Learning Python Through Use, Modify, Create

For this quickfire, we explored Python using the Use, Modify, Create framework. Rather than starting with a blank screen, we were first given a working program to explore, then challenged to modify it before creating something of our own. I absolutely loved this approach!

Figure 1. Starter Python code provided by Bill Marsland for the course programming assignment. Screenshot used for educational commentary.

Python had previously been one of the most intimidating programming languages I had encountered. In an earlier course, I found the syntax frustrating and difficult to follow. This experience felt completely different. Using Pickcode alongside the Use, Modify, Create framework made Python feel much more approachable, allowing me to focus on understanding how the code worked instead of worrying about writing everything from scratch.

My creation became an interactive adventure bot, ✨Lexi✨, that asks users a series of questions before generating a personalized fortune. One of my biggest moments of pride came when I realized I did not need to write sixteen different endings for every possible combination of choices. Instead, I learned how to reference earlier user responses to create customized fortunes, making the code much more efficient!

Figure 2. Screenshot of my modified Python code, expanding the starter program into the Lexi Travel Bot.

Like most coding experiences, syntax was my biggest obstacle. I spent time experimenting with conditional statements and operators before finding the correct solution. Fortunately, Pickcode’s error messages provided helpful feedback, encouraging me to troubleshoot one step at a time rather than becoming discouraged.

Figure 3. Example interaction with my Lexi Travel Bot, demonstrating the completed program.

This quickfire reinforced how powerful scaffolded learning can be. Beginning with working code gave me the confidence to experiment, make mistakes, and gradually create something that felt uniquely my own. It also reminded me that students often learn best when they are encouraged to explore, modify, and build upon existing ideas instead of always starting from scratch.