Java has remained the most popular language for application software development for more than thirty years. Highly utilized for machine learning and data science applications, Java is the basis of the Android operating system. The easy-to-use design, cross-platform capabilities, and security are what make Java such a favorite in the field of programming. Read below for the top five methods for learning Java.
Enroll in In-Person Java Classes
In-person classes are typically the top choice for a lot of reasons. Attending an onsite training offers you face-to-face time and the ability to interact with other students. According to data collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person learning leads to better academic outcomes, greater levels of student engagement, higher rates of attendance, and better social and emotional well-being. While this research generally applied to K-12 and undergraduate students, the results apply to adult education.
In-person classes also provide a level of accountability that some learners find extremely valuable. If you are easily distracted or tend to lack focus, an in-person class can offer the structure that your mind needs. These classes can help eliminate distractions like roommates and children, allowing you to retain more knowledge. Additionally, experiential learning, also known as hands-on learning, works extremely well in onsite training. According to The Association of Experiential Learning, hands-on learning requires students to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for results.
Plus, in-person training allows for group discussions which have been proven to stimulate student thinking, nudge learners to exchange their ideas, and increase participation and engagement. Discussing a topic with peers requires you to listen to different opinions, pay attention to the facts you’ve potentially missed, and dive deeper into the subject.
Attend Live Online Java Classes
Live online classes offer a lot of the same benefits as in-person classes. You’ll still be able to interact with your instructor in real-time and have the accountability of set class times and a structured learning environment. Additionally, live virtual classes create more learning options for those who don’t live near in-person classes. You can avoid commuting and parking while learning from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose).
Online classes can also help you prepare for a virtual workforce. It’s estimated that 40.9% of U.S. employees either work remotely or hybrid, so attending an online training can help you get familiar with online interactions, virtual communication, and how to use video conferencing platforms and content management systems. It’s projected that approximately 32.6 million Americans will work remotely by 2025, so why not test the waters with virtual training?
Attending virtual training can also help you create a broader global perspective. The accessibility of virtual training means that you have the chance to learn from and with people from diverse backgrounds. Because you can attend from any location, class discussions feature a broader range of perspectives, helping you enhance your own cross-cultural understanding.
Sign Up for On-Demand Online Java Classes
On-demand classes, also referred to as pre-recorded or self-led, offer even more flexibility for students. Not only can you choose where to learn from, but you can also choose when to learn. Self-led classes mean you can stop and start whenever you need to, whether that’s to care for your family or spend more time on a challenging lesson. These classes are ideal for self-motivated learners who enjoy a little extra freedom while learning. Attending an on-demand class can show potential employers just how dedicated you are and how well you can manage your time.
Watch Free Java Tutorials
The internet is a great source of free Java tutorials. From blogs to YouTube videos, there are nearly endless free tips and tricks available. There is also the possibility to use free trials of online trainings to try your hand at learning programming before committing to a paid course. These free training materials are great for dipping your toes into Java programming and can help you further explore if learning Java is what you really want.
If you’re hoping to learn up-to-date skills with Java or do a deep dive into this in-demand programming language, then a more structured class or course could be the better choice. Experienced instructors, a high-quality curriculum, and a more traditional learning environment will help you to become an expert Java programmer in record time. Whether you enroll in an on-demand or live online course, both options offer a breadth of knowledge that you won’t be able to access through free resources.
Explore Java Certificates & Certification
Certificates and certifications are a great way to boost your professional progress. Often categorized as continuing education or professional development, a certificate is granted after the completion of a course or training. You’ll often see mid-career professionals pursuing certificates to build upon or develop high-demand skills in their industry. Others might be looking to change their careers or pivot into new roles and can gain an advantage and much-needed new experience from a certificate program.
Certificate programs typically require fewer credits than an associate degree as they tend to include just a few select courses in a particular subject matter. These courses are noncredit programs sponsored by educational institutions with designated learning objectives and a specific curriculum. Held in regular classrooms or taken online, they are typically shorter than other graduate programs (like an associate or bachelor's degree). A certificate can certainly add value to your resume, but it’s important to note that it won't carry the same weight as an actual degree, which is commonly required for many jobs.
Your other option is a certification, which is a professional credential that you earn through a training program or assessment. These certifications typically culminate in a final exam or test and are required for promotions or career advancement in a wide range of job fields.
Certifications can help to increase your pay, lead to potential promotions, and enhance your professional prowess. Some fields may even require that your certifications be renewed at regular intervals to keep up with evolving industry standards. In these cases, companies often cover the cost of certification, as these credentials can bring value to the workplace.