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Nick Korniczky
16,929 PointsIn general the Java track seems to be more intermediate/advanced. Will there be a better intro-level coming out?
Specifically relating to the challenge questions - with all of the other sections in treehouse, Java is the most challenging coursework I've encountered. I've never had to look back at previous videos so much and just to feel confused as if I was missing something. I feel like I need to look elsewhere for a better intro teacher...
1 Answer
jacobproffer
24,604 PointsHey Nick,
This topic seems to be brought up a lot.
I can tell you that the information covered in these introduction courses is similar in content to what I learned in a college level introductory Computer Science course. The only difference being that we also covered an older graphics library called AWT. With that being said, Java is a language that requires careful reading and most importantly, repetition. When going through lesson videos, you'll be amazed by how much you can memorize if you take the time to use the information outside the Treehouse setting. Open a text-editor and use the information from the course videos until you grasp the material.
As I've mentioned in other threads regarding Java, this is what helps me:
- Hand-write programs on dry erase boards or on paper using crayons (it's kind of fun)
- Write basic console programs
- Take an old program and find a way to simplify the code
- Read books and or blogs regarding the language
If you are truly keen on learning Java, take it slow and try to make it fun.
Best,
Jacob
Nick Korniczky
16,929 PointsNick Korniczky
16,929 PointsJacob, I truly appreciate your response. It's a good blueprint of really how to practice, and I will follow it since there is currently no other way.
However, I just wanted to bring this topic up as Treehouse has done such an amazing job explaining other coding languages - fluidly. My hopes would be that they would create curriculum for Java in a style more similar to the HTML videos. I realize that those coding languages are much simpler but the steady-pace of bringing into discussion of what new terms mean (as an example) really helps the learning process.
I come from a family of teachers and I know how tedious creating new curriculum can be - but that doesn't mean simply copying an old teaching method is the best route to take.
jacobproffer
24,604 Pointsjacobproffer
24,604 PointsHey Nick,
I truly understand. Java can be tedious to learn. For my Computer Science course, I spent the better part of a month hand-writing Java applets on a dry erase board to be prepared for the final exam. The professor had all quizzes and exams on paper, which drove me nuts.
But that would be great if Treehouse could explain Java with a more simplistic approach. There's most likely a lot of information in these courses that could be taught in a more intermediate course. Perhaps if the current courses were expanded upon and slowed down, the information would be easier to retain.
Best,
Jacob