Python Programming

Workshop Description: Workshops on Python, a high-level, general-purpose programming language.  Participants will explore basic computer programming via brief interactive lectures and by following along with live programming exercises. Participants will brainstorm possible applications of key programming concepts to their respective disciplines. Rose-Hulman facilitator will guide participants to refine their ideas and work on implementation. Possible products developed by participants may include (but is not limited to): lesson plans, demo materials, or student activities and assessments.

The goal is to meet participants at their level and guide them to resources that will help them integrate basic computer science into their classrooms. 

The first day of the 2-day workshop will be focused on basic computer programming, by giving participants the opportunity to learn and practice key computer science skills before brainstorming potential classroom applications. The second day will be reserved for participants to work independently, with help and mentorship from Rose-Hulman faculty, to develop a minimal prototype or proof-of-concept for their own design. This flexible workshop design allows for K-12 teachers with little or no programming experience to leave with actionable ideas and the basic knowledge required to continue developing their skills.

Advanced Python workshop for high-school CS teachers who already have basic experience; topics could include file I/O, data analysis, dictionaries, objects, etc. will also be offered.

Dr. Rachel Krohn has been a member of the Rose-Hulman faculty since 2021, where she has taught a range of computer science courses including Introduction to Software Development (a freshman programming course), Data Structures and Algorithms, and Design and Analysis of Algorithms. Her teaching methods focus on student interaction via live demos and short lectures, both of which have been well received by Rose-Hulman students.

Rachel has worked as a faculty mentor for Operation Catapult, a summer program for high school seniors and juniors to explore various STEM disciplines. For the computer science project, students learn the basics of Python before applying their skills to the development of an arcade-style computer game. During her Catapult session, Rachel’s students won first place for the best project competition.

Outside of teaching, Rachel is a published researcher in the field of social media and information diffusion on the web. She is also a coach, judge, and problem-writer for the International Collegiate Programming Contest, a worldwide organization of programming competitions for college students.

Before joining the Rose-Hulman faculty, Rachel completed her PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, where she conducted dissertation research under the supervision of Professor Tim Weninger, the Freimann Collegiate Associate Professor of Engineering and Director of Graduate Studies. Rachel also completed degrees in computer science and mechanical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, giving her a strong multidisciplinary background.

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