Hello,
I am an experienced software engineer with game development experience. I can teach your student to develop a web based game using Python or Java, however if he is a beginner developer, I may actually recommend teaching him/her to use Unity3D. The engine uses Javascript or C# as its scripting languages, and with the right guidance, i believe i can help your student grasp how to use a game engine which models real engines used by developers in the industry. I have full experience developing on the Unity Game Engine thanks to my last job where I developed simulations of neurons using it. The syntax of C# is also just like that of Java.
Some other recommendations I make to new game developers are to modify existing games and engines as it helps grasp the concepts of how things are done by professional developers. Ascension game development is a new popular community which writes 2D online engines in C#. The game engines they produced are geared towards new and inexperienced game developers. They are usable without any code, but the projects are about to go open source so anyone can modify the code if fit.
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I started my career on a similar platform. These forums are great because if your student ever gets stuck and needs help understanding for themselves, they can ask away on the forums and usually a seasoned member will reply to his/her question within 24 hours.
Thank you for considering my proposal, I hope to hear from you soon,
Dylan