A Python Graphics Package for the First Day and Beyond

by Michael H. Goldwasser and David Letscher

Abstract:

We demonstrate the use of a new Python graphics package named cs1graphics, while discussing its impact on pedagogy and showcasing the recent work of our students. Our package was originally developed with two goals in mind. First, we insisted that it be intuitive enough that students can sit down and make use of it from the very first day of an introductory class. Second, we wanted to provide seamless support for intermediate and advanced lessons as students progress. The resulting package is freely available at www.cs1graphics.org. We find its combination of simplicity and functionality unmatched by existing packages.


Citation:
A Python Graphics Package for the First Day and Beyond
Michael H. Goldwasser and David Letscher
Demonstration at the 13th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science (ITiCSE), Madrid, Spain Jun. 30-Jul. 2, 2008, p. 325.
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A more complete version later appeared as:
A Graphics Package for the First Day and Beyond
Michael H. Goldwasser and David Letscher
Proceedings of the 40th Annual SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE), Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mar. 4-7, 2009, pp. 206-210.
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Michael H. Goldwasser