Coding, also known as computer programming, is learning and working with the languages we use to communicate with computers. Programming is like creating a set of instructions for the computer to understand and follow. By learning different programming languages like Python, JAVA, or PHP, you can create websites, web apps, applications, and more.

Coding is a high-demand technical skill as, according to statistics, there is a 23.5% projected job growth for programmers in 2022. You can now learn programming fast due to easy access to knowledge, with numerous online websites and boot camps teaching coding to beginners. In this blog, we will be discussing what coding is and some of the best online platforms to learn coding from.

Why Learning To Code Is Important For Everyone

Programming is an in-demand skill across industries with excellent earning potential and a wide variety of career choices, such as software development, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and technical operations. Programming is now seen as a universal language as it’s the same across the world and does not need to be translated, which also opens opportunities to work for offshore companies. Programming is now essential for everyone to learn.

• It has high-income and high-growth potential.
• Ample opportunities due to available positions in almost all industries.
• Helps with improving creative and analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• You can set up an online shop/business at low costs by building websites and apps.
• You can work as a freelancer or a remote worker.

Technology is everywhere, and people who write code are already playing a crucial part in this technological evolution. The demand for coding will keep increasing, especially in the light of robotics and automated technologies. Hence, to be a part of the new world, learning to code is essential.

Learning to code can be done in both online and in-person classes. We will talk about both, but our focus for this blog post is to talk about online learning and the multiple models it has.

Online Learning Models

Online learning models are in high demand as online learning is cheaper for educators and students alike. Online learning has made education more accessible for students as now students living in a small town can attend courses being taught in the big cities. Students with day jobs can log in to complete their school work with online learning and LMS. According to statistics, about 6 million students in the United States are currently enrolled in online degree programs. Online learning models encourage flexible and adaptive learning and provide high-quality media-rich resources for their students. Some of the popular online learning models are:

1. Online- Live Class

Live streaming or live online classes is a very useful technology for distance learning. Live videos create a classroom-like experience and also enable students and educators to interact in real-time. Live courses bring you the best of both worlds as you get to sit in the comfort of your home, but you can also interact with your classmates, ask your teacher questions, and enjoy the social aspect of being with your peers. According to statistics, about 60% of internet users have indulged in online learning. Live classes are cheaper, more flexible, and convenient, and you can also record the classes with a recording tool. Some popular tools for live streaming classes are Zoom, Kaltura, and Zype.

2. Online- On-Demand

According to Google Trend, the searches for “learning on-demand” have been steadily increasing over the past few years, with a substantial increase during the pandemic. With on-demand learning, also known as asynchronous learning, the lectures for students are pre-recorded by the teachers. Students are often given access to the entire catalog of videos and have to complete all the assessments and assignments independently. A major benefit of on-demand learning is that you get access to all the material, and you can complete the work at your own pace, while a significant drawback of this learning model is that you do not have direct access to the teachers or other students. On-demand courses are more convenient for students with day jobs and busy schedules as these courses enable you to learn at your own pace.

3. Online-Blended Learning

The blended learning model combines live streaming sessions with on-demand learning. In this model, students can join the live streaming session with their educator and other students and can also watch pre-recorded video lectures independently. According to statistics, about 82% of students said they felt better prepared for blended classes than for traditional ones. Blended learning models use learning management systems, in-class response systems, adaptive learning platforms, smartphones, analytics, videos, and live streaming tools to teach students. This model leverages technology to personalize learning and has increased information retention by up to 60%. Blended learning helps you reach a larger audience, allows better preparation and feedback, is less costly, and lets the students set their own pace.

Onsite

Onsite learning is the traditional learning method where students would have to attend regular classes at a university, college, or boot camp to learn and complete their coursework. Even with the rapid growth of online learning, onsite learning is still the famous and most used method of learning as it enables students and educators to be in the same room. This method fosters teacher-student relationships, allows students to connect with other students and work on group projects, provides real-time interaction, and there are fewer distractions. Onsite learning also has its fair share of cons, as students have to follow a rigid timetable, have to pay higher tuition fees, and have to travel to the campus.

Top 10 Online Resources

So here is a list of the top 10 online resources to learn advanced coding online.

1. Codecademy

Codecademy is one of the most popular websites for learning programming online, with more than 20 million users. It teaches you about seven different languages, including HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, and jQuery. This e-learning platform is completely free and enables you to track your progress during courses. Courses for building a website, making a Rails app, and using APIs to make applications are also available at Codecademy.

2. Coursera

Coursera is also another renowned resource for learning. On this website, courses for Programming and computer science are available from renowned universities like Stanford, John Hopkins, and the University of Michigan. Most of the courses on this e-learning website are free, with some paid classes and courses that also offer you a certificate after the completion of your course. At Coursera, financial aid is also available for paid courses. It is an easy-to-use website with an excellent UI interface which makes for an interactive learning experience.

3. Code Avengers

Code Avengers is another resource for you if you want to learn how to build a website, apps, or games. It has over 100 hours of courses teaching you to build websites in HTML and CSS and games in JavaScript. Code Avenger is a subscription-based learning platform that offers a 10-day free trial. It has free demo courses with built-in text editors, quizzes, and responsive customer support as well, making it an excellent choice.

4. Treehouse

Treehouse is an e-learning technology platform that offers about 300+ online courses in tech-related subjects like web development, design, and programming. It currently has about 50,000 users and is one of the best online platforms to learn to code. Treehouse offers a 7-day free trial and a monthly subscription plan. It uses video courses and a browser-based code editor to teach students how to use different programming languages. Their editor lets you see the code in real-time and participate in interactive activities.

5. Code School

Code School is a popular online coding resource that teaches languages like HTML, CSS, Javascript, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Objective-C, Git, and more. It enables you to learn in a cool and interactive way as the course videos on this website are of excellent quality and in the form of a storyline, making learning so much more fun and easier. This e-learning platform also provides you with a great set of podcasts and shows for learning. It is popular among beginners due to its attractive theme, free courses, and interactive videos.

6. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a well-known non-profit e-learning platform where all the courses are entirely free. Founded in 2006, Khan Academy has more than 10 million monthly visitors and is backed up by Google. This website offers numerous courses on computer programming, computer animation, and more. The UI of the website is interactive and easy to use, and the courses on this website are available everywhere in multiple languages. The platform provides a virtual blackboard, practice questions, quizzes, games, and sequential lessons, making learning much more accessible.

7. Udacity

Udacity is an e-learning platform offering Nanodegree programs in about 100 courses. It provides technological education for people who do not have the time to attend regular classes and enables you to learn coding online with certificates awarded after finishing the course. The website offers courses on programming, Artificial Intelligence, cyber security, cloud computing, and so much more. This e-learning platform is known for its hands-on approach to learning and is heavily career-oriented as it provides you the opportunity to build your resume. Its 200+ free courses along with other paid courses, intuitive interface, credited certificate, flexible learning program, and career services make Udacity a well-known name in the e-learning industry.

8. GA Dash

General Assembly, also known as GA Dash, is a free online learning platform that is entirely project-based and helps you learn different programming languages. GA dash offers numerous topics, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design. It provides in-depth learning courses and allows free web publishing to keep its students motivated. This platform has an interactive and easy-to-use interface, has a lot of course flexibility, and also enables its users to choose their preferred learning model, meaning you can choose if you want to learn in-person, online, full-time, or part-time.

9. edX

edX is also a non-profit organization that MIT and Harvard founded. It currently offers about 3000 courses from 140 different institutions and has about 25 million learners worldwide. It offers numerous coding courses, including HTML, C, JAVA, JavaScript, Python, and more. Most of the courses on edX can be audited for free, with financial aid available for paid courses. The website also offers verified certificates after the course’s completion and enables you to learn at your own pace.

10. Codewars

Codewars is an online free platform that presents its users with programming challenges. It’s a community-built platform where other users design all the challenges. As of 2021, Codewars supports 29 core languages and 26 additional beta languages. There are numerous advantages of Codewars as it is free to play, has a low-entry barrier, and has a huge community.

Conclusion

So this was our list of some of the best online platforms to learn to code. Now that you know all about programming resources and learning models, it is time to choose the right one for yourself. You can learn coding by going to a college or fast-track your journey by subscribing to an e-learning website or joining a Bootcamp.

At Consulnet Corporation, we offer a variety of courses, and you can look here to see which ones interest you. Consulnet also has coding courses and has helped many students achieve their goals over the years. I hope you enjoyed the blog and it was helpful for you. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries.