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Week 4 start

It has been three weeks-what have I learned?

        Sugata Mitra's credo is true- at least when it comes to computer programming. Anyone can learn programming online: there is a plethora of resources. Additionally, programming offers instant feedback-it's unlikely you will 'break' your computer and your program either works or it doesn't.
       Since last week I have discovered the Odin Project, a free online curriculum for web development. (Check out this post for some advice on following the Odin Project.) So far, it has been fantastic; I have a real sense of progress and I am accomplishing something. I am halfway through designing the Google Search page (it's not as easy as it sounds).
   
      Here's an update on the courses I'm working through:
      • Saylor Academy-CS102: Not as well resourced as the first course. I'm having trouble with the C++ compiler, some of the Unit 1 resources are a little opaque, but otherwise I still feel confident about investing my time with Saylor Academy. I've moved on to Unit 2-I'm reading through Introduction to Programming using Java, an excellent, free book.
      • I'm also working through the Harvard course CS50x. If you've already done CS101 from the Saylor Academy (which I recommend), the first couple of weeks will be straightforward. The Java you have learned will be more than adequate to complete the Week0 and 1 problem sets.
      • R-Programming is not a well designed course, but I plan to finish it anyway. I would recommend learning Java, Python or C# on Coursera or CodeAcademy for the programming aspect and Foundations of Data Analysis on edX to learn some R.
      • Also, I've completed Weeks 3 of Inititiation a la programmation en Java, Computer Science 101(Stanford)  and Introduction to Logic. I discovered the Khan Academy Math courses which are well designed and learn from your interaction with them.
Am I closer to securing a job? Not at all- but I've learned a lot and I've finished each day with a sense of accomplishment.
       

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