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Programming with GUIs

Michael Conterio, Martin O'Hanlon, Andrew Collins, Eirini K, Laura Sach, Mac Bowley, and Matt Hogan

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for teachers delivering computer science lessons at GCSE level or equivalent. It’s aimed at teachers who have basic experience with Python. If you don’t have much experience with Python, perhaps complete Programming 101: An Introduction to Python for Educators first.

Topics Covered

Using widgets to build a GUI
Responding to user inputs using events
Reading and modifying the properties of widgets
Designing GUIs and using boxes and either auto or grid layouts to implement them
Adjusting the appearance of your GUI to improve the user experience
Using time-based events
Decomposing a project to make it more manageable

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Reviews summary

Practical gui programming for educators

According to learners, this course is a highly valuable resource for educators, particularly those teaching computer science at GCSE level. Students praise its ability to break down complex GUI concepts into manageable chunks with clear explanations and engaging examples. The hands-on activities and practical projects are frequently highlighted as excellent for reinforcing learning and building confidence. While many find the pace just right, some suggest it might assume slightly more than basic Python knowledge, and others note that more advanced topics could be covered in greater depth for those seeking mastery or working with modern frameworks.

Concepts are clearly explained with effective practical exercises.

"It broke down complex GUI concepts into manageable chunks, making it easy to understand and apply. The Python examples were clear..."

"The hands-on activities using widgets were particularly useful. The pace was just right, and the resources provided were very helpful."

"The explanations were easy to follow, and the practical exercises cemented my understanding."

Highly valuable for teaching GUI programming to students.

"This course was absolutely fantastic for a teacher like me... I now feel much more confident teaching GUI programming to my GCSE students."

"As a computer science teacher, I found this invaluable. It provides practical skills that I can directly use in my classroom."

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course! It perfectly complements the GCSE curriculum and gives teachers the tools to teach real-world programming."

Suggestions for more comprehensive debugging guidance.

"I struggled with some of the initial setup and debugging, which wasn't fully covered."

"My main feedback would be that the debugging process could have been elaborated on more, as new programmers often struggle here."

Some found it assumes more than basic Python experience.

"The course is okay, but it assumes a bit more Python knowledge than 'basic experience'."

"I struggled with some of the initial setup and debugging, which wasn't fully covered."

"The overall progression felt a bit rushed at times. Maybe better for those with intermediate Python skills."

Good foundation but lacks advanced topics or modern examples.

"I felt some parts, especially on layout managers, could have been covered in more depth or with more varied examples."

"I found the examples to be a bit simplistic and not challenging enough for someone looking to build substantial GUIs."

"Some of the tools felt a bit dated. I was hoping for more advanced techniques and perhaps integration with more modern Python GUI frameworks."

"It's decent, but I wish it covered more practical, real-world examples. Might be too basic for someone already comfortable with Python."

Career center

Learners who complete Programming with GUIs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Programming with GUIs.

The Design of Everyday Things

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This foundational text is essential for anyone beginning to explore UX. It introduces core concepts of user-centered design and the importance of understanding how people interact with objects and systems in their daily lives. While not solely focused on digital products, its principles are universally applicable and provide crucial prerequisite knowledge for any UX practitioner. It is widely considered a must-read classic in the field.

Programming with GUIs

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Practical gui programming for educators

Career center

Reading list

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