Can Online Coding Courses Improve Your Programming Skills?
It’s no secret that computer programmers are in hot demand all over the world. As we rely more and more on technology in our daily lives, we need more and more people to build, maintain, and improve it for us. From medicine to manufacturing to online shopping, code plays a part in pretty much every industry.
What many people don’t realise is that coding fundamentals are actually very easy to pick up. Elementary school kids can – and do – build computer programs, albeit very simple ones. And once you have the basic principles of coding mastered, you can learn any programming language and build (almost) anything with some hard work and analytical thinking. And you can do all of that from your own sofa, through e-learning.
Is E-Learning For You?
If you have a decent internet connection and are willing to put in the time, then yes, e-learning is for you! There are online courses out there for all levels and all budgets. Many courses are run remotely by a tutor and are guided every step of the way. The biggest challenge for a lot of people isn’t the learning aspect; it’s the commitment. Just like any other form of learning, it takes time, effort, and regular practice to see real progress. The onus is on you to get off Facebook and get stuck in.
If you like learning at your own pace and enjoy the flexibility of fitting your study around your schedule, then e-learning is a fantastic choice. Due to the fact that they’re run online and not in a physical space, e-learning can also be pretty cost effective (although that does depend on the topic, the material covered in the course and many other factors).
What Programming E-Learning Courses Are Out There?
Pretty much everything you can think of. At Stone River E-Learning, for example, we offer a very broad variety of technology-based online courses. From niche programming languages like Pascal to heavy hitters like Python and Java, along with general e-learning courses like web development, graphic design, app development and prep courses for certification exams.
A lot of e-learning schools (us included) offer ‘course bundles‘, so you can learn everything you need to know at an even more budget-friendly rate. If you’re just starting out in programming or e-learning in general, begin with a short course as a taster to see if it works for your needs. If it’s a hit, you can move on to more challenging, practical-based courses with more intensive material.
What Do Online Coding Courses Cover?
That depends entirely on the topic of the course and the level at which it’s aimed – beginner, intermediate or advanced. Beginner levels generally don’t go into every last detail; it’s more about mastering the fundamentals. Intermediate courses are usually aimed at those who already have some experience under their belt, and will have a more practical focus. And advanced courses can often be quite intensive, diving in deep to the complicated and challenging aspects of the topic.
In the majority of cases, coding courses will have an in-built practical element. You’ll work towards building a program or programs by the end of the course, with each section providing a building block of the final project. There are sometimes additional learning resources like tutorials or written code to refer to, too.
Do Online Programming Courses Improve Your Job Prospects?
Well, they definitely don’t hurt! You won’t walk away with a string of extra letters after your name, but some e-learning providers are officially accredited and most at the very least offer their own certificate of attendance. Listing these on your resume proves that you’re motivated to learn, and that you have expertise in the course’s topic.
Coding courses are also perfect for setting you up to continue learning yourself. Building on the knowledge you learn on your course is essential. Many courses complete a project by the end, so these should also be included or mentioned when it comes to applying and interviewing for jobs. Anything that shows you have skills and know how to use them will go a long way!
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Of course there are. For a start, there’s such a plethora of course providers and courses, from intensive bootcamps to basic do-it-yourself tutorials. It’s hard to know what constitutes value for money, and which one is best for you, without considerable research. In short, there’s too much choice
Online coding courses can certainly point you in the right direction, but one thing they don’t teach is that the learning can’t stop once the course is over. Being a good computer programmer means constantly updating and expanding your technical, cognitive and soft skills. It’s a lifelong process, and that’s something that can’t be taught on any kind of course.
For beginners and intermediates however, learning to code through e-learning is a fantastic, flexible, and fun way to get started. Don’t believe us? Try one of our courses for yourself!