Teaching Python

We're two middle school teachers learning and teaching Python

About the show

A podcast by Kelly Paredes and Sean Tibor about their adventures teaching middle school computer science, problem-solving, handling failure, frustration, and victory through the lens of the Python programming language.

Kelly Paredes has taught all over the world and specializes in curriculum design and development. She currently teaches sixth and seventh-grade computer science at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is her fifth year using Python.

Sean Tibor is a Senior Cloud Engineer at Mondelez International. He has worked in marketing and technical management roles selling toothpaste and toothbrushes, designing chemical inventory and tv media databases, enrolling online nursing students, and founding a digital marketing agency. He has taught Python to seventh and eighth-grade students at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but now supports interns and tutors students in Python.

Teaching Python on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 121: The Board of Knowledge

    November 24th, 2023  |  16 mins 44 secs
    classroom tools, coding, coding concepts, cognitive load, computer science, dual coding, education, learning strategies, python, scaffolding, teaching techniques
  • Episode 120: Quick Bites: Failing

    November 8th, 2023  |  18 mins 12 secs
    education, learning, programming, python, quick bite, teaching

    In this quick bite episode, Sean & Kelly talk about the critical role of failing in learning. Not just that it happens but that it's essential for real learning to take place.

  • Episode 119: Quick Bites: Constructivism and Coding

    October 24th, 2023  |  22 mins 1 sec
    coding, constructivism, python, quick bites, teaching

    In this episode of our teaching series, we dive into learners and their coding journey. We spotlight the Constructivist learning approach, emphasizing its core tenets: active learning, connecting coding to real-world challenges, the crucial role of collaboration, and the sheer power of motivation. The transformative potential of this approach is undeniable. From tales of initial struggles to triumphant victories, this episode is a 15-20 minute dive into the heart of teaching Python.

  • Episode 118: Quick Bites: Testing Student Code

    October 21st, 2023  |  15 mins 19 secs
    coding, computer science, education, programming, python, testing

    Today, we'll talk about how to test students' code using automated tools. For example, the unit testing built into Replit's Teams for Education allows students to see if their code is correct, while teachers can quickly assess dozens of submissions. We'll also talk about potential pitfalls that can disrupt or distract from learning.

  • Episode 117: Intermediate Python With Yasoob Khalid

    October 11th, 2023  |  58 mins 58 secs
    coding, programming, python, technology

    This week, Kelly and Sean sit down with Yasoob Khalid, author of Practical Python Projects and Intermediate Python to talk about what's next after learning the basics.

  • Episode 116: NLP with Ines Montani

    September 9th, 2023  |  1 hr 2 mins
    ai(artificial intelligence), classroom projects, computer science, data annotation, data science, education, educational technology, language analysis, language processing

    In episode 116 of the Teaching Python podcast, Kelly Paredes & Sean Tibor discuss Natural Language Processing with expert Ines Montani. They explore Python's role in NLP, language complexities, label design, and classroom applications, including a Raspberry Pi-powered "magic mirror" project.

  • Episode 115: DroneBlocks with Dennis Baldwin

    August 24th, 2023  |  55 mins 10 secs
    ardupilot, dennis baldwin, dji sdk, droneblocks, steam

    🎙️ On this episode of Teaching Python, Kelly and Sean dive deep with Dennis Baldwin of DroneBlocks.io. From his early fascination with RC planes and quadcopters to co-founding a platform fusing block programming with DJI drones, discover how Dennis is revolutionizing STEAM education. Don't miss his journey, from 3D printing quadcopter frames to aspiring to bring DroneBlocks into every STEAM classroom worldwide. 🚁💡🌎 #TeachingPython #STEAMEducation #DroneBlocks

  • Episode 114: The EduBlocks Evolution and Josh Lowe

    August 6th, 2023  |  51 mins 2 secs
    anaconda acquisition, coding education, coding for kids, creative learning, curriculum enhancement, edtech, edublocks, education revolution, education technology, educational empowerment, innovation in education, inspirational journey, learning innovation, student empowerment, student-centric learning, tech industry impact, teen entrepreneur, transformative education, young creator, young visionary

    The Teaching Python podcast speaks with returning guest Josh Lowe, creator of Edublocks and newly installed Software Engineer at Anaconda.

  • Episode 113: ChatGPT and Studying Teachers

    July 31st, 2023  |  56 mins 25 secs
    artificial intelligence, chatgpt, github copilot, python, teaching

    This week we are joined by Philip Guo and Sam Lau, researchers at the University of California, San Diego. Philip and Sam have recently published research on how computer science instructors use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot in their classrooms. Join us to learn more about the data behind how generative AI is changing the way we teach computer science and coding.

  • Episode 112: Dash, Plotly, and Learning

    July 14th, 2023  |  45 mins 14 secs
    dash, data, graphing, plotly, visualizations

    In this episode, Kelly and Sean meet with Adam Schroeder, community manager at Plotly and author of The Book of Dash. We'll talk about how teachers can use data visualization in the classroom with Dash to bring data to life for their students.

  • Episode 111: Generative AI with Eric Matthes

    July 1st, 2023  |  1 hr 4 mins

    Coming out of PyCon 2023's Education Summit, Eric Matthes joins Kelly and Sean to discuss the potential risks and rewards of generative AI like ChatGPT in education settings. Eric is the author of Python Crash Course and a former high school computer science teacher.

  • Episode 110: CircuitPython with Kattni Rembor

    June 23rd, 2023  |  1 hr 4 mins
    adafruit, circuitpython, coding for kids, codingeducation, creative coding, digital literacy, diy electronics, educational technology, educationalpython, interactive learning, kattnirembor, maker education, microcontrollers, open source projects, programmingprojects, python tutorials, pythoncoding, pythonforbeginners, robotics, stem education, tech education, tech tutorials, women in tech

    It's no secret that we're huge fans of CircuitPython and the plethora of boards from Adafruit that make learning more tactile and colorful. We chat with friend of the show Kattni Rembor, a Creative Engineer sponsored by Adafruit to talk about her work with CircuitPython and the vibrant community that has sprung up around it.