Saturdays: Special Program Highlights

Programming with Python

Who are the instructors? 
Our instructors have extensive experience in programming. They are committed to serving the community by teaching our students Python and other basic technical skills. Below are details of our two lead teachers.

Mr. Zhang holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Tsinghua University, one of China’s top universities. With over twenty years of experience in software development and management, Mr. Zhang also has a passion for teaching computer science to young students. He introduced computer programming to Yucai’s students and received high praise from both students and parents. In his free time, Mr. Zhang enjoys fishing, traveling, and hiking.

Mr. Ren holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Tsinghua University and a PhD from Iowa State University. He has over 10 years of experience in software system safety at Honeywell. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Ren has also served as a lab instructor for college students. He welcomes any student in Grade 7 and above with the curiosity to learn.

Who can attend the class?
Students in Grades 7-12 are the targeted audience. Adult students with no or some programming experience can also participate. All students must bring their own laptops.

To enroll in the Level 1 class, students do not need to have the prior knowledge of programming. However, they should have the curiosity and be ready to learn attitude.

To enroll in the higher level classes, students must have a basic understanding of Python programming concepts, including variables, data types, conditions, loops, functions, etc.

What will students learn in the class?
The Level 1 class will start with the basics of computer science and office applications. Afterwards, students will learn Python, a popular programming language, and apply it in different projects. The goal is to introduce the basics of using computers, office tools, and Python to develop interest in programming. It will build the foundation for students to move on to more advanced classes such as artificial intelligence, robotics, etc.

The goal of Level 2 class is to help students become more proficient in Python programming by working on increasingly complex projects while continuing to teach advanced Python concepts. The following topics are planned to be covered: Python Game Design & Development, Python Object-Oriented Programming, Python User Interface Development, Python Database Programming, Python Networking Programming, and Python Programming with ChatGPT. The instructor will monitor each student’s progress and adjust the pace of the class accordingly.

The Level 3 class will cover 1) In-depth study of common data structure and their applications in practical cases to improve students ability to solve complex problems. 2) Develop software for remotely controlling robot cars, master robot programming technology, and improve comprehensive development capabilities. 3) Analyze classic programming problems, provide optimized code implementation, and improve software development levels. The course content will be appropriately adjusted based on student progress.

Why should students learn programming with Yucai?
Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in both computer science and teaching to their classes. They are committed to adapting their teaching materials to meet the needs of their students without compromising on quality. The primary focus of Level 1 is to spark an interest in programming and help students explore potential future careers in the field. After completing this class, students will have the opportunity to continue their learning journey with higher-level programming classes, designed to keep them engaged for three or more years. Choosing the right class and instructor can have a significant impact on a student’s future, and our class provides an excellent foundation for their future career path. Most importantly, we offer a long-term learning plan for all students, with instruction delivered in English.