Teaching Python

We're two middle school teachers learning and teaching Python

About the show

Welcome to "Teaching Python Podcast,” the go-to podcast for anyone interested in the intersection of education and coding. Hosted by Kelly Paredes and Sean Tibor, this podcast dives into the thrills and challenges of teaching middle school computer science through the engaging and versatile Python programming language.

About the Hosts:

  • Kelly Paredes brings a wealth of global experience in curriculum design and currently inspires sixth and eighth graders at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Celebrating her seventh year of integrating Python into her teaching, Kelly has a knack for making complex concepts accessible and exciting.
  • Sean Tibor, a Senior Cloud Engineer at Mondelez International, draws from a rich background that spans marketing, database design, and digital agency leadership. Having taught Python to seventh and eighth graders at Pine Crest School, Sean now extends his expertise by supporting interns and tutoring students in Python.

Explore with Us:

  • Engaging Lessons: Discover how we make Python programming both fun and accessible for young learners, equipping them with the skills to tackle real-world problems.
  • Classroom Insights: Experience our journey through both triumphs and trials in the classroom, and learn what it takes to foster a vibrant learning environment.
  • Expert Interviews: Gain valuable perspectives from interviews with fellow educators and industry experts, who share their top strategies and success stories in coding education.

Teaching Python on social media

Episodes

  • 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.

  • Episode 109: What We Did on Our Podcast Sabbatical

    May 30th, 2023  |  32 mins 58 secs
    ai, computer science, continuous learning, education, finance, graduation, machine learning, mathematics, podcast, python, students, teaching python, teamwork, turtle

    In this episode of the Teaching Python podcast, hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor discuss their personal updates, celebrate the achievements of their former students, and anticipate future podcast activities. They express their pride in students moving on to study computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related fields in college. Kelly and Sean also hint at potentially inviting past students to the podcast and announce plans to enhance their Patreon community with exclusive benefits.

  • Episode 108: Hardware for Learning

    March 12th, 2023  |  43 mins 57 secs
    advanced placement, coding, education, hardware, python

    Kelly and Sean interview Ryan Dehmoubed, co-founder of JuiceMind, a startup focused on hardware and software for the K-12 computer science education market. Their initial products focus on the AP Computer Science curriculum with a goal of making coding more engaging while showing students the practical applications of coding.