Programming may be the skill of the 21st century, and there are lots of avenues you could 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, Basic computer courses in dubai can find multiple types of classes, each having their benefits and drawbacks. Before we dive into that, let's look at the different stages of learning how to code.
Stage One: Fundamentals of Programming
Learners should know the "what" of coding before knowing "how" to code. They'll start getting excited being able to print "Hello World!" on a black-and-white interface. This is the foundation and hence the most crucial portion of the learning process - learners will learn how data moves in computer memory, the various 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 stage, 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 couple of hours to multiple days to complete. 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 really is time for the big one. A fully-functioning application usually requires the programmer to learn several programming languages for different purposes. For instance, HTML for websites, CSS for user interface design, JavaScript for logic and SQL for databases. One of the most challenging task is to connect the website, the server and the database to work seamlessly. At this stage, a programmer will face very unique programming issues since it gets more complex 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 stumbling block because they move from stage two to stage three. Furthermore, the different stages has different optimal class teaching methods. Let's look at the different types:
1) Lecture Method
It is the typical class style adopted completely till Tertiary education - an instructor stands in front of 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 new to the topic. 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 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 offers 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 will also follow what is being shown on-screen. In a programming school, this method is important as students are often astonished by the complexity of programming and online tutorials are often technical. A live demonstration gives them immediate feedback on whether they are going in the right direction.
Modern programming schools teach programming with a hybrid discussion and demonstration method. They keep their classes small so that the students will receive ample attention by the instructors and it also 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 permits interactive slides that students can connect to.
2) Instructors can view their students' code because they type, enabling them to give real-time feedback.
3) Students can collaborate since it allows multiple students to work 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 practice at their very own pace.
6) An after-lesson report card that's curated for each student with feedback compiled from the machine.
Learning programming is essential in the 21st century and choosing the right programming school is key to obtaining a solid foundation.