Google maps integration... worst course eva.

I see this discussion occurred awhile ago, but I too have had a lot of difficulty with this course and feel like I've retained very little. I completed both the intro to programming and javascript foundations courses before doing this island as well as the other HTML and CSS courses (minus a few stages of CSS Foundations). What I've found to be difficult is that we keep being told what code should be written but not really why and what each component does. Javascript Foundations was so much concept and very little practical application of what to use the codes we were learning for. Now to jump to only application in this island without much concept connection is a big leap.

Then when it comes to code challenges often I'll have the video paused to the exact spot that relates to the task in another tab, and enter the code format exactly as seen in the video with the minor naming changes that the code challenge requests but I won't have success until I trial an error a bunch of similar codes with minor tweaks. Ultimately what that says to me is that I'm not "getting" the material, I'm just revising what I see until I pass.

After how much time was spent on javascript, I would have liked more introduction and explanation on jQuery. I feel like Andrew is one of the clearest teachers I've listened to when he does elaborate on something, but it feels like he only elaborates on a small percentage of the lesson. Therefore, the rest is just lists and lists of code. At times, HTML and CSS felt like the concepts were building too slowly, whereas javascript foundations and this project feel like they jump in leaps and bounds.

While we keep getting the links to the jQuery api documentation in the videos, I've found that I have a very hard time understanding what they mean either when I visit their site. It seems like the jQuery stie is a resource built for people very familiar and comfortable with javascript and jQuery that only need it as refresher. To someone like me who is completely new to coding and is following the recommended path to become a developer, this has been a bit disappointing.

Charles... I enjoy challenges but I enjoy learning even more. I just feel the material was presented without adequate explanation.

I'm with you on the whole island. I have watched the videos twice and still have no idea of what to do wit jQuery really.

The best example is when the code is copied and pasted from the google site. It's over in a second with no explanation and then there's a code challenge asking to write it out.

I gave up at that point. Learning PHP now and will go back to jQuery later.

I agree. I took a break from the Web Design Learning Adventure, and started to focus on Wordpress and PHP, because of that course. He raced through the material as quickly as possible, and then the code challenges didn't always correlate to the previous video. I'll go back to it, because I want to complete that learning adventure, but yea, they should maybe create some support materials and supply them with the videos or something. I know they already link to the jquery site, but some additional support materials could make a big difference.

On the bright side, since you think this is the worst course ever, all the other courses that you take on Treehouse will be better by comparison!

Would this be any fun if it was all easy? I really enjoy the challenge.

Quite agree Eddie. I did post something similar last week and the response was that there are plans in motion for a jQuery foundation course and beginners course to jQuery.

I think it's assumed that you can write jQuery when you undertake the build an interactive site island.

Charles Shores - If it was challenging it would be fun but it's beyond that because there's no explanation as to why we're doing things and what they do and how.

I haven't even reached the Goggle Maps integration stage yet and I'm having a hard time grasping jQuery. I have to agree that it seems like the lessons are aimed at students who already have some knowledge of jQuery (which I don't), so a foundation course would really be helpful.

Hi everyone,

Sorry to hear that you're all frustrated. I recommend you take our Deep Dives on Intro to Programming and JavaScript before continuing on to learning jQuery.

Andrew created this course on the assumption that students would have a more formal introduction to programming and JavaScript prior to the course. I realize that's not clear, so Jeremy Jantz and I are working on a few changes that will help over the next few months.

Andrew Chalkley should be able to help you with any specific questions as well, so feel free to ping him using the new person mentions in the forum.

Each teacher is taking ownership of each Learning Adventure and I've taken on JavaScript and jQuery Learning Adventure. My job will be to add to, polish and improve our courseware on this track. Also discussing with other Teachers about their Learning Adventures and how best to fit in material in their tracks. Apparently JavaScript Foundations wasn't included in the Become a Web Designer Learning adventure so we're adding that now, so hopefully this will ease some of the issues people have been having.

So I think there were and can be several issues depending how you onboard on to Build an Interactive Website. If you're coming from a designer background you're going to have it rough with Build an Interactive Website as it is an advanced project and expects you to have gone through Intro to Programming and completed JavaScript Foundations. If you've covered things like scope, call and apply and things like that, you can postulate what's going on with the internals of Google's API without knowing what's going on under the hood.

Once I'm done with Database Foundations I shall be reviewing all the JavaScript & jQuery Courses and trying to fill in any gaps with either more code challenges (in JavaScript Foundations) as there are only quizes at the end of a stage, stage alterations (pacing or additional material) or even a new jQuery Foundations course. We hear both good and bad about the courses but we want them to be the best experience for all of our members.

As a matter of interest what learning adventure did you go on? And have you done JavaScript Foundations?

If you're on a designer track do you think working with Google Maps is a necessary skill? If you're a developer would you like a more fuller course in dealing with third party APIs such as Google Maps?

Andrew,

Thanks for such a prompt response. It makes a lot of sense how jumping into a project at the end wouldn't be able to hit all the points you wanted. I'm encouraged to hear that there will be more courses on jQuery. Looking forward to the changes!

Best,

Liz

For those who had a tough time on Build an Interactive Website may want to check out jQuery Basics. I would love to get your feedback on this.

If you're wondering where Rachel's new course is it got a little delayed – the roadmap will be updated with firmer dates.