[avenger123]

This is a great list/discussion of resources. I am also helping someone get started learning software development but I have taken a slightly different approach. I am focusing on the computer science fundamentals first and afterwards focusing on web development. I have found that the Coursera courses as a great starting point. There is the Algorithms I and II with two introduction to programming courses using Python.

I also believe the Stanford courses (such as CS106A) is a great resource. I also would not discount the Oreilly Technology School.

The danger with starting with web development is that unless the person is very keen on learning, gaps in knowledge can develop and bad coding practices can be learned.

[ekm2]

It would have been nice if Coursera offered an Algorithms class in Python..

[avenger123]

Here's a resource that you might find useful:

http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/pythonds/index...

It's not Coursera but it's well put together.