Second, coding improves your problem-solving abilities by fostering a logical and analytical approach that can be applied to many aspects of life. Furthermore, coding fosters creativity and innovation by allowing you to bring your ideas to life through websites, applications, and other digital projects. Furthermore, because coding is a field that continually evolves, it encourages continuous learning, ensuring that you keep up to speed with the newest technologies and remain adaptive in an ever-changing environment.
The 8 Best On-Demand Coding Classes
- Codecademy—Full-Stack Engineer
- CareerFoundry—Full-Stack Web Development
- Springboard—Software Engineering
- Coding Temple—Software Engineering
- Nucamp—Full-stack Web Development
- True Coders—Full Stack Software Engineering
- Udemy—Web Developer Bootcamp
- Springboard—Data Science Bootcamp
#1: Codecademy—Full-Stack Engineer Career Path
Codecademy's Full-Stack Engineer career path is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of web application development. Divided into multiple modules, this learning path guides students through the process of building complete web applications from scratch. Throughout the Full-Stack Engineer career path, students acquire proficiency in diverse programming languages and technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, TDD (Test-Driven Development), and SQL. By the end of this comprehensive immersion, students possess the necessary skills to conceptualize, develop, and deploy fully functional web applications, preparing them for a successful career in full-stack web development.
Key Information
Individuals can access Codecademy's resources through three plans: Basic, Plus, and Pro. The only one that offers a tailored career path curriculum such as the Full-Stack Engineer program, is the Pro Plan. The Pro Plan is currently $29.00 per month when invoiced annually or $59.99 when billed monthly. Professional certification is also available to advanced learners through the Full-Stack Engineering curriculum. The Codecademy Pro Student Membership might be an excellent choice for current college students. For only $149.99 per year, college students can gain professional access to Full Stack Engineering and other career options.
The Full-Stack Engineer career path takes 4-8 months to complete. The curriculum comprises 50 lessons and 96 projects students can do full-time or part-time. While there are no official requirements for the Full-Stack Engineer career path, understanding basic programming and web development concepts might be beneficial.
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Students receive a professional certificate after completing the Full-Stack Engineering career path. This certificate may be used on your LinkedIn profile or portfolio to demonstrate mastery of technical skills necessary for a software engineering or full-stack web development position. Furthermore, the career path offers job preparation materials such as interacting with other developers in their region, resume and cover letter suggestions, and technical interview preparation.
A student in the program said the curriculum is “ easy to follow and does a good job teaching you concepts and what everything is. It’s heavy on resources outside of Codecademy, which is good for anyone self-learning.”
#2: CareerFoundry—Full-Stack Web Development
CareerFoundry offers an immersive Full Stack Web Development program to transform beginners into skilled web developers in less than ten months. The three-part curriculum developed by experienced tech professionals provides a comprehensive skill set to prepare students for successful employment.
The first section of the curriculum focuses on teaching fundamental front-end development languages and frameworks such as CSS, HTML, and GitHub. Students apply their knowledge to create responsive websites to showcase in their portfolios. The subsequent section delves into client-side JavaScript application development, emphasizing API integration. Finally, students explore Python development extensively and gain hands-on experience building and deploying web applications using Django.
With a proven track record of equipping students with the necessary skills, CareerFoundry empowers individuals to embark on transformative career journeys in the dynamic field of web development.
Key Information
The Full-Stack Web Development program costs $8,500. There are a few payment and financing options students can consider, including:
- Pay Upfront: Students who pay tuition upfront receive 10% off on their tuition or a total cost of $7,650.
- Monthly Installments: Students must pay $1600 to secure their program spot and then pay $575 per month for 12 months.
- Education Loan: Students can explore loan options at one of CareerFoundry’s partner lenders, Ascent or Climb. These lenders offer low monthly payments over an extended period.
- Deferred Payment: Students can also apply for deferred payment with Ascent or Climb and pay their tuition after completion of the program.
- Scholarships: CareerFoundry periodically offers partial scholarships to students. Opportunities often are shared on their website and social media accounts.
- Tuition Discounts: Ongoing tuition discounts are offered to active U.S. military personnel and veterans.
The Full-Stack Web Development curriculum is self-paced and asynchronous. Careerfoundry requires that the curriculum be completed in ten months and includes three deadlines to keep students accountable and on schedule to graduate. Students who put in 15-20 hours per week will likely finish in 10 months. Students who devote 30-40 hours a week to learning can complete the program in as little as five months. No prerequisites or prior coding expertise are required to apply or enroll in the program.
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CareerFoundry provides students with tailored career counseling, mentorship, and tutoring to assist them in getting a job after graduation. Students can enroll in the Job Prep Course halfway through the program, which provides students with career assistance support for up to six months after graduation. Students can work with career professionals to improve their portfolios, resumes, cover letters, digital profiles, and interview and negotiating abilities.
Still undecided about CareerFoundry? A recent alumnus with no coding experience who applied to CareerFoundry stated the Full-Stack Web Development program is a terrific option for anybody "looking to change their career and start working in tech."
#3: Springboard—Software Engineering
Springboard’s Software Engineering Bootcamp provides a flexible learning experience, enabling students to progress at their own pace and on their preferred schedule. The curriculum is continuously updated to align with the latest industry technologies, techniques, and best practices, ensuring students stay current.
Throughout the program, students gain proficiency in front-end, back-end, and full-stack languages and frameworks like Python, SQL, Flask, Node.js, and React. These carefully selected languages and frameworks establish a strong technical foundation, equipping students with the ability and confidence to adapt to new technologies and seamlessly transition between programming languages.
The curriculum's emphasis on project-based learning enables students to apply their knowledge to real-world projects immediately. Students showcase their practical skills and build a robust portfolio by completing 20 small projects, two cumulative projects, and two capstone projects. Furthermore, students can engage in externships, allowing them to enhance their expertise further and contribute to real-world software engineering projects.
With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on projects, and externship opportunities, the Software Engineering Bootcamp prepares students to stand out in the competitive job market and embark on successful careers in software engineering.
Key Information
Tuition costs $16,200 in total. Students can pay for their education in a variety of ways, including:
- Pay Upfront: Students who pay upfront can save 39% on tuition. The full tuition cost will be $9,900.
- Month-to-Month: This plan allows students to pay only for the months they need to complete the course, with payments coming out to ~$1,800 per month.
- Deferred Payments: Students pay a $700 enrollment deposit before the start of the program with no payments until after they attain a job. Payments are made over 36 months and include interest. Typical payments are $443.
- Financed Education Loan: Upon approval from Climb Credit, students pay a $500 deposit to secure their spot in the program. During the program, students pay monthly interest payments. Students will pay the remainder of the loan upon graduation in 33-36 months. Payment can range from $81—$251 per month.
Springboard scholarship opportunities include:
- Women in Technology Scholarship: This $500 scholarship helps women interested in pursuing a career in tech.
- Diversity in Tech Scholarship: This scholarship aims to help those from communities underrepresented in tech. Communities include Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaska Native, Middle Eastern, members of the LGBTQI+ community, gender nonconforming, veterans or members of the U.S. military, persons with disabilities, and refugees.
- Needs-based Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship is available to individuals with an annual household income of less than $30,000.
Students can complete the Software Engineering bootcamp in as short as nine months, spending 20-25 hours each week. Students can accelerate or slow down their learning pace based on their needs. Before enrolling, the bootcamp requires students to understand programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Students who don't meet these criteria can enroll in Springboard's Foundation program to learn these skills before starting the core Software Engineering Career Track program.
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Springboard provides an extensive support system for students, ensuring their success and career readiness. With access to a dedicated career coach, mentor, and student advisor, students receive personalized guidance throughout their learning journey.
Mentors are pivotal in helping students shape a successful career in their chosen field. Through regular sessions, mentors offer valuable insights, hold students accountable for coursework completion, and provide feedback on assignments and projects. The supportive community at Springboard, as praised by a program alumnus, further enriches the learning experience.
Students can take advantage of 1-on-1 sessions with career coaches who offer expertise in various areas such as resume and portfolio optimization, interview preparation, and negotiation strategies. Additionally, in-house hiring managers provide valuable insights into the job market, ensuring students are well-equipped for the hiring process.
A dedicated student advisor can offer support when needed to assist students further. Whether students face challenges, require tips and tricks, or need motivation, the student advisor is there to guide them along the way.
Springboard offers a job guarantee, reflecting their commitment to student success. If students do not secure a job within six months of graduation and meet the eligibility criteria, they are entitled to a full tuition refund.
#4: Coding Temple—Flex Software Engineering
Coding Temple's Flex Software Engineering course offers a comprehensive and immersive full-stack program that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of software engineering. With a curriculum carefully designed to balance theory and practical application, students gain a solid foundation in programming concepts and industry best practices.
The course covers a wide range of programming languages, frameworks, and tools in high demand, including HTML5, CSS3 3, JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, and more. Students learn to build dynamic and responsive web applications, develop proficiency in front-end, back-end, and full-stack development, and gain expertise in data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and database management. Additionally, students are trained in important industry tools such as Git, Bootstrap, and Visual Studio Code, ensuring they are ready for professional development environments.
With dedicated career services and a holistic approach to student success, Coding Temple's Software Engineering course provides aspiring developers with the skills and resources needed to launch a successful career in software engineering.
Key Information
The tuition cost for the Flex Software Engineering program is a minimum of $7,000. Students can pay for their education in a variety of ways, including:
- Pay Upfront: Students who pay upfront will receive a $500 tuition discount. A deposit is required, and the full balance is due before the first day of class. The total tuition amount is $7,000.
- Pay With A Loan: Upon approval from Ascent, students pay monthly interest payments. The total tuition with this payment option is $7,500.
Coding Temple awards over $10,000 in scholarships to qualifying candidates every quarter. Scholarship applications must be submitted through an admissions advisor.
Students will have six months of access to the course material to complete on their schedule. Coding Temple recommends students dedicate 10-30 hours per week to complete the program. There are no prerequisites required to enroll in the program.
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The Flex Software Engineering program includes lifetime career support, providing students with resources, tools, and advice to help them land their new job. This can include resume building, mock technical interviews, LinkedIn profile branding, and coaching. In addition, each student has a dedicated Student Relations Manager with whom they can work 1:1 to set course goals and ensure they stay on track to graduate from the program.
Coding Temple also offers a job guarantee and a money-back guarantee to students. Students who graduate from the program, meet the school’s job search requirements, and don’t gain meaningful employment within nine months of graduation will receive a tuition refund.
#5: Nucamp—Fullstack Web and Mobile Development
Nucamp's Full-stack Web and Mobile Development course is a comprehensive bootcamp designed to equip students with the necessary skills to become proficient in building web and mobile applications. This immersive program, offered in partnership with Google Cloud, covers various essential topics in modern development, enabling students to become full-stack developers. Nucamp's Full-stack Web and Mobile Development course adopts a blended learning approach, combining on-demand learning with live online coding workshops. Students engage in weekly online lectures and exercises and weekend coding sessions with experienced instructors. These workshops provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, code reviews, and collaborative projects.
Throughout the course, students learn the foundations of front-end development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, students delve into mobile app development, exploring frameworks such as React Native, which allows them to build cross-platform applications for iOS and Android. The curriculum also emphasizes back-end development using technologies like Node.js for server-side programming, database management, and API integration, enabling them to develop robust and scalable web applications. Students also learn Google Cloud and FIrebase to deploy and manage applications on the cloud successfully.
By the end of the course, students have built a portfolio of web and mobile applications, demonstrating their proficiency in front-end and back-end development. They acquire the skills necessary to pursue various career paths, including web development, mobile app development, or freelancing opportunities. Nucamp's bootcamp equips aspiring developers with the practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills to excel in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Key Information
The FullStack Web and Mobile Development program costs $2,604. There are a few payment and financing options students can consider, including:
- Fair Student Agreement: This interest-free payment plan is offered by Nucamp. After paying the $100 registration fee to secure a spot in the program, the student will pay seven payments of $372 for a total tuition cost of $2,604. Payments begin on the first day of class.
- Education Loan: Climb Credit and Ascent offer five different loan options for students based on their needs.
Nucamp also offers need-based scholarships to students, including:
- Women in Tech: In partnership with Google Cloud, this scholarship fund covers 25% of tuition costs for women.
- High School Graduates: This scholarship is available to all students who graduated in the past five years, are interested in an affordable alternative to college, and want to pursue a career in Tech. This scholarship ranges from $385—$445, depending on program duration and tuition cost.
- Natives in Tech: This scholarship is available for members of federally recognized tribal nations. This scholarship ranges from $385—$445, depending on program duration and tuition cost.
- Warriors Rising: This scholarship is available for U.S. Military Veterans and Active Duty Members. This scholarship ranges from $385—$445, depending on program duration and tuition cost.
The Fullstack Web and Mobile Development course can take up to 22 weeks to complete. During the week, students learn online at their own pace by watching video lectures and performing coding exercises. It is recommended that students spend 2-4 hours per day completing their coursework. Students then choose one day to engage in a four-hour, live online, instructor-led workshop to troubleshoot code problems, work on their end-of-the-week projects, and engage with their classmates. Before taking this class, you should have a good working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. Nucamp offers a four-week introductory course that covers these topics.
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Nucamp’s Full-stack Web and Mobile Development program provides career services support to students to assist them in landing a job after graduation. The career services team offers 1:1 sessions with a career advisor who can help them set job search goals. Additionally, students receive assistance developing a career search plan through Nucamp’s four-week career development course. These two supports can also help with resume assistance, LinkedIn optimizations, and access to Nucamp’s alumni-exclusive job board. Finally, students can also participate in Nucamp hackathons, where top recruiters can meet students.
#6: True Coders—Full Stack Software Engineering
True Coder's Full Stack Software Engineering curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience to prepare students for a career in software engineering. Students begin with a deep dive into C# programming, Git version control, and software engineering principles. They also participate in weekly coding challenges and begin building their problem-solving skills on platforms like Codewars. Students will learn SQL basics, APIs, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ASP.NET Core MVC to build web applications. In the final two modules, students work on their final projects and undergo mock interviews to hone their interview skills. These modules also emphasize career readiness, including resume and LinkedIn finalization, portfolio showcase, and post-graduation support.
Key Information
Tuition costs for the self-paced software engineering course depend on your payment method. The following options are available to students:
- Pay Upfront: Students can pay their full tuition upon signing up. Students will be immediately enrolled in the class and have access to TrueCoders prep class until their start date. The full tuition cost is $6,500.
- Deferred Loan: This payment plan allows students to pay their tuition after completing the course. Loan options are available through Ascent. The total tuition cost under this payment option is $ 8,500.
- Financing with PayPal: Students can finance their education through PayPal, which offers low-interest payments over 6,12, and 24 payments. The full tuition cost is $6,500.
The self-paced program typically takes students between 3 and 6 months to complete. There are no prerequisites required to enroll in the program. TrueCoders prep-course is designed to help lay the groundwork for students of all backgrounds to be successful in the course.
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TrueCoders offers their students unlimited 1-on-1 tutoring that is available during the course and after graduation. Students also have access to a career service team that helps them land their dream job in the software development industry. Support includes unlimited 1-on-1 meetings, interview preparation, LinkedIn networking, resume optimization, and weekly seminars on career development and job search best practices.
#7: Udemy—Web Developer Bootcamp
Udemy's recently updated Web Developer Bootcamp covers various web development topics. Students learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, Express.js, MongoDB, and more. The course provides hands-on projects to reinforce learning, including a YelpCamp and a Todo List application. It covers responsive web design, front-end frameworks like Bootstrap, and back-end development with databases. The curriculum also includes authentication, security, and deployment to Heroku. Students learn to build full-stack web applications using technologies like jQuery, RESTful APIs, and AJAX. They gain proficiency in best practices for front-end development, back-end development, and web development. The course includes lectures, coding exercises, quizzes, and access to a supportive online community for additional guidance. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge to create dynamic, interactive, and scalable web applications.
Key Information
The bootcamp costs $189.99 to attend. However, the course can be found on sale often for as low as $34.99. If you subscribe to Udemy’s Personal Plan, which starts at $16.58 per month, you will have free access to this course, plus 8,000 other courses available on the site. The entire course is 70+ hours in length. There are no prerequisites required to enroll in this course.
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The Udemy course is consistently updated with new content, projects, and modules to which students have lifetime access. The course is taught by a professional bootcamp instructor who most recently served as the Lead Instructor and Curriculum Director at Galvanize.
#8: Springboard—Data Science Bootcamp
The Data Science Bootcamp at Springboard offers a flexible learning environment that lets students advance at their own rate and according to their desired schedule. The curriculum is consistently revised to reflect the most recent business trends in methodologies, technology, and best practices, ensuring that students’ skills stay current.
Springboard’s comprehensive bootcamp equips students with the skills and knowledge to become proficient data scientists. The curriculum covers key concepts such as Python programming, statistics, and machine learning algorithms. Students learn to work with real-world datasets, perform data cleaning and manipulation, and conduct exploratory data analysis. The program also focuses on data visualization, model evaluation, and feature engineering techniques. Students gain hands-on experience building predictive models using regression, classification, and clustering algorithms. They delve into advanced topics like natural language processing and deep learning.
The bootcamp includes mentorship from industry experts, capstone projects, and career services to support students in their data science journey. By the end of the program, students are well-prepared to tackle real-world data science challenges and pursue rewarding careers in the field.
Key Information
Tuition costs $13,900 in total. Students can pay for their education in a variety of ways, including:
- Pay Upfront: Students who pay upfront can save 29% on tuition. The full tuition cost will be $9,900.
- Month-to-Month: This plan allows students to pay only for the months they need to complete the course, with payments coming out to ~$1,890 per month.
- Deferred Payments: Students pay a $700 enrollment deposit before the start of the program with no payments until after they attain a job. Payments are made over 36 months and include interest. Typical monthly payments are between $470—$535.
- Financed Education Loan: Upon approval from Climb Credit, students pay a $500 deposit to secure their spot in the program. During the program, students pay monthly interest payments. Students will pay the remainder of the loan upon graduation in 33-36 months. Payment can range from $69—$214 per month.
Springboard scholarship opportunities include:
- Women in Technology Scholarship: This $500 scholarship helps women interested in pursuing a career in tech.
- Diversity in Tech Scholarship: This scholarship aims to help those from communities underrepresented in tech. Communities include Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaska Native, Middle Eastern, members of the LGBTQI+ community, gender nonconforming, veterans or members of the U.S. military, persons with disabilities, and refugees.
- Needs-based Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship is available to individuals with an annual household income of less than $30,000.
This self-paced data science curriculum is designed to help students become data science professionals in as little as six months. To accomplish this, students must dedicate roughly 15-20 hours each week to the coursework. If a student is experienced in Python and statistics, can devote more time each week to completing the course material, and is motivated and disciplined in managing their schedule, they can complete the program in less time.
The program requires that students have six months of coding experience using a general-purpose programming language such as Python, R, Java, or C++, to enroll in the Data Science bootcamp. Additionally, students should be comfortable with basic probability and description statistics, including concepts like mean and median, standard deviation, distributions, and histograms.
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Students receive assistance in various ways from Springboard, ensuring they are prepared for the workforce. Students have access to a committed career coach, mentor, and student advisor to get individualized advice throughout their learning journey.
Mentors provide insightful advice, hold students accountable for completing their education, and give constructive criticism on papers and projects during scheduled meetings. Students also benefit from 1-on-1 meetings with career coaches with expertise in various areas, including negotiating tactics, resume and portfolio optimization, and interview practice. Additionally, internal recruiting managers offer insightful information about hiring trends, ensuring that students are prepared for the job market.
A dedicated student adviser is ready to help students further by providing support as needed. The student adviser is there to help students along the journey whether they encounter difficulties, need advice and guidance, or need inspiration.
Springboard also provides a job guarantee, illustrating their dedication to student achievement. Students are entitled to a complete tuition refund if they don't find employment within six months of graduating and meet specific job search requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an On-demand Coding Class Worth It?
Yes, on-demand coding classes can be beneficial; however, it depends on a student’s preferred learning style. Self-paced coding classes allow individuals to learn at their own pace, catering to their unique learning styles and schedule. With the freedom to set their own study hours and progress through the material comfortably, learners can fully absorb and understand the concepts without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy lifestyles or other commitments, as they can fit their coding education around their existing responsibilities.
What Will I Need for an On-demand Coding Class?
Students must have access to specific technical requirements to participate in coding classes. One of these is having access to a laptop or desktop computer with a high-speed internet connection. Schools frequently recommend Apple computers; however, Windows or Linux computers can also be used. Computers must have an updated version of macOS 10.15, Windows 10, or Ubuntu 18.0. It is a good idea to contact the course directors to inquire about any additional minimum or suggested technical requirements unique to their particular course.
Can I Learn Coding On-demand for Free?
One can learn to code by watching YouTube videos and taking free online tutorials. With self-teaching, students have more choices in their education, including the subjects they choose to study and the amount of time they spend learning to code. Although it's not impossible, learning to code can be difficult.
Self-learning may be hindered by a lack of motivation, imposter syndrome, or other personal situations if there is no built-in accountability or a network of supporters to keep students going. Usually, this results in greater time spent on guided courses or self-study. In a self-paced course or bootcamp, students work through a structured curriculum that ensures they can grasp the coding languages most important to their career path.
Is It Better to Learn Coding in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Live online classes offer a similar experience as traditional classroom formats. Expert instructors teach these courses in a classroom, allowing students to engage with their instructor and fellow cohort members in real-time. Students can actively receive feedback on assignments and assistance when they are stuck. On the other hand, self-paced classes lack a traditional format but provide greater flexibility to students in shaping their learning environment.
Below are a few pros and cons to consider when deciding between live or self-paced coding classes:
Live Coding Classes:
Pros:
- Real-time interaction: Students can engage in real-time with instructors and classmates. Students can ask questions, request answers, and participate in conversations, encouraging active involvement and rapid response.
- Accountability: The fixed schedule and regular class sessions in live online classes promote accountability. Students are encouraged to attend sessions, complete assignments, and actively engage, lowering the risk of failure.
- Structure Learning Environment: Live online classes provide an organized learning environment with established timetables and deadlines. This can help students establish routines, stay organized, and build academic discipline.
Cons:
- Limited flexibility: Some students may have difficulty accessing live coding classes due to fixed class schedules, which may conflict with other commitments.
Self-Paced Coding Classes:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Self-paced courses allow learners to choose when and where to study. This makes it simpler for individuals to juggle schoolwork with other responsibilities like work, family, or hobbies.
- Individualized Learning: Self-paced classes allow for various learning styles and paces, allowing for personalized learning. Students can go at their own pace, devoting more attention to challenging concepts while skipping over more known ones.
- Less Pressure: Because self-paced programs have flexible deadlines, they can reduce the pressure and worry associated with adhering to a predetermined class schedule. An environment conducive to learning is created when students can work at their own pace and set personally beneficial goals.
Cons:
- Lack of Structure: While some students may benefit from the flexibility of self-paced classes, others may find it challenging to maintain motivation and discipline without regular class sessions and deadlines.
- Accountability Issues: Students who do not receive frequent check-ins and external accountability may find it difficult to stay on track or finish assignments or exams. This lack of external structure could slow down development and completion rates.
- Self-Discipline: To finish self-paced classes on time, students must have the drive to do so. Students must take the initiative to manage their time, set goals, and stay on course. Procrastination can provide a significant challenge for pupils who lack self-motivation.