Choosing a Topic

• edX specific stuff is encouraged

• not just python language, but libraries and connections

• Ex:

  • Navigating databases

  • Shells

  • Devstack

  • XBlocks

  • Comprehensive theming

  • Django

• pure language stuff is also interesting: interpreter, dunders, list comprehensions

• python 101 is fair game

• have you come across something weird or interesting in your day to day?

• debugging a particular weird thing

• IDE(s) for python

Choosing a Format

• REPL and live coding highly encouraged

  • expect things to go wrong! collective debugging is part of the process

  • if you’re super nervous, you can always practice with our study group leaders and helpers: Ben Holt (Deactivated) , Rebecca Graber (Deactivated) , and Ned Batchelder (Deactivated)

• Code on slides to look at later

• Jupyter notebook good for mixing text and code

• Alternative formats:

  • If you are an ‘expert’ on some aspect, host a Q&A/AMA/some other 'A' acronym

  • “Particularly Clueless Presenter” - have the audience guide you along

  • Game show!

  • panel: if you want to recruit friends

During Presentation

• How to encourage interactivity

  • Challenge people to come up with a ‘dumb’ (low-level) question?

  • Leave space for questions. Count in your head to make sure everyone has time!

    • Do not fear the awkward silence

  • Consider asking questions of the room and waiting for/calling on someone to answer

• Usually: people can yell out questions whenever, the group leaders monitor chat and interrupt whenever

  • If you want something else, specify at the beginning

Other Stuff

• Be welcoming!

• You can choose the icebreaker, make it short

• Don’t feel pressured to fill the whole hour

• This is a zero-judgment zone

• If something makes you uncomfortable, reach out to the PSG leaders (currently Rebecca Graber (Deactivated) runs the group with Ned Batchelder (Deactivated) acting as advisor and general Yoda).