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Honestly, I think that's the best way to learn. A lot of great programmers/entrepreneurs end up taking an autodidactic approach to learning whatever they need t

Honestly, I think that's the best way to learn. A lot of great programmers/entrepreneurs end up taking an autodidactic approach to learning whatever they need to learn to become successful. I always use Sean Parker as an example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Parker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Parker I don't buy into the belief that the only way to learn something is by taking a course or getting a degree. I can buy the same programming book or the same physiology textbook used in a course and read it on my own. The only problem is that, unless you really do something outstanding to prove that you know the material, its not something you can put on an application/resume.

rndn 11y ago
I think a difficulty with this approach is that a textbook often contains more information than you actually need. In that regard a class is better because you have more guidance. The best way is possibly to look through the syllabi of classes at various top universities to get an idea of what is important.
- hackuser 11y ago
  Also, a textbook doesn't have everything you need, and knowledge and technology change; there's no substitute for a human with expertise.
bunderbunder 11y ago
It depends on what you're learning. I wouldn't want to waste my time on a class that just teaches you how to use Hadoop. On the other hand, there are some topics that I'd have a much harder time believing can be treated well outside a classroom setting. Classes that deal with softer skills such as project management strategy or research design really seem to benefit quite a bit from the group learning environment. You could certainly learn them other ways, but probably more slowly. If you're trying to build a career there's an opportunity cost there.
- atmosx 11y ago
  It is okay for CS classes, but not for chemistry...
jimbokun 11y ago
"The only problem is that, unless you really do something outstanding to prove that you know the material, its not something you can put on an application/resume." Which is why the Education industry is really the Accreditation industry.

rndn 11y ago

I think a difficulty with this approach is that a textbook often contains more information than you actually need. In that regard a class is better because you have more guidance. The best way is possibly to look through the syllabi of classes at various top universities to get an idea of what is important.

hackuser 11y ago
Also, a textbook doesn't have everything you need, and knowledge and technology change; there's no substitute for a human with expertise.

bunderbunder 11y ago

It depends on what you're learning. I wouldn't want to waste my time on a class that just teaches you how to use Hadoop. On the other hand, there are some topics that I'd have a much harder time believing can be treated well outside a classroom setting. Classes that deal with softer skills such as project management strategy or research design really seem to benefit quite a bit from the group learning environment. You could certainly learn them other ways, but probably more slowly. If you're trying to build a career there's an opportunity cost there.

atmosx 11y ago
It is okay for CS classes, but not for chemistry...

jimbokun 11y ago

"The only problem is that, unless you really do something outstanding to prove that you know the material, its not something you can put on an application/resume." Which is why the Education industry is really the Accreditation industry.