Experiences/guidance on teaching Python as a first programming language

[wxjmfauth at gmail.com]

A few practical considerations, far away from theoretical
aspects. Mainly for non ascii, understand non native English
speakers.

Python is an "ascii oriented product".

Platform. On Windows, the solely version which works
harmoniously with the system is Py 2.7 in a byte string
mode (ie non unicode).

Unicode. Sorry, but Python just becomes a no-go.

The great strength is(are) the Python interactive
interpreter(s). It makes learning this language a game.

jmf
(Not teaching computer stuff, but regulary confrontated
with students and/or potential users).