can start learning Python by reading Dive Into Python. However, learning how to build software is different from learning a new programming language, or how to be a good programmer. You can learn the basics of software development in any language (even Java), so I wouldn't worry about trying to learn computer science AND Python at the same time.