Tips for taking an Online Coding Bootcamp.
A few years ago, I had taken an introductory course to front-end web development in college which I really enjoyed. At the time, it was difficult to keep up with coding due to my full-time job as a chef. As a result of the pandemic, I lost my job cooking professionally in restaurants and looked for a change. During lock-down, I attempted to learn Javascript online to keep myself busy and found that I really enjoyed the challenging, problem-solving aspects of coding. It was then that I decided to pivot careers into software engineering and applied to the Flatiron School in-person full-time program in Manhattan.
Leading up to the first day of class, there was one main concern that loomed over me: I had never taken an online course. Due to coronavirus, the program shifted temporarily online which made me nervous. As an introvert, I found in-person classrooms an easier environment for me to come out of my shell and to be a more involved student when surrounded by peers who shared the same path. I was worried about the limitations of remote learning. Here are some takeaways after the first few weeks of intensive, online coding Bootcamp:
- Check-in with yourself and gauge what material is still unclear:
Learning remotely online can be difficult. The challenges are heightened when you’re in an intensive course with deadlines. One thing that has helped is to check-in with myself multiple times a day. Am I understanding the lab/lecture? Can I replicate it? Admittedly, I didn’t subscribe to my own advice during the first week. Instead, I just tried to plow through, piling on new information onto half-baked understandings of concepts which only led to anxiety and frustration. While the program can be overwhelming at times, it’s important to slow down and to self-assess, making sure you feel confident in what you’re learning.
Don’t be afraid to reach out:
It can feel awkward to put yourself out there on Slack and admit that you’re not understanding a concept. However, in order to be successful, it is imperative that you move past that feeling. Cohorts and teachers will be happy to help, especially if you’ve done the legwork to identify where there might be a disconnect in understanding the material. Make sure to communicate clearly what the issue is. Using proper problem-solving is important for your own growth as a developer and is key when asking technical questions. Once you’ve taken the proper steps and reach out for help, you’ll often find that you’re not alone. Taking the time to thoughtfully organize your question before reaching out is important. Consequently, you’ll most likely find that it helps others deepen their understanding of concepts as well.
You are not alone in how you feel:
Keep in mind that there are people in your cohort that are feeling the exact same way you are. It’s important to seek those peers out. The program’s digestion rate is intense. Initially, it personally led me to feel alone. It took a few days but I found others who were feeling just as overwhelmed. Sharing and talking through our anxieties and the challenges with one another resulted in encouragement and relief. Knowing you are not alone can relieve stress and promote a better mental state which will ultimately help you stay focused over time.
- Try to stay positive and be kind to yourself:
We are living in an extremely stressful time. Taking an intensive online coding course alone is tough and those challenges are exacerbated under the pandemic. Make sure to be kind to yourself. Everything about the experience is new. If it’s taking more time to get adjusted to the program than you expected, that’s okay. Sure there’s a lot of pressure, but if you can virtually embrace those around you in your cohort, you might be able to relieve some of that pressure which can be instrumental in maintaining focus and being successful.