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via Udemy |
Go to Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/python3-programming-for-beginners/
Certainly! Here's a comprehensive review and recommendation for the Coursera course "Computer Programming For Beginners Learn Python Programming": --- **Course Review: "Computer Programming For Beginners Learn Python Programming"** Are you new to programming and feeling overwhelmed by complex courses or confusing books? This course offers a refreshingly straightforward approach to learning Python that emphasizes building a solid foundation through practice and understanding, rather than rote memorization or passive observation. **Overview & Teaching Philosophy** The instructor’s teaching methodology is grounded in the belief that mastering programming tools step-by-step leads to genuine confidence and competence. Unlike some courses that throw a flurry of concepts at students or leave them to decipher complex code on their own, this course methodically introduces each fundamental aspect of programming. This scaffolded approach ensures that students don't just memorize code but truly understand how and why it works. **Course Content & Skills Covered** The course focuses on core programming concepts essential for beginners: - Using a basic code editor (Wing IDE) - Variables, data types, and conversions - Conditional statements (if, elif, else) - Boolean logic - Loops (for, while, nesting) - Lists, similar to arrays in other languages - String processing - Random number generation - Functions The curriculum is designed to be practical, with 15 hands-on programming assignments that reinforce learning. Each assignment is complemented by a solution review video, which is extremely helpful for self-assessment and understanding different approaches. **Strengths** - Clear, step-by-step instruction allowing students to learn at their own pace. - Emphasis on practicing each concept through real coding exercises. - No reliance on pre-written code files; students develop their understanding through hands-on work. - Focus on fundamental programming techniques that are transferable to other languages. - Designed to build confidence and problem-solving skills, not just syntax. **Considerations** While the course does not include graphical or GUI-based projects, its focus on text-based programming is perfect for establishing a strong base in logic and language fundamentals. Additionally, some students might find the absence of step-by-step code downloads initially challenging, but the accompanying solution videos compensate well. **Recommendation** If you're a complete beginner eager to learn Python in a practical, confident-building way, this course is highly recommended. Its methodical approach ensures you will not just learn to write code but understand how and why it works, laying a robust foundation for further programming adventures or switching to other languages. Plus, the focus on exercises and real-time problem solving makes it ideal for learners who benefit from hands-on practice. **Final Verdict:** *A highly effective and accessible course for beginners who want to learn Python practically and confidently. Clear instruction, ample practice, and a focus on core concepts make this an excellent choice for new programmers.* --- Would you like me to help you with tips on how to get started with this course or how to approach the assignments?
Would you like to learn computer programming, but you've been frustrated by courses or books that give you too much - or too little information - leaving you feeling hopelessly lost? Those approaches remind me of a guitar teacher I had years ago. He had two instructional methods - neither of which worked for me. He would either teach me to play one specific song, then I could play that song - but nothing else. Or he would play something complicated while I sat, watching him. I was supposed to pick up his guitar-playing skills by osmosis I guess, but that didn't happen. I've taught computer programming for many years and have found the most effective approach is to teach the tools one by one, giving exercises or assignments that allow students to practice each new concept until mastered. As the student learns, he or she gradually builds larger, more complex programs. While this may not be the most glamorous technique - it works! Students gain confidence as they truly understand how to use the programming tools. What are those "tools"? Most programming languages have the same basic features. I use python 3 in this course. (The simplicity, but power, of python makes it an excellent language for beginning programmers). After completing the course, students will be able to go further with python or easily switch to another programming language. Students learn programming by programming! You will learn a lot by completing each assignment on your own. There is inevitably some struggling in the early parts of any programming course. You will learn from your mistakes, becoming a stronger, more confident programmer as a result. I don't give out code files for the assignments. However each assignment has an accompanying video that reviews my solution. The solution videos should be viewed after completing your assignment to the best of your ability. A printable pdf checklist is included to chart your progress in the course. In this course, you'll learn: How to use a basic code editor (the free Wing IDE)Variables, variable types, and conversionsConditional statement (if, elif, else)Boolean LogicRepetition using for and while loops, nesting loopsLists (similar to arrays in most other languages)String processingRandom number generationFunctions15 programming assignments are given. For each assignment, there is a video showing my solution for that assignment.The assignments are text-based (no graphics or gui). This keeps the focus on learning the language and programming logic, building a strong foundation for more advanced programming.