Welcome – Dr. Chuck

Welcome to Python Data Structures, the second class in our Programming for Everybody series. We have built these classes specifically for those with no prior programming experience. With a relatively simple book, and basic exercises that focus on the core concepts of programming, we hope that you will have a solid understanding of the topics in this course and be well prepared to continue your programming studies.

We assume that you have completed the previous course in the sequence before starting this class. If you find yourself needing some review, please go back and review the material in Getting Started with Python.

Please take your time and learn these concepts well, as there is little value rushing towards more advanced material without proper preparation.

This course is taught by Dr. Charles Severance. Charles Severance (a.k.a Dr. Chuck) is a Clinical Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, where he teaches various technology-oriented courses including programming, database design, and Web development. Chuck has written a number of books including Using Google App Engine, and Python for Everybody. His research field is in the building of learning management systems such as Sakai, Moodle, Blackboard, ANGEL, and others. He was the chief architect for the Sakai Project, a learning management system used at about 300 schools worldwide and wrote the book Sakai: Free as in Freedom, that describes his experiences as one of the leaders of the project. In the mid-1990s he was the host of Internet:TCI, a national television talk show about the Internet that ran for several years on the TCI cable system. He was long-time a columnist for the IEEE Computer Magazine writing a monthly column called “Computing Conversations” that features video interviews with famous technology leaders and innovators.

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