[Visualpython-users] Installer issues

I'd like to add my two cents to the discussion of the best way to 
distribute VPython and its associated modules.  I've been involved with 
Bruce in an introductory course that makes use of VPython for a few 
years.  I can attest to the fact that there is a huge variance in the 
level of introductory university students' computer savvy.  Some of our 
students come into the class with experience in compiling software.  But 
many others have never downloaded and installed a software package before!

We've had many cases where students have told us that they can't get 
VPython running on their own computers.  When pressed, they reveal that 
they've only installed VPython and not Python, even though the website 
clearly states that you need to install two executables.  Students are 
often notoriously poor at following directions, especially ones that 
have several steps.

The majority of our students don't have any problems with installation 
issues.  But when you're dealing with a class of 100 students or more, 
even if a small fraction of students have problems, it's enough to give 
instructors major headaches.  If educators are going to be one target 
audience of VPython, the installation procedure has to be as simple as 
possible for their students.

The best solution, IMO, is for there to be two distribution methods--one 
for those who have never used Python, and one for Python experts. 
Ideally, (though Bruce has pointed out the practical difficulties of 
doing this) the novice installation package should contain everything 
needed to get started (Python, VPython, Numarray, etc.).



Matt Kohlmyer