Guidelines for preparing / presenting a Python master class?

Question

I am preparing a workshop for presentation to a group of technical artists # at work. Everyone in the group was previously programmed in C / C ++ / MEL / MAXScript / Python. The goal of this class is to bring together all skill levels and a technical understanding of various computer science topics at a common level.

I would like some tips to be the first time I put in such a class.

I plan to structure the course as two two-hour sessions, with 30-minute blocks of content alternating with Q&A, code review, and individual help.

I know this is a multi-part question, so don't feel like you need to answer everything, just do your part. Any links to articles, SO questions or thoughts about personal experiences are welcome.

Questions / Tips / Further Reading Links
- What CS topics should I try to cover?
- Examples of other Python training courses? “What do you want someone to teach you when you first started programming?”
- best Python programming practices
- Tips for providing technical content to a creative / artistic audience?

Using Dive Into Python as a Tutorial and Link to MIT OpenCourseware Introduction to Computer Science on Academic Earth . I was also given a 2-minute review of adult learning (Malcolm Knowles), i.e. Students work through a cycle: identifying problems, determining the cause, researching solutions and applications.

# Technical performers: record tools, create / script rigs and control the creation of data in DCC packages (Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max).

Answer 1

Just quick comments / thoughts from my experience:

• I think your time allocation is limited, so I would focus on a few key topics to drive home. Of course, spend some time on basic lists, using tuples and vocabulary, and manipulation.
• I like to compile a cheat sheet of libraries and choose methods / examples for students so that they get an idea of ​​the "python universe" and how much is available.
• Diving into Python is a decent book, but I think you can find more concise and effective online tutorials or more complete links (Learning Python, Lutz?).
• Choose a good example to illustrate the points, and personalize them if necessary. There are few “extra credits” for ambitious students.
• Make sure that you have a good assessment of the readiness of your audience and especially consider the spread of your abilities.

Is it a class to prepare them with python skills for specific tasks or an introduction to python (where they will learn more about this later)?