This will be a progressive 6 week program to learn about basic open source software development tools and methodologies. We will explore common tools used in open source software development as well as concepts surrounding the open source community.
The core concept will be learning to program using the Python language. Ancillary concepts that will be explored include:
- problem solving
- how to ask the right questions and find the answers using common online sites
- how to manage your source code using github
- how to use a text editor effectively
- how to write effective documentation for your code
- how to develop and work together on a project effectively as a team
The goal of the program is by the end of the school year they will have released a minor, well designed, tested, and documented project as a team to the open source community.
While I will serve as a coach, mentor, teacher for these concepts participants will be strongly encouraged and given the tools to explore these concepts on their own. Participants should expect an equal amount of instruction and self-directed learning.
The class (8 max) will consist of a 30-45 minute instruction period with the remainder of the 2 hours being self-directed, exploring the day's topic with the freedom to ask questions of their fellow teammates or myself.
- basic familiarity with Mac OSX or Windows
- self-motivated in the realm of problem solving or programming
- naturally curious about technology
- grades 5-8
- comfortable being challenged as an individual and in a team setting
- prior programming or advanced computer skills not necessary
- Mac OSX
- Python 2.7.3
- Sublime-Text editor
- Git/Github