Review of Online Programming Course Providers

I was recently asked for a contribution towards a curriculum to teach computer skills to youth in South Eastern Nigeria where I was originally from and part of my write-up included a section that lists and reviews online programming courses that can be used to train the trainers of these youth. Below is an excerpt from that write-up since the question of where to learn programming is one that I get often, now I can have a link to forward anyone that asks.

Assumptions and Conclusions

Since reviews are by their very nature subjective, I will like to state my assumptions and conclusions on online programming courses in general. My recommendations to the parties that asked for my opinion was based on affordability and bandwidth.

• Bandwidth - Although this is a non-issue for most people in North American and some parts of the world, data bandwidth is a still an issue in parts of Africa and I suspect parts of Asia as well. The online programming schools I recommended are the ones that allow for the download of course materials so that people can download the courses in say an internet cafe and study them later in their houses where there is limited connectivity. This is important because I was specifically asked to recommend computer training materials delivered in the following format - wait for it - CD ROMs.
• Computer Based Training (CBT) - I started my tech career in 2005 after I passed the A+ exam and I studied for those exams (there were two of them) by using CBT aka CD ROM. The job market was so hot then (atleast here in San Diego) that I got a Tech Support job 2 days later even before I received the certificate in the mail. Unfortunately, for all intents and purposes, those days are long gone. CBT is simply no longer an option to learn computer skills, especially programming skills. Technology progresses at a rapid rate that is hard to be captured and shipped in CD ROMs. Even the pioneer of that era John Scherer alluded in a recent interview that era has gone.
• Programming Bootcamps - I believe that mentor led programming bootcamps is the fastest way to learn programming for someone looking to make a career switch to software development. I do not endorse any particular online school, however I do know from experience that my technical skills have grown more in work environments where I have a senior member in the team that I can ask questions. I am not comfortable with the high prices that some of these schools ask for, however I sincerely believe that if you can afford it, you will cut down your learning curve significantly with a curriculum driven programming bootcamp - onsite(preferably) and online where you have regular access to the mentor. Do your own research, call, email ask questions - it is your investment and your life.
• University - No discussion of learning can be complete without the mention of college/university. It remains the symbol of higher learning except if you want to learn job ready computer programming skills. Enough has been written about whether a university education is necessary and my humble take on that is that kids should continue to go to college -straight out of high school. Adults switching careers especially those intending to start a career in the field of IT (programming specifically) do not need university education. Spare yourself from that $60,000 loan (in the US) all it can get you is a response from the HR rep. Your four years of evening schooling will not get you past the first technical phone interview.

Review of Online Programming Courses Providers

1. Udemy - Udemy has become one of the largest if not already the largest online portal to learn anything and they have extensive selection of courses.
   1. The Pros is large selection of courses, cheap prices and non profit program.
   2. Cons is that it is not curriculum based and the course quality varies from teacher to teacher.
2. PluralSight - Pluralsight is the leader in premium online programming courses. It has grown and acquired most top online programming school in the past few years.
   1. Pros: High quality courses, teachers are recognized experts.
   2. Cons: Not curriculum based though they have learning paths, high end pricing, but you can inquire for bulk pricing.
3. Coursera - Coursera is a market place where the best universities in North America offer their classes for free. There are small fees like $49 per course if a student wants to receive a certificate from participating universities.
   1. Pros - Curriculum bases, professors from brand name universities.
   2. Con - Takes determination to complete a course because popular classes can attract more than hundred thousand students from around the world. Classes have start and end dates so you must complete a class within the allotted time if you want to receive the certificate and you must pass the homework and tests which are quite challenging.
4. Codecademy - Where the beginners begin. Anyone with zero programming skill should definitely begin at Codecademy.
   1. Pros: It is free!
   2. Cons: Basic to intermediate and limited selection of courses
5. EDX - Competitor to Coursera, a market place for premium instructors from renowned universities like UC Berkely, Harvard to offers courses to the masses. Just like Coursera, there are small fees associated with courses which offer certificates.
   1. Pros: Brand name education, free in most cases.
   2. Cons: Challenging tests and assignments, hard to complete without a one on one guide, requires dedicated students
6. Microsoft - Not really a training program but rather a cloud based environment that can be used for free hosting and other Microsoft products. You have to sign up as a non profit.
   1. Pros: Up to $60K worth of free software for three years
   2. Cons: Tied to Microsoft technologies
7. Khan Academy - Provides much more than programming courses, everything from Algebra, Calculus, English, etc.
   1. Pro: Free, non profit, diverse course offerings
   2. Con: Limited computer training in exchange for wide variety of classes
8. Udacity - The pioneer in the so called Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC). It has evolved over the past few years to where it is now offering what it called Nano degree which is curriculum based training towards a specific programming discipline.
   1. Pros: Partnerships with name brand US corporations such as ATT, Google, Facebook, etc., high quality in-depth programming courses.
   2. Cons: Used to be free but now some courses are paid if you want the certificate.

Obviously, there are many more online programming schools not listed here. I have only listed the ones that I have direct experience with and that I can speak of. Good luck and happy coding!

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