app02 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 08:08:29 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Teaching Python - Episodes Tagged with “Africa” https://www.teachingpython.fm/tags/africa Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Teaching Python is a podcast about Python programming, computer science education, AI literacy, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data, and how people learn technical skills. Hosted by Kelly Schuster-Paredes, Sean Tibor, and Julian Sequeira, the show is for educators, developers, technology leaders, and lifelong learners who want to better understand how Python connects to the wider world of computing. Episodes explore not only how people learn to code, but also how they build technical judgment, understand systems, evaluate AI-generated code, work with data, think about security, and move from beginner programming into real-world software development. About the Hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes is a teacher who codes whose work has expanded from classroom computer science into AI strategy, curriculum design, professional learning, educational technology, and responsible technology adoption. Her background in Python and computer science education shapes her focus on learning, AI literacy, computational thinking, and what people need to understand in an AI-shaped world. Sean Tibor is Vice President of Infrastructure and Cloud at Pfizer and a former computer science teacher. He brings expertise in cloud computing, infrastructure, engineering operations, and technical leadership, connecting what people learn about computing with how large-scale systems are actually built, operated, secured, and maintained. Julian Sequiera is a technologist, Fractional CTO, and Senior Program Manager with more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure, cloud, engineering operations, and large-scale technology programs. He is also the co-founder of PyBites, a Python learning platform and community that has helped thousands of developers improve their Python and software development skills. What We Cover Python Programming and Computer Science Education: Learning Python, teaching programming, computational thinking, debugging, code literacy, and helping beginners build strong mental models. AI and AI Literacy: AI-assisted programming, evaluating AI-generated code, responsible AI use, human judgment, and what learners still need to understand when AI can produce code. Cloud, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity: Systems, networks, deployment, security, reliability, architecture, and the operational side of software. Data and Software Engineering: APIs, databases, testing, maintainability, version control, software design, and moving from simple scripts to real-world applications. Learning and Technical Growth: How people learn difficult technical concepts, get unstuck, build confidence, and develop the judgment needed to use technology well. Expert Interviews: Conversations with educators, developers, engineers, researchers, technology leaders, and others shaping the future of computing and technical education. Teaching Python remains grounded in Python, but the conversation extends beyond syntax. The podcast explores the knowledge, skills, systems, and judgment people need to learn, build, and make responsible decisions with technology. en-us episodic We're two computer science educators learning and teaching Python Sean Tibor and Kelly Paredes Teaching Python is a podcast about Python programming, computer science education, AI literacy, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data, and how people learn technical skills. Hosted by Kelly Schuster-Paredes, Sean Tibor, and Julian Sequeira, the show is for educators, developers, technology leaders, and lifelong learners who want to better understand how Python connects to the wider world of computing. Episodes explore not only how people learn to code, but also how they build technical judgment, understand systems, evaluate AI-generated code, work with data, think about security, and move from beginner programming into real-world software development. About the Hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes is a teacher who codes whose work has expanded from classroom computer science into AI strategy, curriculum design, professional learning, educational technology, and responsible technology adoption. Her background in Python and computer science education shapes her focus on learning, AI literacy, computational thinking, and what people need to understand in an AI-shaped world. Sean Tibor is Vice President of Infrastructure and Cloud at Pfizer and a former computer science teacher. He brings expertise in cloud computing, infrastructure, engineering operations, and technical leadership, connecting what people learn about computing with how large-scale systems are actually built, operated, secured, and maintained. Julian Sequiera is a technologist, Fractional CTO, and Senior Program Manager with more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure, cloud, engineering operations, and large-scale technology programs. He is also the co-founder of PyBites, a Python learning platform and community that has helped thousands of developers improve their Python and software development skills. What We Cover Python Programming and Computer Science Education: Learning Python, teaching programming, computational thinking, debugging, code literacy, and helping beginners build strong mental models. AI and AI Literacy: AI-assisted programming, evaluating AI-generated code, responsible AI use, human judgment, and what learners still need to understand when AI can produce code. Cloud, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity: Systems, networks, deployment, security, reliability, architecture, and the operational side of software. Data and Software Engineering: APIs, databases, testing, maintainability, version control, software design, and moving from simple scripts to real-world applications. Learning and Technical Growth: How people learn difficult technical concepts, get unstuck, build confidence, and develop the judgment needed to use technology well. Expert Interviews: Conversations with educators, developers, engineers, researchers, technology leaders, and others shaping the future of computing and technical education. Teaching Python remains grounded in Python, but the conversation extends beyond syntax. The podcast explores the knowledge, skills, systems, and judgment people need to learn, build, and make responsible decisions with technology. no Python, Python programming, learn Python, teaching Python, computer science education, coding education, programming for beginners, Python for beginners, computational thinking, code literacy, debugging, software development, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, AI literacy, AI-assisted coding, generative AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, cloud infrastructure, APIs, databases, systems thinking, technical education, STEM education, educational technology, edtech, curriculum design, instructional design, professional learning, teacher professional development, coding for students, computer science curriculum, physical computing, robotics, responsible AI, digital literacy, data literacy, technology leadership, developer education, technical coaching, lifelong learning, learning to code, teaching programming, real-world programming, coding with AI, Python podcast, computer science podcast, technology education podcast, programming podcast Sean Tibor and Kelly Paredes sean.tibor@gmail.com Episode 149: Guiding Education with Sheena O'Connell https://www.teachingpython.fm/149 f5c8f4f8-24e7-4c77-9689-67c0519dbcd0 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 Sean Tibor and Kelly Paredes 149 Guiding Education with Sheena O'Connell full Sean Tibor and Kelly Paredes Join Sean and Kelly as they chat with Sheena O'Connell about her incredible work in education, from teaching coding bootcamps in South Africa to running teamwork courses for professionals. They dive deep into soft skills training, psychological safety in teams, and how cultural concepts like Ubuntu influence collaborative learning and development. 47:42 no <h2>Description</h2> <p>In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Sheena O'Connell, an educator and developer from South Africa who has been making waves in the Python education community. Sheena shares her journey from electrical engineering to founding Prelude, where she runs advanced Django learning sprints and teamwork training courses.</p> <p>We explore the critical importance of soft skills in technical education, diving into Google's Project Aristotle and the five key factors that make teams effective: psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity, meaning, and impact. Sheena provides fascinating insights into how cultural concepts like Ubuntu ("I am because we are") influence collaborative learning and professional development.</p> <p>The conversation covers practical strategies for teaching both technical and soft skills to adult learners, the challenges of helping students transition from learning to professional environments, and how to build psychologically safe spaces that promote growth and learning.</p> <p>We also discuss upcoming events including Django Con Africa in Tanzania and PyCon Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, which Sheena is chairing.</p> <p>Whether you're an educator, team leader, or developer interested in fostering better collaborative environments, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical education, cultural awareness, and team dynamics.</p> <h2>Key Topics Discussed</h2> <ul> <li>Transitioning from technical roles to education</li> <li>Building effective coding bootcamps and adult learning programs</li> <li>The importance of soft skills in technical careers</li> <li>Google's Project Aristotle and team effectiveness</li> <li>Psychological safety and stereotype threat</li> <li>Cultural influences on learning and teamwork (Ubuntu philosophy)</li> <li>Managing the "desperation mindset" in learning environments</li> <li>Professional development and career transitions</li> <li>PyCon Africa and Django Con Africa</li> <li>Cross-cultural team dynamics and communication</li> </ul> <h2>Guests</h2> <p><strong>Sheena O'Connell</strong> - Founder of Prelude, former educator at Umuzi, and chair of PyCon Africa 2025</p> <h2>Resources Mentioned</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://rework.withgoogle.com/en/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness" rel="nofollow noopener">Google's Project Aristotle</a></li> <li>The Culture Map (book on cultural differences in teams)</li> <li><a href="https://prelude.tech" rel="nofollow noopener">Prelude Tech</a> - Sheena's platform for Django courses and teamwork training</li> <li>PyCon Africa 2025 (Johannesburg, South Africa)</li> <li>Django Con Africa (Arusha, Tanzania)</li> <li>Ubuntu philosophy</li> <li>Umuzi (South African coding bootcamp)</li> </ul> <h2>Connect with Sheena</h2> <ul> <li>Personal blog: <a href="https://sheenaoc.com" rel="nofollow noopener">sheenaoc.com</a></li> <li>Courses and training: Prelude TV</li> <li>PyCon Africa 2025: October, Johannesburg, South Africa</li> </ul> <h2>Wins and Fails of the Week</h2> <h3>Sheena</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Win:</strong> Successfully running a teamwork course for Canonical with an international team</li> <li><strong>Fail:</strong> All her plants fell onto the couch (and the subsequent cleanup)</li> </ul> <h3>Kelly</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Win:</strong> Attending ISTE conference in San Antonio, meeting previous podcast guests, and co-hosting a presentation</li> <li><strong>Fail:</strong> Losing momentum on Anthony Shaw's GitHub course due to summer break</li> </ul> <h3>Sean</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Win:</strong> Being interviewed by media about AI coding tools and AWS Amazon Q</li> <li><strong>Fail:</strong> Home server power supply failure during a lightning storm, breaking all home automations</li> </ul> <h2>Episode Notes</h2> <p>This episode provides valuable insights for educators at all levels, from K-12 teachers to corporate trainers. The discussion of soft skills, cultural awareness, and team dynamics offers practical strategies that can be applied in classrooms, coding bootcamps, and professional development settings.</p> <p>The conversation highlights how technical education must go beyond coding skills to prepare students for successful careers, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and cultural competency in today's global technology landscape.</p><p>Special Guest: Sheena O'Connell.</p> Education, Technology, Programming, Python, Coding, STEM Education, Tech Learning, Digital Literacy, Tech Tutorials, Python Programming, Computer Science, EdTech, Coding for Beginners, DIY Projects, Interactive Learning, Software Development, Teaching Technology Description

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Sheena O'Connell, an educator and developer from South Africa who has been making waves in the Python education community. Sheena shares her journey from electrical engineering to founding Prelude, where she runs advanced Django learning sprints and teamwork training courses.

We explore the critical importance of soft skills in technical education, diving into Google's Project Aristotle and the five key factors that make teams effective: psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity, meaning, and impact. Sheena provides fascinating insights into how cultural concepts like Ubuntu ("I am because we are") influence collaborative learning and professional development.

The conversation covers practical strategies for teaching both technical and soft skills to adult learners, the challenges of helping students transition from learning to professional environments, and how to build psychologically safe spaces that promote growth and learning.

We also discuss upcoming events including Django Con Africa in Tanzania and PyCon Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, which Sheena is chairing.

Whether you're an educator, team leader, or developer interested in fostering better collaborative environments, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical education, cultural awareness, and team dynamics.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Transitioning from technical roles to education
  • Building effective coding bootcamps and adult learning programs
  • The importance of soft skills in technical careers
  • Google's Project Aristotle and team effectiveness
  • Psychological safety and stereotype threat
  • Cultural influences on learning and teamwork (Ubuntu philosophy)
  • Managing the "desperation mindset" in learning environments
  • Professional development and career transitions
  • PyCon Africa and Django Con Africa
  • Cross-cultural team dynamics and communication

Guests

Sheena O'Connell - Founder of Prelude, former educator at Umuzi, and chair of PyCon Africa 2025

Resources Mentioned

  • Google's Project Aristotle
  • The Culture Map (book on cultural differences in teams)
  • Prelude Tech - Sheena's platform for Django courses and teamwork training
  • PyCon Africa 2025 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  • Django Con Africa (Arusha, Tanzania)
  • Ubuntu philosophy
  • Umuzi (South African coding bootcamp)

Connect with Sheena

  • Personal blog: sheenaoc.com
  • Courses and training: Prelude TV
  • PyCon Africa 2025: October, Johannesburg, South Africa

Wins and Fails of the Week

Sheena

  • Win: Successfully running a teamwork course for Canonical with an international team
  • Fail: All her plants fell onto the couch (and the subsequent cleanup)

Kelly

  • Win: Attending ISTE conference in San Antonio, meeting previous podcast guests, and co-hosting a presentation
  • Fail: Losing momentum on Anthony Shaw's GitHub course due to summer break

Sean

  • Win: Being interviewed by media about AI coding tools and AWS Amazon Q
  • Fail: Home server power supply failure during a lightning storm, breaking all home automations

Episode Notes

This episode provides valuable insights for educators at all levels, from K-12 teachers to corporate trainers. The discussion of soft skills, cultural awareness, and team dynamics offers practical strategies that can be applied in classrooms, coding bootcamps, and professional development settings.

The conversation highlights how technical education must go beyond coding skills to prepare students for successful careers, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and cultural competency in today's global technology landscape.

Special Guest: Sheena O'Connell.

Support Teaching Python

]]> Description

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Sheena O'Connell, an educator and developer from South Africa who has been making waves in the Python education community. Sheena shares her journey from electrical engineering to founding Prelude, where she runs advanced Django learning sprints and teamwork training courses.

We explore the critical importance of soft skills in technical education, diving into Google's Project Aristotle and the five key factors that make teams effective: psychological safety, dependability, structure and clarity, meaning, and impact. Sheena provides fascinating insights into how cultural concepts like Ubuntu ("I am because we are") influence collaborative learning and professional development.

The conversation covers practical strategies for teaching both technical and soft skills to adult learners, the challenges of helping students transition from learning to professional environments, and how to build psychologically safe spaces that promote growth and learning.

We also discuss upcoming events including Django Con Africa in Tanzania and PyCon Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, which Sheena is chairing.

Whether you're an educator, team leader, or developer interested in fostering better collaborative environments, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technical education, cultural awareness, and team dynamics.

Key Topics Discussed

  • Transitioning from technical roles to education
  • Building effective coding bootcamps and adult learning programs
  • The importance of soft skills in technical careers
  • Google's Project Aristotle and team effectiveness
  • Psychological safety and stereotype threat
  • Cultural influences on learning and teamwork (Ubuntu philosophy)
  • Managing the "desperation mindset" in learning environments
  • Professional development and career transitions
  • PyCon Africa and Django Con Africa
  • Cross-cultural team dynamics and communication

Guests

Sheena O'Connell - Founder of Prelude, former educator at Umuzi, and chair of PyCon Africa 2025

Resources Mentioned

  • Google's Project Aristotle
  • The Culture Map (book on cultural differences in teams)
  • Prelude Tech - Sheena's platform for Django courses and teamwork training
  • PyCon Africa 2025 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  • Django Con Africa (Arusha, Tanzania)
  • Ubuntu philosophy
  • Umuzi (South African coding bootcamp)

Connect with Sheena

  • Personal blog: sheenaoc.com
  • Courses and training: Prelude TV
  • PyCon Africa 2025: October, Johannesburg, South Africa

Wins and Fails of the Week

Sheena

  • Win: Successfully running a teamwork course for Canonical with an international team
  • Fail: All her plants fell onto the couch (and the subsequent cleanup)

Kelly

  • Win: Attending ISTE conference in San Antonio, meeting previous podcast guests, and co-hosting a presentation
  • Fail: Losing momentum on Anthony Shaw's GitHub course due to summer break

Sean

  • Win: Being interviewed by media about AI coding tools and AWS Amazon Q
  • Fail: Home server power supply failure during a lightning storm, breaking all home automations

Episode Notes

This episode provides valuable insights for educators at all levels, from K-12 teachers to corporate trainers. The discussion of soft skills, cultural awareness, and team dynamics offers practical strategies that can be applied in classrooms, coding bootcamps, and professional development settings.

The conversation highlights how technical education must go beyond coding skills to prepare students for successful careers, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and cultural competency in today's global technology landscape.

Special Guest: Sheena O'Connell.

Support Teaching Python

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