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Reuben Varzea
23,182 PointsOpinion: Is the Slack channel and peer review worth the extra $100/month for those on the $99 tier of Tech Degrees?
I'm currently signed up for the JavaScript Tech Degree, at the entry level $99/month. I just submitted my first project (yay!), but there's a feeling gnawing at me that I would have liked to have it looked at by someone just to give me feedback.
I'd love to know from those that are enrolled in the Tech Degree program, perhaps having tried both the $99/month and the $199/month tiers (or at least the latter), is the Slack channel and the peer review worth it? How responsive have "peers" been in terms of helping with project reviews?
I'm obviously most interested in feedback from folks in the JavaScript Tech Degree program specifically, but welcome feedback from anyone.
Thanks in advance to anyone's two cents! :)
1 Answer
Jay Padzensky
4,731 PointsHey Reuben,
We discontinued the $99 plan because we saw less user success and follow through from students on it when compared to the other plans. The $199+ plans provide considerably more support and engagement opportunities for students, helping to create a learning community conducive to getting through the Techdegree successfully.
If you feel like you're absorbing the materials well enough and are confident to create additional projects outside the Techdegree through some additional self-teaching, the $99 could be for you, in that there is some inherent guidance with the 12 project outlines. If you feel you more effectively learn with feedback from others and real-time engagement, then upgrading to $199 might not be a bad idea.
I hope this helps some!
Reuben Varzea
23,182 PointsReuben Varzea
23,182 PointsThanks Jay Padzensky - Ultimately, I do want to make the jump. I feel like I'm grasping things pretty well, but there are those times when I definitely feel like it would be beneficial to get someone's feedback (in particular with projects). At this point, I've only submitted one project (which I felt pretty comfortable with). I'm thinking that once I get to the harder projects, that's more likely when I'd consider making the jump.
How active is the Slack channel (in particular for the Javascript Tech Degree)? Is there any thought of provided a short trial of it just to see the impact it could have on a student?
Jay Padzensky
4,731 PointsJay Padzensky
4,731 PointsMy impression of the FSJS Slack channel is that's really active. With the prominence of JS and it's crazy versatility, we have a lot of FSJS students, as well as mentor/project reviewers who chat in the channel as well. Unfortunately, we're not able to give Slack invites to non-TD students. However, if/when you opt to upgrade, you can try the trial TD and it includes an invite to the Slack channel.
Reuben Varzea
23,182 PointsReuben Varzea
23,182 PointsJay Padzensky - Last question (just for confirmation), there are defined "mentors/project reviewers"? Its not just, "Hey random group of my peers, can anyone review this project for me"?
Sorry for all the questions, but I REALLY appreciate you getting back to me!! You've been a big help. :)
Jay Padzensky
4,731 PointsJay Padzensky
4,731 PointsReuben Varzea, no worries, I'm super glad I can help! You are correct, the mentors and project reviewers are contracted professional programmers. However, that being said, there is considerable peer-peer assistance given in the channel, and looking over another student's project is a great way to learn more. Many students rely on others to give their projects a looksee before submitting them for grading, as we've seen greater numbers of students pass on the first attempt than those who don't. Let us know if you hvae any additional Qs!