learning python!

[Guest Aetherr]

i've been looking into learning a language for a few months, and im not entirely sure how to start, i can't really deal with formal education such and college or university and so far every attempt i've made to find a course that suits someone with learning difficulties has failed, i was wondering if anyone here knows of a course (it doesn't need to be free in fact i would prefer to pay for a quality well rounded course that can cater to my needs) that they would recommend to someone who is looking to learn the python language and the foundations of programming so i could be open to learning other languages, i want to use this knowledge to do work from home, i am not sure how viable it will be but i would like to think a portfolio of projects would work in place of an actual qualification if i cannot find an online course that would offer a qualification a potential employer would recognize

 

if anyone is able to help me with this oddly specific request i would be very grateful!

[LittleGirlEmilia]

So my parents taught me basic and python from a young age so I was quite lucky that way. They also taught me Ruby. But I'm also very much self taught so maybe I can help a wee bit. I know quite a few languages and even have a big fat useless degree.

 

Personally, I never write down my qualifications when applying for a job and list the projects I've worked on instead. It works for me and I know of at least 2 other people who have done similar. I guess it depends on the job?

 

Feel free to message me anytime. I can recommend some stuff that got me started.

[baby_k]

Most common way in IT imo is that you have your projects in github or so, and that sort of proves what you can do and that you have interest in the field. It also shows learning curve, so don't feel embarassed about first silly things you have there when you get better.

 

I don't know about any courses but pretty sure there is plenty of them. After knowing the basics, take some project as that is mostly the best way to learn: you will have actual interest and reason to get things working.

[MysticSand]

Hi Aetherr! Have you ever heard of MOOC? I know it's the general term for online ed courses but they also have their own site.

 

MOOC (SFW): http://mooc.org/

Which then takes you to this site and then if you search Python (SFW): https://www.edx.org/course?search_query=Python

I'm pretty sure the above sites are legit but please do your own googling and research as well!

 

I haven't taken or used a MOOC course personally but have heard great things. I've also recommended it to adult learners and people in general that are just interested in learning. There are both free and paid courses I believe, and the attraction of a MOOC is that a lot of the courses are given by actual professors from legit universities and such! As well as most being self-paced and at your own leisure (though I think some may be semester time-based.)

 

I can also delve deeper into finding actual online, reputable, self-paced courses for you if your own research doesn't pan out. I post things on my alum uni sometimes and could probably find out more things just by digging around.

 

I'm not sure how great the libraries are where you are but, they're a surprisingly great source for free things (including classes) a lot of times! Even if it's just for more info. But, I'm also in NYC so I'm sure the funding and programs here are pretty numerous compared to other places.

 

This may also be another NYC unique thing, but I know vocational/IT training programs exist that specifically address non-traditional learners and adult learners. Something that hopefully also exists where you are and may be worthwhile to look into. (I know of an org in Brooklyn, NY that gives stipends during your classes, helps you find an internship, pays for your certification testing, and also helps you with job search/interviews. Whaaaat!)

 

Feel free to message if you need help finding things. Sometimes it really just comes down to knowing what key terms to type into google. I'm not the best with IT stuff but non-traditional education is a huge forte of mine, I'd like to think.