In-person classes are the most traditional and take place in a physical classroom environment. Online classes require an internet connection and the use of online tools. On-demand classes give students the freedom to learn at their own pace. Free courses provide basic instruction at no cost, and certificate courses prepare students for entering the workforce. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. Which method is right for you will depend on your personal learning goals, schedule availability, and budget, among other factors.
Enroll in In-Person JavaScript Classes
In-person JavaScript Classes take place in a physical learning environment such as a computer lab or a traditional classroom. In-person learning allows for direct interaction with the course instructor and classmates. This type of environment has few distractions, and some students find they are more likely to engage with their instructor and peers in-person, contributing to a more positive learning experience.
The downside to in-person classes is that they require a commute. Students are required to drive to a physical location, and for some students, the travel distance and cost of transport can be excessive. In-person courses also tend to have in-flexible scheduling that may not work with the schedules of every prospective student.
In-person training usually provides all materials students need such as course books, software, and computers. However, this is not the case for all in-person classes. Students should carefully review what materials are provided by any prospective in-person classes.
Attend Live Online JavaScript Classes
Live online JavaScript courses are similar to in-person classes in that students can directly interact with their instructor and peers. The difference is such interaction occurs online through virtual tools such as live video or chat. Online courses don’t require a commute, saving students on the cost of travel. Online courses are available virtually anywhere, allowing students to attend courses they otherwise couldn’t find locally. Online courses also tend to have flexible schedule options, making them more accessible to students with busy lives.
With online courses, students get to choose the location from which they study, be it their home office, place of work, coffee shop, or another preferred area. Some students find it freeing to study in a non-traditional area, while other students dislike the lack of structure in a non-educational environment. Students attending classes online need to choose their learning environment carefully, as distractions are more likely than in a physical classroom.
One downside of online courses is that students are required to have a reliable internet connection as well as their own computer. Some courses also require students to possess a web camera or microphone. Such technology is not available to everyone. Not all hands-on activities translate as well to an online learning environment as they would in a physical classroom. And some students find online learning too impersonal and learn better in-person.
Most longer and more expensive online JavaScript courses such as certificates and bootcamps, include any software required for the class. However, shorter and cheaper courses may expect students to purchase any necessary software themselves. Be sure to carefully review the requirements of any online course you consider.
Sign up for On-Demand Online JavaScript Classes
On-demand online JavaScript classes provided similar freedoms to live online classes. Students can study from any location and do not have a commute. They also gain the advantage of an extremely flexible schedule – one that allows them to take control of their learning and study at any time of day or week that they choose. This makes on-demand classes ideal for students who work odd hours that would prevent them from committing to set course schedules. Other students prefer learning at their own pace without needing to slow down or speed up according to the learning speed of the rest of the class or the whims of an instructor.
The downside of on-demand classes is the lack of instructors or classmates. Students undergoing such courses do so alone with no one to turn to with questions or to evaluate their work. While on-demand classes provide students with the materials to learn their chosen topic, the absence of anyone to provide feedback can be detrimental to the learning experience.
Some on-demand courses exist that have recognized the detriment of the lack of an instructor. These courses require that students schedule regular meetings with a mentor for feedback. While this sounds great in theory, these meetings must usually be scheduled during normal business hours, which may still be difficult for some students. Other on-demand courses provide interactivity through an online learning community where students can interact with their peers or instructor through a forum. Feedback through this method isn’t immediate but doesn’t require scheduling. Other courses may provide an online chat for students to ask questions with one or more advisors available to answer. While this is more immediate, students may encounter inconsistent feedback when coming from multiple different perspectives.
Ultimately, on-demand courses can take on many different shapes and forms. If you are considering an on-demand course it’s important to identify how much and what type of instructor or classmate support you need. It should also be noted that while on-demand courses will provide materials such as PDFs, recording lectures, and online video, any additional required tools such as software or a computer will mostly need to be supplied by the student.
Watch Free JavaScript Tutorials
Free JavaScript classes and tutorials can be found online through skill sharing websites such as Youtube and Udemy. Some learning institutions also provide free JavaScript seminars. While some students may be drawn into free classes due to the lack of cost, it’s important to consider that free resources usually only contain materials for beginners to JavaScript. Free tutorials on advanced techniques may be harder to find. Free resources are also likely to be outdated compared to paid classes.
However, free tutorials can still be excellent resources for students who are uncertain of their interest in JavaScript. By watching online videos, students can learn about JavaScript without the risk of monetary investment. Students enrolled in paid courses can also use free tutorials to get some advanced learning in before the start of class, which can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence in their skills.
Free tutorials are not recommended for students seeking to learn JavaScript to start a new career. Students will need to learn advanced topics before entering the industry. Career students generally find that they learn faster and more comprehensively when taught by an expert in the field. Career-focused courses also usually provide industry insights that are unlikely to be found freely available online.
Free courses rarely provide worksheets, course books, or structured learning paths. Students will need to take control of their own curriculum, often resulting in skill gaps. Students will need reliable internet to find online courses. However, the local library is also available for students without a computer or internet access. Some libraries also host free online or in-person classes.
Explore JavaScript Certificates & Certification
At first glance, the difference between a JavaScript “certificate” vs. a JavaScript “certification” may seem irrelevant. However, while the two terms may be used interchangeably in casual conversation, they actually refer to different forms of education. Whether you should pursue one form over the other depends on your learning goals.
A certificate is usually obtained through a completion-based program. While such a program can certainly improve your skills and advance your career, individual certificate programs vary wildly in the required curriculum from one learning institute to another. Thus, simply having a certificate in JavaScript will not automatically demonstrate your skills to a potential client or employer.
A certification is an official document issued by a national organization and obtained through a standardized test. Because they are so reliable, they are more likely to be recognized by a potential employer as proof of your skills.
However, for students looking to learn new skills, they will not be able to pursue certification immediately. Certification classes exist, but many of them simply offer exam prep. These classes are intended to provide a structure for reviewing existing JavaScript skills. They are not sufficient to teach new skills to novice students.
There are a couple of reputable organizations that offer certification in JavaScript. W3Schools provides a Certified JavaScript Developer Certificate. The exam costs $95 and is composed of 70 multiple choice questions. Students need to answer 75% of the questions correctly to pass and are given up to two attempts. W3Schools also offers an online course for beginners in JavaScript.
The International JavaScript Institute also provides a Certified JavaScript Developer Certificate. The exam focuses on core and client-side JavaScript concepts. It is composed of 70 questions that are a mix of multiple choice and open answers. The cost of the exam is €79, and students must get 70% of the questions correct to pass. The exam is conducted online.
A JavaScript Developer doesn’t need to obtain certification to find a job. While a certification is demonstrative of one’s skills, so is a JavaScript Developer’s portfolio. Even with certification, employers will still wish to see what a potential hire is capable of. To that end, a professional and polished portfolio can be more demonstrative of skills than an official statement. While that isn’t to say a certification from an accredited institution won’t open up career doors, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether a certificate in JavaScript is worth pursuing. For the individual looking to change careers, enrolling in a comprehensive certificate program through a reliable training institution that provides the opportunity for building and workshopping a professional portfolio will likely prove more beneficial than simply learning the necessary skills to obtain certification.