Programming may be the skill of the 21st century, and there are many avenues that you can learn from. They range between online platforms such as for example Coursera and Codecademy to classrooms conducted by programming centres or schools and university.
Learning is best in a classroom environment with the right student to instructor ratio. Plus, you can find multiple forms of classes, each having their pros and cons. Before we dive into that, let's look at the different stages of learning how to code.
Stage One: Fundamentals of Programming
Learners will need to know the "what" of coding before knowing "how" to code. Computer Courses in Dubai 'll start getting excited being able to print "Hello World!" on a black-and-white interface. This can be the foundation and hence the most important the main learning process - learners will learn how data moves in computer memory, the different forms of data (string, integer, boolean, etc.) & conditionals (if, then, else, etc.) and manipulation of data (making words all uppercase or doing mathematical formulas).
Stage Two: Building up Computational Thinking
At this time, the phrase "object-oriented programming" will be repeated umpteenth times. Learners will find out about loops (for loop, while loop) and how to control them (break, continue, pass) to manipulate data more effectively. They'll start to create small but functional programs that usually takes anywhere from a few hours to multiple days to perform. A few examples include simple games like scissors-paper-stone & tic-tac-toe and a calculator for basic mathematics.
Stage Three: Making the First Fully-Functioning Application
After creating many small programs, it is time for the big one. A fully-functioning application usually requires the programmer to learn several programming languages for different purposes. For example, HTML for websites, CSS for interface design, JavaScript for logic and SQL for databases. One of the challenging task is to connect the web site, the server and the database to work seamlessly. At this stage, a programmer will face very unique programming issues since it gets more advanced and technical - a Google search or a lookup at StackOverflow is frequently not enough.
The programming learning curve is not steep, but nor is it gradual. Learners who start learning online will eventually reach a obstacle as they move from stage two to stage three. Furthermore, the various stages has different optimal class teaching methods. Let's consider the different types:
1) Lecture Method
Here is the typical class style adopted completely till Tertiary education - an instructor stands before a large band of students and relays information via a one-way street. Theoretical knowledge such as principles, concepts and ideas are usually taught in this format. This method is best only when students are new to this issue. In a programming school, the lecture method helps to give an introduction to programming because so many students are new to it.
2) Discussion Method
This method involves participants actively discussing while the instructor acts as the facilitator. Participants are encouraged to engage with each other through reasoning their stand and challenging others'. In a programming school, this technique encourages students to believe out of the box especially because programming is flexible and will be offering multiple solutions to the same problem.
3) Demonstration Method
The instructor demonstrates the activity on-screen and in-class, giving the students a visual opportunity to understand what has been taught. Typically, students may also follow what is being shown on-screen. In a programming school, this technique is important as students tend to be astonished by the complexity of programming and online tutorials tend to be technical. A live demonstration gives them immediate feedback on if they are going in the proper direction.
Modern programming schools teach programming via a hybrid discussion and demonstration method. They keep their classes small in order that the students will receive ample attention by the instructors looked after makes it comfortably to allow them to ask questions and request for help.
They sometimes use proprietary software to create classes enjoyable and efficient:
1) The software permits interactive slides that students can connect to.
2) Instructors can view their students' code because they type, enabling them to provide real-time feedback.
3) Students can collaborate since it allows multiple students to focus on the same script together.
4) It offers a video-calling feature for students to consult the instructor out of lesson time.
5) Test bank for students to apply at their own pace.
6) An after-lesson report card that is curated for every student with feedback compiled from the machine.
Learning programming is essential in the 21st century and deciding on the best programming school is key to getting a solid foundation.