PythonTurtle0.1.2009.8.2.1

Programming is a major career path that can lead to a host of possibilities, a path that is more and more relevant as computers begin to take increasingly larger roles in day-to-day life. PythonTurtle is an application designed to begin teaching children the basics of the Python coding language, by inputting various commands to a turtle against a black screen. Via the proper commands, the turtle can draw simple to advanced patterns.

A useful idea, but with a poor design layout that hampers the way the program performs

The main design of PythonTurtle involves one screen with the turtle and the screen, with a place to input the commands, then another screen with the long tutorial, split into levels. By far the biggest issue with the application is the constant need to switch between the two screens to check the tutorial, it is tedious and awkward.It is extremely hopeful to expect children to have the patience to keep switching between the screens via the F1 button to check for the next part of the tutorial. A massive improvement to the application would be a split screen or split window design, letting users read the tutorial commands while watching the turtle.

An interesting tool that verges far more on the education side than the fun side

Given the program's hope of teaching children, PythonTurtle is a very somber and toned down application. Updating the program with the basic principles of gamification would be a drastic improvement to how it operates, such as level completion announcements, flashing lights when a command is entered properly, 8 bit sounds or music when something is done correctly, etc.The lack of any frills or entertaining elements means that children will most likely get bored with it quickly, if anything PythonTurtle seems like a more amusing way to teach the basics of coding in Python.

The program has potential, but needs much more work before it is an entertaining learning tool

Currently, PythonTurtle is an educational tool with an amusing gimmick, it is not robust enough or designed well enough to warrant it keeping the attention of children for an exceptional amount of time. Primarily, the tutorial part needs to be displayed on the same window as the command entry area, with challenges and a game like mentality applied to it. In short, PythonTurtle can teach, but it is unlikely to entertain children.