app01 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:13:51 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Teaching Python - Episodes Tagged with “Chess” https://www.teachingpython.fm/tags/chess Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 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 153: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide https://www.teachingpython.fm/153 4e68172d-860d-4658-8425-423da077b84e Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Sean Tibor and Kelly Paredes 153 2025 Holiday Gift Guide full Sean Tibor and Kelly Paredes Sean, Kelly, and special guest Julian Sequeira from PyBites share their favorite gift ideas for coders, makers, educators, and curious kids. From hoverboards and 3D printers to coding platforms and chess-teaching apps, this episode covers gifts at every price point. The trio discusses hands-on tools like LED pucks and calipers for makers, educational picks like the Secret Coders book series and Dr. Fei-Fei Li's memoir "The Worlds I See," plus tech toys including the Spydroid Loco Hex robot and Hugging Face's Richtie Mini. Whether you're shopping for a student, a fellow teacher, or yourself, there's something here for everyone. 40:12 no <p>Julian Sequeira from PyBites joins Sean and Kelly to share their top holiday gift picks for coders, makers, and educators. This episode features 15+ gift ideas ranging from budget-friendly maker tools to classroom robots—plus book recommendations, coding platforms, and a few surprises.</p> <h2>Show Notes</h2> <h3>Wins of the Week</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Julian:</strong> Staying focused on "the one thing" at PyBites, plus 3D printing a custom cappuccino stencil for his local café</li> <li><strong>Kelly:</strong> Surviving a muddy, clay-covered hill in North Carolina while on vacation</li> <li><strong>Sean:</strong> Designing and 3D printing a custom bracket for his screen door using Fusion 360</li> </ul> <h3>Holiday Gift Ideas</h3> <h4>Julian's Picks</h4> <ol> <li><p><strong>Hoverboard with Go-Kart Attachment</strong> (~$299 AUD) - Two-wheeled self-balancing boards that can convert to a go-kart with a third wheel attachment. Available at <a href="https://hoveroo.com.au" rel="nofollow noopener">Hoveroo</a> in Australia.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Secret Coders Book Series</strong> (~$10-20 USD each) - A six-book graphic novel series that wraps coding puzzles and concepts into mystery stories. Recommended by Faye Shaw from the Boston PyLadies community. Great for ages 8-15.</p></li> <li><p><strong>3D Printer</strong> (~$200-300 USD) - Entry-level printers like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini or Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro have dropped significantly in price. Look for auto bed leveling as a key feature.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Duolingo Chess</strong> (~$13/month with subscription) - A new addition to Duolingo that teaches chess tactics, strategy, and formal terminology through structured lessons. Great for building problem-solving skills.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Classic Video Games (Zelda, Pokémon)</strong> - Story-driven games that build resilience and problem-solving skills, as an alternative to dopamine-heavy platforms like Roblox.</p></li> </ol> <h4>Kelly's Picks</h4> <ol> <li><p><strong>Soccer Bot</strong> (~$59.99) - An indoor soccer training robot that challenges footwork skills. Works best on hard floors.</p></li> <li><p><strong>"The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li</strong> - Memoir of the computer scientist behind ImageNet and modern image recognition, covering her immigrant journey and rise in AI. A must-read for anyone interested in AI.</p></li> <li><p><strong>LEGO Retro Radio Building Set</strong> (~$99) - A 1970s-style radio that you build, then insert your phone to play music. Features working dials that create authentic radio crackle sounds.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Spydroid Loco Hex Robot</strong> (classroom investment) - A large spider-shaped robot that codes in Python and block programming. Features LIDAR and AI-based mapping. Seen at ISTE.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Richtie Mini from Hugging Face</strong> ($299-$449) - An adorable AI desktop companion robot with onboard models. Two versions: one that connects to your computer and one that's self-contained.</p></li> </ol> <h4>Sean's Picks</h4> <ol> <li><p><strong>LED Pucks (LED 001 Kit)</strong> (~$6-13) - Small USB-powered LED discs perfect for 3D printed projects like planet lamps. Available from Bambu Labs or Amazon. RGB versions include remote controls.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Daily Desk Calendar</strong> (~$15-20) - A throwback gift that provides daily doses of humor, trivia, or inspiration. Suggestions include The Far Side, "They Can Talk," or "How to Win Friends and Influence People."</p></li> <li><p><strong>PyBites Coding Platform</strong> (subscription) - Bite-sized Python challenges for sharpening coding skills. Great for teachers, students, and professionals looking for practical coding practice.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Digital Calipers</strong> (~$40-50) - USB-rechargeable precision measuring tools essential for 3D printing and maker projects. Great for teaching geometry and measurement concepts.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Deburring Tool</strong> (~$10) - A small tool with a curved swiveling blade for cleaning up 3D prints. A quality-of-life improvement for any maker's toolkit.</p></li> </ol> <h3>Links Mentioned</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://pybit.es" rel="nofollow noopener">PyBites</a> - Python coaching and coding challenges</li> <li><a href="https://hoveroo.com.au" rel="nofollow noopener">Hoveroo</a> - Hoverboards (Australia)</li> <li><a href="https://bambulab.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Bambu Lab</a> - 3D printers and LED pucks</li> <li><a href="https://www.printables.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Printables</a> - 3D printing models</li> <li><a href="https://makerworld.com" rel="nofollow noopener">MakerWorld</a> - 3D printing models</li> <li><a href="https://huggingface.co" rel="nofollow noopener">Hugging Face Richtie Mini</a> - AI companion robot</li> <li><a href="https://duolingo.com" rel="nofollow noopener">Duolingo</a> - Language learning app with chess</li> <li>Secret Coders book series - Available on Amazon</li> <li>"The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Available at bookstores</li> </ul> <h3>Upcoming Events</h3> <ul> <li><strong>PyCon US 2026</strong> - Long Beach, California</li> <li><strong>Education Summit</strong> - Proposals open after the holidays, deadline around March/April</li> <li>Submit proposals when the website opens! Special Guest: Julian Sequeira.</li> </ul> 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 Julian Sequeira from PyBites joins Sean and Kelly to share their top holiday gift picks for coders, makers, and educators. This episode features 15+ gift ideas ranging from budget-friendly maker tools to classroom robots—plus book recommendations, coding platforms, and a few surprises.

Show Notes

Wins of the Week

  • Julian: Staying focused on "the one thing" at PyBites, plus 3D printing a custom cappuccino stencil for his local café
  • Kelly: Surviving a muddy, clay-covered hill in North Carolina while on vacation
  • Sean: Designing and 3D printing a custom bracket for his screen door using Fusion 360

Holiday Gift Ideas

Julian's Picks

  1. Hoverboard with Go-Kart Attachment (~$299 AUD) - Two-wheeled self-balancing boards that can convert to a go-kart with a third wheel attachment. Available at Hoveroo in Australia.

  2. Secret Coders Book Series (~$10-20 USD each) - A six-book graphic novel series that wraps coding puzzles and concepts into mystery stories. Recommended by Faye Shaw from the Boston PyLadies community. Great for ages 8-15.

  3. 3D Printer (~$200-300 USD) - Entry-level printers like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini or Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro have dropped significantly in price. Look for auto bed leveling as a key feature.

  4. Duolingo Chess (~$13/month with subscription) - A new addition to Duolingo that teaches chess tactics, strategy, and formal terminology through structured lessons. Great for building problem-solving skills.

  5. Classic Video Games (Zelda, Pokémon) - Story-driven games that build resilience and problem-solving skills, as an alternative to dopamine-heavy platforms like Roblox.

Kelly's Picks

  1. Soccer Bot (~$59.99) - An indoor soccer training robot that challenges footwork skills. Works best on hard floors.

  2. "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Memoir of the computer scientist behind ImageNet and modern image recognition, covering her immigrant journey and rise in AI. A must-read for anyone interested in AI.

  3. LEGO Retro Radio Building Set (~$99) - A 1970s-style radio that you build, then insert your phone to play music. Features working dials that create authentic radio crackle sounds.

  4. Spydroid Loco Hex Robot (classroom investment) - A large spider-shaped robot that codes in Python and block programming. Features LIDAR and AI-based mapping. Seen at ISTE.

  5. Richtie Mini from Hugging Face ($299-$449) - An adorable AI desktop companion robot with onboard models. Two versions: one that connects to your computer and one that's self-contained.

Sean's Picks

  1. LED Pucks (LED 001 Kit) (~$6-13) - Small USB-powered LED discs perfect for 3D printed projects like planet lamps. Available from Bambu Labs or Amazon. RGB versions include remote controls.

  2. Daily Desk Calendar (~$15-20) - A throwback gift that provides daily doses of humor, trivia, or inspiration. Suggestions include The Far Side, "They Can Talk," or "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

  3. PyBites Coding Platform (subscription) - Bite-sized Python challenges for sharpening coding skills. Great for teachers, students, and professionals looking for practical coding practice.

  4. Digital Calipers (~$40-50) - USB-rechargeable precision measuring tools essential for 3D printing and maker projects. Great for teaching geometry and measurement concepts.

  5. Deburring Tool (~$10) - A small tool with a curved swiveling blade for cleaning up 3D prints. A quality-of-life improvement for any maker's toolkit.

Links Mentioned

  • PyBites - Python coaching and coding challenges
  • Hoveroo - Hoverboards (Australia)
  • Bambu Lab - 3D printers and LED pucks
  • Printables - 3D printing models
  • MakerWorld - 3D printing models
  • Hugging Face Richtie Mini - AI companion robot
  • Duolingo - Language learning app with chess
  • Secret Coders book series - Available on Amazon
  • "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Available at bookstores

Upcoming Events

  • PyCon US 2026 - Long Beach, California
  • Education Summit - Proposals open after the holidays, deadline around March/April
  • Submit proposals when the website opens!

Special Guest: Julian Sequeira.

Support Teaching Python

]]> Julian Sequeira from PyBites joins Sean and Kelly to share their top holiday gift picks for coders, makers, and educators. This episode features 15+ gift ideas ranging from budget-friendly maker tools to classroom robots—plus book recommendations, coding platforms, and a few surprises.

Show Notes

Wins of the Week

  • Julian: Staying focused on "the one thing" at PyBites, plus 3D printing a custom cappuccino stencil for his local café
  • Kelly: Surviving a muddy, clay-covered hill in North Carolina while on vacation
  • Sean: Designing and 3D printing a custom bracket for his screen door using Fusion 360

Holiday Gift Ideas

Julian's Picks

  1. Hoverboard with Go-Kart Attachment (~$299 AUD) - Two-wheeled self-balancing boards that can convert to a go-kart with a third wheel attachment. Available at Hoveroo in Australia.

  2. Secret Coders Book Series (~$10-20 USD each) - A six-book graphic novel series that wraps coding puzzles and concepts into mystery stories. Recommended by Faye Shaw from the Boston PyLadies community. Great for ages 8-15.

  3. 3D Printer (~$200-300 USD) - Entry-level printers like the Bambu Lab A1 Mini or Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro have dropped significantly in price. Look for auto bed leveling as a key feature.

  4. Duolingo Chess (~$13/month with subscription) - A new addition to Duolingo that teaches chess tactics, strategy, and formal terminology through structured lessons. Great for building problem-solving skills.

  5. Classic Video Games (Zelda, Pokémon) - Story-driven games that build resilience and problem-solving skills, as an alternative to dopamine-heavy platforms like Roblox.

Kelly's Picks

  1. Soccer Bot (~$59.99) - An indoor soccer training robot that challenges footwork skills. Works best on hard floors.

  2. "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Memoir of the computer scientist behind ImageNet and modern image recognition, covering her immigrant journey and rise in AI. A must-read for anyone interested in AI.

  3. LEGO Retro Radio Building Set (~$99) - A 1970s-style radio that you build, then insert your phone to play music. Features working dials that create authentic radio crackle sounds.

  4. Spydroid Loco Hex Robot (classroom investment) - A large spider-shaped robot that codes in Python and block programming. Features LIDAR and AI-based mapping. Seen at ISTE.

  5. Richtie Mini from Hugging Face ($299-$449) - An adorable AI desktop companion robot with onboard models. Two versions: one that connects to your computer and one that's self-contained.

Sean's Picks

  1. LED Pucks (LED 001 Kit) (~$6-13) - Small USB-powered LED discs perfect for 3D printed projects like planet lamps. Available from Bambu Labs or Amazon. RGB versions include remote controls.

  2. Daily Desk Calendar (~$15-20) - A throwback gift that provides daily doses of humor, trivia, or inspiration. Suggestions include The Far Side, "They Can Talk," or "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

  3. PyBites Coding Platform (subscription) - Bite-sized Python challenges for sharpening coding skills. Great for teachers, students, and professionals looking for practical coding practice.

  4. Digital Calipers (~$40-50) - USB-rechargeable precision measuring tools essential for 3D printing and maker projects. Great for teaching geometry and measurement concepts.

  5. Deburring Tool (~$10) - A small tool with a curved swiveling blade for cleaning up 3D prints. A quality-of-life improvement for any maker's toolkit.

Links Mentioned

  • PyBites - Python coaching and coding challenges
  • Hoveroo - Hoverboards (Australia)
  • Bambu Lab - 3D printers and LED pucks
  • Printables - 3D printing models
  • MakerWorld - 3D printing models
  • Hugging Face Richtie Mini - AI companion robot
  • Duolingo - Language learning app with chess
  • Secret Coders book series - Available on Amazon
  • "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li - Available at bookstores

Upcoming Events

  • PyCon US 2026 - Long Beach, California
  • Education Summit - Proposals open after the holidays, deadline around March/April
  • Submit proposals when the website opens!

Special Guest: Julian Sequeira.

Support Teaching Python

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