Interest in a beginners programming course in Python?

Hi @J-Ray, yes it’s one class a week. If you are an experienced programmer it may be too slow for you. Python is not that hard to teach yourself if you already have a good grasp of programming principles. Having said that, the class could be a fun way to complement your own learning because we will inevitably have a lot of discussion and interaction and usually go beyond the absolute basics if people are interested. Also, it is great for everybody in general if there is a range of skill levels because then you can help me out in explaining some concepts and helping others learn!

The event page is now live: Event Organizer: Become an Event Hosting Legend | Eventbrite Can someone check it out and see if you can see anything that is amiss? Also, final version of poster attached. Does anyone know what the VHS policy is for age ranges? I.e. what are the restrictions for members of the public attending events at VHS?
Updated poster: Python Course_Poster 160928b.pdf (287.6 KB)

Looks awesome! Remember that our url is now vanhack.ca !

We don’t have any rules about ages, and there are no applicable laws,
according to all research I’ve done.
You’ll be responsible, so set it at whatever you feel comfortable with or
without a guardian.

Thanks @Jarrett. I said on the event description “Open to all ages. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.” And I’ll have to change the logo to vanhack.ca now…

If anyone is curious about the course content and pace, I based the whole course on this excellent online course from University of Michigan: https://www.coursera.org/learn/python (they encourage open use of the material by the way) and the online book How to Think Like a Computer Scientist.

Question: How do I get the classes added to the VHS Event Calendar? Ideally with a link to the sign-up page.

@workless Due to my schedule I will probably attend a few single classes. I see I can pay for a single class and buy multiple tickets, but do I need to register for specific dates? Thanks, $80 is a fair price for non members

@J-Ray Yes I wanted to provide a drop-in option for that reason so just buy a $5/$10 ticket for each class you can make. I haven’t figured out if space is going to be a problem yet but if it is then I would have to start taking reservations. I didn’t want to make the ticketing too complicated by having a separate ticket type for each individual class. Also, note that you can use the coursera.org course to catch up on classes that you don’t make - the content is virtually identical.

It’s now posted on picatic.com, craigslist.org, eventbrite, Facebook and straight.com. If anyone asks, Picatic is the place to get tickets (although I had to set up some tickets on Eventbrite too which may work). Please go to the Facebook site and comment, like, and generate some discussion. Even if you aren’t planning to attend! Thanks.

Added to the calendar and Facebook page & events list.

1 Like

I’ve created a meetup. @workless, if you’d like, I can make you an organizer there if you have an account. Right now I am marked as one, and VHSBOT :slight_smile:

Sure @Rob_MacKenzie yes please. You mean a meetup.com meet-up?

Yeah. A link would have been useful eh!?

People are already signing up. If you join, I’ll make you an organizer.

2 Likes

Thanks @Rob_MacKenzie. I joined the meetup. Looks good. Who’s paying for that then? I thought it costs $15/month to have a meetup group.

Just in case it gets really popular (4 people have signed up so far) I need an idea of the maximum possible class size at VHS so I can cap the number of tickets. Also, could everyone please help by going to the Facebook page and meetup group and commenting on it and liking it? Even if you aren’t attending, I think it helps to have a good discussion going. Also, if anyone can print the poster above and pin it to a noticeboard in your office, local cafe, community centre etc. that would greatly help. Thanks!

Tickets are selling like hot potatoes! Better register soon if you want to join this class…

I’ve been meaning to sign up but I can only register for one evening right
now.

Okay no problem @Janet. The first class will be an overview of Python and what you can do with it. You can decide what to do after that.

1 Like

Thanks Majicj. I’ve limited it to 10 max so technically that means we’re sold out already. Even before I finished putting the posters up! CORRECTION. Now there are two spots left.

If anyone asks, the course is technically now sold out. 7 spots went to non-members and 3 to VHS members. However, I’m trying to find out if picatic have a wait-list function so we can collect a few more names in case anybody drops out. Now, with 10 people I really could do with some support during the class because there is a lot of practical exercise and people need a bit of one-on-one time to find bugs in their code and so on. @Rob_MacKenzie has offered to be a teaching assistant when he can but can’t make it every week due to work commitments. Are there any other VHS members who would be willing to (i) bottom-line the event when needed, (ii) act as a TA during the class? Thanks!

1 Like