[TriLUG] Coursera Python course *does* give certificates was Re: [trianglearduino:810] Python Class

[Pete Soper]

The "Signature Track" is a path toward monetization for Coursera and a 
way for folks taking their courses to get real credit at other 
institutions. I was offered this for a math course I just finished, with 
verbiage to the effect that some schools would accept the credits. They 
warn people to check if a particular institution accepts their credits 
(sounds like a set up, but hopefully "Coursera who?" <repeat 20k times> 
"Yes, we do now!")

With "Signature Track" you take the final exam with a proctor in a more 
controlled environment.

Yes, last year the Python course guys offered squat for certificates.  
But they changed their tune, and the FAQ snippet appears to be the same 
as for several other courses recently or currently offered. Maybe this 
is universal now, I don't know.

A Python to Javascript compiler and web-based IDE with absolutely 
trivial-easy cloud storage is used for the course. I can't relate the 
libraries involved to Pygame or Pyglet, but the reference for the GUI 
libraries is here (click the "Graphics" button):

     http://www.codeskulptor.org/docs.html

-Pete

On 04/15/2013 08:30 PM, David Burton wrote:
> Thanks for this, Pete. The FAQ says: Q: Will I get a certificate after 
> completing this class? A: Yes. Students who successfully complete the 
> class will receive a Statement of Accomplishment signed by Joe, Scott, 
> John, and Stephen. But, OTOH, they now have a non-free ($49) 
> "Signature 
> Track<http://www.coursera.org/signature/course/interactivepython/970391>" 
> through which you may *"Earn official recognition from Rice University 
> and Coursera for your accomplishment with a verifiable electronic 
> certificate."* * * So, question #1 is, what's the difference between 
> the free one and the $49 one? The course description says students 
> will build applications which *"involve windows whose contents are 
> graphical and respond to buttons, the keyboard and the mouse... 
> *[which]* **will include building fun games such as Pong, Blackjack, 
> and Asteroids."* So question #2 is, what module(s) do they use to 
> build games? Pygame? Pyglet? Something else?