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Young web developers certainly seem to love video courses for some reason. Maybe I'm just old and crotchety, (well, one of those is certainly true), but I woul

Young web developers certainly seem to love video courses for some reason. Maybe I'm just old and crotchety, (well, one of those is certainly true), but I would much rather get my fix textually and go along at my own pace. Flipping pages or scrolling is still superior to trying to scrub through a video timeline.

nohat 8y ago
I agree most of the time, but sometimes watching someone actually do something lets you observe the little things that the teacher would take for granted or forget to mention in a written format.
tracker1 8y ago
It depends... if you're new to an entire workflow, it's sometimes easier. If you're learning something specific and adjacent to something you already use, text is usually best.
JauntyHatAngle 8y ago
>Flipping pages or scrolling is still superior to trying to scrub through a video timeline. Well, that's a different use case. Videos are good for exact instructionals, because of this, they are quite good for getting to the bare metal quickly and getting a quick - albeit incomplete - understanding of the technology. Following a tutorial online on a webpage is a bit different as it's not a follow along, (you don't get told exactly what to click and "see" someone doing it) so it requires a bit more parsing and effort on your part. (Which can often be better for learning, but not always). Generally my workflow for learning a new tech is starting with a good instructional video (like udemy) for the basic grounding, then move onto the technical documentation to develop an actual well grounded understanding. Videos have their downsides, (you can get through an entire video series and not actually know how to self-guide) but they are much better in my opinion at lowering the barrier of entry. Text is much better for someone wanting to learn specific things, or connecting concepts together, and/or reference documentation, searching for concepts.. etc. The other point that I'm unsure if it is just me or all people, but I've started loving udemy videos because I can follow along with it a lot easier when I have tired eyes and worn out brain after a full day of work. I often struggle to teach myself a new technology when I'm completely worn out from my job.
scarface74 8y ago
Videos are good for me to get a conceptual overview, when I actually start on a project, I’ll read docs and a getting started guide. I can watch a video while I’m working out in front of my TV. There are AppleTV apps for Udemy, Pluralsight, etc.
gymshoes 8y ago
I'm agnostic towards the medium if instruction but if I'm a little familiar with something, I would take a reputed book or official docs over video courses. However, if I get too perplexed by something and need hand-holding to understand something, I look for videos. Also, videos help in cases with libraries whose documentations are lacking or don't have docs regarding integration with something.
brianmcc 8y ago
I'm also old and crotchety, and also prefer books to videos. I don't know why. Give me an in-person training course, brilliant, I'll happily watch and learn from an expert. But I just don't like video courses for some reason. I'm actively trying to rid myself of this mindset as I recognise the benefits of using such a huge range of - really very good - resources. Maybe a 2019 New Year Resolution there!

nohat 8y ago

I agree most of the time, but sometimes watching someone actually do something lets you observe the little things that the teacher would take for granted or forget to mention in a written format.

tracker1 8y ago

It depends... if you're new to an entire workflow, it's sometimes easier. If you're learning something specific and adjacent to something you already use, text is usually best.

JauntyHatAngle 8y ago

>Flipping pages or scrolling is still superior to trying to scrub through a video timeline. Well, that's a different use case. Videos are good for exact instructionals, because of this, they are quite good for getting to the bare metal quickly and getting a quick - albeit incomplete - understanding of the technology. Following a tutorial online on a webpage is a bit different as it's not a follow along, (you don't get told exactly what to click and "see" someone doing it) so it requires a bit more parsing and effort on your part. (Which can often be better for learning, but not always). Generally my workflow for learning a new tech is starting with a good instructional video (like udemy) for the basic grounding, then move onto the technical documentation to develop an actual well grounded understanding. Videos have their downsides, (you can get through an entire video series and not actually know how to self-guide) but they are much better in my opinion at lowering the barrier of entry. Text is much better for someone wanting to learn specific things, or connecting concepts together, and/or reference documentation, searching for concepts.. etc. The other point that I'm unsure if it is just me or all people, but I've started loving udemy videos because I can follow along with it a lot easier when I have tired eyes and worn out brain after a full day of work. I often struggle to teach myself a new technology when I'm completely worn out from my job.

scarface74 8y ago

Videos are good for me to get a conceptual overview, when I actually start on a project, I’ll read docs and a getting started guide. I can watch a video while I’m working out in front of my TV. There are AppleTV apps for Udemy, Pluralsight, etc.

gymshoes 8y ago

I'm agnostic towards the medium if instruction but if I'm a little familiar with something, I would take a reputed book or official docs over video courses. However, if I get too perplexed by something and need hand-holding to understand something, I look for videos. Also, videos help in cases with libraries whose documentations are lacking or don't have docs regarding integration with something.

brianmcc 8y ago

I'm also old and crotchety, and also prefer books to videos. I don't know why. Give me an in-person training course, brilliant, I'll happily watch and learn from an expert. But I just don't like video courses for some reason. I'm actively trying to rid myself of this mindset as I recognise the benefits of using such a huge range of - really very good - resources. Maybe a 2019 New Year Resolution there!