Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) Course Reviews

The course is offered on Coursera and is authored by Charles Russell Severance, a clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Information.

The course covers the basics of programming concepts such as variables, expressions, conditional execution, functions, and loops. It also introduces key elements of the Python programming language, such as data structures, strings, files, and regular expressions.

The course consists of 7 modules, each of which contains video lectures, readings, and interactive quizzes. The first module provides an introduction to programming and Python, while the subsequent modules delve deeper into specific programming concepts.

Students are expected to complete hands-on programming assignments in each module to reinforce their learning. Additionally, the course provides a forum for students to ask questions and collaborate with their peers.

Upon completing the course, students should have a solid foundation in Python programming and the ability to write simple programs to solve real-world problems. The course is designed for beginners with no prior programming experience and is an excellent starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in programming or data science.

Course Content:

This course aims to teach everyone the basics of programming computers using Python. We cover the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python. The course has no pre-requisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. This course will cover Chapters 1-5 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. Once a student completes this course, they will be ready to take more advanced programming courses. This course covers Python 3.

The Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) course by Charles Russell Severance on Coursera consists of 7 modules, each with its own set of video lectures, readings. The modules are:

Module 1: Chapter One - Why we Program? (7 videos + 7 readings)

These are the course-wide materials as well as the first part of Chapter One where we explore what it means to write programs. We finish Chapter One and have the quiz and first assignment in the third week of the class. Throughout the course you may want to come back and look at these materials. This section should not take you an entire week.

Module 2: Installing and Using Python (6 videos +3 readings)

In this module you will set things up so you can write Python programs. Not all activities in this module are required for this class so please read the "Using Python in this Class" material for details.

Module 3: Chapter One: Why We Program (continued) (4 videos)

In the first chapter we try to cover the "big picture" of programming so you get a "table of contents" of the rest of the book. Don't worry if not everything makes perfect sense the first time you hear it. This chapter is quite broad and you would benefit from reading the chapter in the book in addition to watching the lectures to help it all sink in. You might want to come back and re-watch these lectures after you have funished a few more chapters.

• 1.4 - Writing Paragraphs of Code•16 minutes•Preview module
• Demonstration: Doing the "Hello World" Assignment•5 minutes
• Interview: Daphne Koller - Building Coursera•11 minutes
• Face-to-Face Office Hours: Milan, Italy•3 minutes

Module 4: Chapter Two: Variables and Expressions (6 videos + 1 readings)

In this chapter we cover how a program uses the computer's memory to store, retrieve and calculate information.

Module 5: Chapter Three: Conditional Code (5 videos)

In this section we move from sequential code that simply runs one line of code after another to conditional code where some steps are skipped. It is a very simple concept - but it is how computer software makes "choices".

• 3.1 Conditional Statements•14 minutes•Preview module
• 3.2 More Conditional Statements•17 minutes
• Worked Exercise: 3.2•9 minutes
• Interview: Massimo Banzi: The Arduino•11 minutes
• Office Hours: Seoul Korea•4 minutes

Module 6: Chapter Four: Functions (4 videos)

This is a relatively short chapter. We will learn about what functions are and how we can use them. The programs in the first chapters of the book are not large enough to require us to develop functions, but as the book moves into more and more complex programs, functions will be an essential way for us to make sense of our code.

• 4.1 - Using Functions•9 minutes•Preview module
• 4.2 - Building Functions•12 minutes
• Interview: Guido van Rossum: The Early Years of Python•11 minutes
• Office Hours: Manila Philippines•1 minute

Module 7: Chapter Five: Loops and Iteration (8 videos + 3 readings)

Loops and iteration complete our four basic programming patterns. Loops are the way we tell Python to do something over and over. Loops are the way we build programs that stay with a problem until the problem is solved.

Reviews:

As a former student of the Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) course on Coursera, authored by Charles Russell Severance, I found the course to be an excellent introduction to programming with Python. The course is designed to be accessible to learners with little or no programming experience, and the instructor does an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts and explaining them in simple terms.

The course is well-structured, with clear learning objectives and engaging lectures that are accompanied by interactive quizzes and programming assignments. The assignments are challenging but not overwhelming, and provide ample opportunities to apply the concepts learned in the lectures.

One of the strengths of the course is its focus on practical programming skills. The course covers the basics of Python programming, including data types, control structures, functions, and file input/output, as well as more advanced topics such as regular expressions and web scraping. The course also includes practical examples and exercises that help learners to apply the concepts in real-world scenarios.

Another strength of the course is the instructor's teaching style. Charles Russell Severance is an engaging and knowledgeable instructor who clearly has a passion for teaching programming. He has a talent for explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and he is always willing to help students who are struggling with the material.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) course to anyone who is interested in learning programming with Python. The course provides an excellent foundation in programming skills that can be applied to a wide range of applications, and the instructor's teaching style is engaging and effective.

At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 219,770 ratings.

What you'll learn:

After completing the Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) course by Charles Russell Severance on Coursera, learners will gain a solid foundation in Python programming and develop the following skills:

1. Understanding of basic programming concepts: The course provides a solid foundation in programming concepts such as variables, data types, loops, functions, and conditional statements. Learners will understand how these concepts work in Python and how to apply them in simple programs.

2. Proficiency in Python syntax: By completing the course, learners will become proficient in Python syntax, including the use of basic data types, strings, lists, dictionaries, and sets. They will also understand how to use Python libraries and modules to extend the capabilities of the language.

3. Problem-solving skills: Throughout the course, learners will be required to solve problems using Python. By completing assignments and quizzes, they will develop problem-solving skills that they can apply to a wide range of real-world problems.

4. Debugging skills: The course also teaches learners how to identify and correct errors in their code using debugging techniques. This skill is essential for any programming language, and learners will be able to apply it to their future coding projects.

5. Algorithm development: The course covers the development of algorithms and their implementation in Python. Learners will be able to develop and implement algorithms to solve complex problems using Python.

6. Basic data analysis: Learners will be able to use Python to perform basic data analysis tasks, including reading and writing data, manipulating data, and visualizing data using various libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.

7. Collaboration and teamwork: The course includes assignments that require learners to work independently and in groups, helping them develop collaboration and teamwork skills. This skill is essential in real-world projects where programmers work as part of a team.

Overall, completing the Programming for Everybody course will give learners a strong foundation in Python programming and equip them with the essential skills they need to solve problems and write basic programs using Python.

Author:

Charles Russell Severance, also known as "Dr. Chuck", is a professor at the University of Michigan School of Information and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. He is also a well-known author and speaker on topics related to computing and information technology.

Dr. Chuck holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Michigan State University and has extensive experience in the field of software development, including designing and implementing large-scale software systems. He is a pioneer in the development of internet and web-based systems and has been involved in the creation of several popular software systems, including the Sakai learning management system.

In addition to his work in academia, Dr. Chuck is also a popular author and speaker on topics related to programming and technology. He has authored several books on topics such as web programming and Python programming, and he regularly speaks at conferences and events around the world.

Overall, Dr. Chuck is highly respected in the field of computing and information technology, and his expertise in software development and web-based systems is widely recognized. His contributions to the development of the Sakai learning management system and other software systems have had a significant impact on the field, and his work as an educator and author has helped to inspire and educate the next generation of programmers and technologists.

Requirements:

Here are the requirements for the Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) course, authored by Charles Russell Severance, on Coursera:

1. Basic computer skills: The course assumes that learners have basic computer skills, including the ability to use a web browser, download and install software, and navigate file systems. Learners should be comfortable with basic computer operations, such as opening and closing programs, saving and retrieving files, and managing folders.

2. Familiarity with basic algebra: The course requires a basic understanding of algebraic concepts such as variables, equations, and functions. While the course does not assume any specific level of mathematical proficiency, learners should be comfortable with basic algebraic operations and concepts.

3. Access to a computer: Learners must have access to a computer with internet access and the ability to install and run Python software. The course uses the Python programming language extensively, so learners will need to have access to a computer with Python installed in order to complete assignments and exercises.

4. Commitment to learning: The course requires a commitment to learning and completing assignments on a regular basis. Learners should be prepared to spend several hours per week on coursework, including watching lectures, completing assignments and quizzes, and participating in online discussions.

5. English proficiency: The course materials and lectures are delivered in English, so learners must have a basic understanding of the language to fully engage with the course. While the course does not require advanced proficiency in English, learners should be able to read and write in English at a basic level in order to complete assignments and participate in discussions.

Overall, the requirements for the course are designed to be accessible to learners with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. However, learners should be prepared to invest time and effort into the course in order to successfully complete it and gain a solid foundation in programming with Python.