The Different Types of Programming Courses

· 3 min read
The Different Types of Programming Courses


Programming is the skill of the 21st century, and there are many avenues that you may learn from. They range between online platforms such as Coursera and Codecademy to classrooms conducted by programming centres or schools and university.

Learning is  Look at more info  in a classroom environment with the right student to instructor ratio. Plus, you can find multiple forms of classes, each having their advantages and disadvantages. Before we dive into that, let's look at the different stages of learning how exactly to code.

Stage One: Fundamentals of Programming

Learners should know the "what" of coding before knowing "how" to code. They will start getting excited being able to print "Hello World!" on a black-and-white interface. This is the foundation and hence the main part of the 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 simply 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 will start to create small but functional programs that always 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 initial Fully-Functioning Application

After creating many small programs, it is time for the big one. A fully-functioning application usually requires the programmer to know several programming languages for different purposes. For instance, HTML for websites, CSS for user interface design, JavaScript for logic and SQL for databases. Probably the most challenging task would be to connect the web site, the server and the database to work seamlessly. At this stage, a programmer will face very unique programming issues as it gets more advanced and technical - a Google search or perhaps a lookup at StackOverflow is frequently not enough.

The programming learning curve is not steep, but neither is it gradual. Learners who start learning online will eventually reach a obstacle because they move from stage two to stage three. Furthermore, the different stages has different optimal class teaching methods. Let's consider the different types:

1) Lecture Method

This is the typical class style adopted all the way till Tertiary education - an instructor stands before a large group of students and relays information with a one-way street. Theoretical knowledge such as for example principles, concepts and ideas are often taught in this format. This method is best only once students are not used to the topic. In a programming school, the lecture method really helps to give an introduction to programming as most students are new to it.

2) Discussion Method

This technique involves participants actively discussing as the instructor acts because the facilitator. Participants are encouraged to engage with one another through reasoning their stand and challenging others'. In a programming school, this technique encourages students to believe from the box especially because programming is flexible and will be offering multiple solutions to the same problem.

3) Demonstration Method

The instructor demonstrates the experience on-screen and in-class, giving the students a visual opportunity to understand what has been taught. Typically, students will also follow what's being shown on-screen. In a programming school, this technique is vital as students are often taken aback by the complexity of programming and online tutorials tend to be technical. A live demonstration gives them immediate feedback on whether they are going in the right 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 for them to ask questions and obtain help.

They sometimes use proprietary software to make classes enjoyable and efficient:

1) The software allows for interactive slides that students can interact with.

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 work on the same script together.

4) It includes 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 each student with feedback compiled from the system.

Learning programming is essential in the 21st century and deciding on the best programming school is paramount to obtaining a solid foundation.