Which Computer Science Training Format Is Right for Me?

When comparing types of computer science training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the proper training is critical to your experience.

Companies in nearly every industry need computer science professionals. Whether you plan to be a Python Developer or a Software Engineer, learning computer science skills and tools can benefit you at work.

Read on to learn more about the different formats of computer science training, how they compare, and how to determine which is best for you.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is an immense field that encompasses the study of information systems, computation, and automation. Hardware and software design, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization fall under the computer science purview.

On the theoretical side, computer science includes information theory, algorithms, and computational theory. The practical side of computer science covers hardware and software design and implementation. While data science has emerged as a discrete discipline in recent years, many computer science pros still consider it a subcategory of the larger computer science field. 

Read more about what computer science is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Computer Science?

Computer science classes cover a wide range of subjects, encompassing anything from web development and software engineering to data science. Tools like Python and Java are popular among numerous career paths in this growing field, and as far as computer science applications go, the sky’s the limit.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Computer and Information Research Scientist job outlook is especially bright: they estimate a 21% growth rate between 2021-2031, well above the average growth rate of five percent. Top positions for computer science professionals include Software Developers, IT Security Analysts, Data Scientists, and Product Managers.

Areas of specialization for computer science professionals include programming languages like Java, the development and application of robotics, and the development of new systems, tools, and programming languages. In our ever-more connected digital world, computer science generalists and specialists can thrive both now and in the future.

Training Formats for Computer Science

Looking to learn computer science skills? You can choose from a host of training formats. Consider the four main categories:

• Free tutorials and seminars
• On-demand or self-paced courses
• Live online courses
• In-person training

Free courses include online programs like online web development tutorials from Noble Desktop. On-demand classes are typically fee-based or require a subscription to a platform or service, although a few are free.

Among the most popular options for beginners, computer science bootcamps and certificate program s offer in-depth training in a hands-on environment. Many are offered both in-person and in an online format. Check course listings for more information, including any prerequisites.

In-Person Computer Science Training

Although you might not consider in-person computer science training your first choice, many beginners find an education in the traditional classroom setting the most effective method. Students often report a higher level of engagement in the in-person setting compared to other ways of learning.

In-person training provides other benefits as well. A live in-person class offers a more accessible level of networking with peers or instructors, and working on course provider equipment is another advantage. While not every student wants to commute to a classroom, most course graduates agree that in-person training offers more benefits than drawbacks.

You may be able to find multiple in-person computer science courses in your area, depending on where you live and your choice of subcategory (such as JavaScript, data science, or machine learning). Use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to compare and contrast your options. Noble offers a Full Stack Web Development Certificate and JavaScript Development Certificate at its New York City location. Other computer science alternatives include a UCLA Extension course in Los Angeles, a Practical Programming Python course in Chicago, and a computer science Summer Academy at Penn course in Philadelphia.

Live Online Computer Science Training

Many students and busy professionals who want to expand their computer science expertise will enroll in an online bootcamp or certificate. Although some course providers offer programs at the beginner level, others may require familiarity with certain computer science concepts. Be sure to check course listings thoroughly before enrolling.

Live online computer science training offers many benefits: it’s hands-on and interactive like face-to-face training, but you can learn from the comfort of your home or office. Computer science bootcamps offer a dynamic, immersive learning experience with expert instructors who provide real-time feedback via teleconferencing. In many cases, they can see or even share the screen—with your permission.

Noble Desktop hosts a range of live online computer science courses, including bootcamps and certificate programs. Use their Classes Near Me tool to find live online computer science classes in your area. Training options include Noble’s JavaScript, Python, and Data Science Certificate programs. Additional courses include a Foundation of Computer Science & Engineering course from Holberton School, a Python for Data Science Immersive from Practical Programming, and NYC Data Science Academy’s Data Science with Python: Data Analysis and Visualization.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Are you considering a career in computer science but not ready to dive into a full-length course? If you’re looking for a simple computer science overview or cannot commit to a full-length bootcamp or certificate program, check out the many online resources you can use to start learning computer science for free.

Say you want to study to be a JavaScript Developer or Full Stack Developer. Consider beginning with the Intro to Full Stack JavaScript seminar on Noble Desktop’s YouTube Channel. In this free introductory course, you’ll learn about topics like React and the JavaScript MERN stack development, among others.

Want to learn data science as part of a broader computer science curriculum? Your education can begin with Noble’s data science video tutorials. These include Get Started in Data Science, Intro to Python Fundamentals, and Exchanging Excel for Python.

Additional free online courses include:

• Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) from the University of Michigan
• Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate program
• Neural Networks and Deep Learning from DeepLearning.AI
• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers from Johns Hopkins University
• The Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization program from Duke University.

Read about more free computer science videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Classes

Another attractive option for computer science beginners is the on-demand or self-paced training model. On-demand computer science courses typically require a small fee or subscription to a particular platform, though some are available free of charge. Featured computer science topics range from building Android apps to JavaScript and Ruby on Rails. 

While they may not offer the same level of engagement as live or on-demand classes, free seminars, tutorials, and blog posts can also benefit students beginning a computer science education. Computer science trainees can find free seminars like Intro to Front End Web Development, the Intro to Node.js seminar (appropriate for web development students), and Intro to SQL, a perfect choice for data science and Python programming students.

For additional tutorials, check out Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, where you’ll find playlists like Front End Web Development and Python, Data Science & SQL.

Comparison of Computer Science Training Formats

The bootcamp training model is one of the most popular ways to master computer science. If your preferred learning method is in the traditional classroom setting, consider an in-person program if there’s one available in your area.

Comparing and contrasting the main ways of training can be an excellent way to determine where you should start. Consider the following methods:

• In-person
• Live online
• On-demand/self-paced

Most students report a higher level of engagement in live online or in-person courses. These programs are usually interactive, where you can get real-time answers to your questions from expert instructors. The opportunity to network with other students can also be invaluable here. One obvious benefit of face-to-face training, as opposed to virtual programs, is that course providers typically host computer labs with the latest software. If you have a problem with equipment, the instructor is always there to assist you.

On the plus side for virtual live bootcamps and certificate programs, many students today prefer online learning for their computer science education. Live online training offers benefits comparable to in-person coursework in terms of interactivity. You can still typically get answers in real time, and the instructor can see or even control the screen with your permission. Learning from the comfort of home or office appeals to busy professionals, especially those with family or other obligations.

On-demand or self-paced courses offer a different approach to learning computer science online. These courses can range from one-hour videos available for subscribers to a platform to programs of 60 hours or longer. There can be downsides to on-demand training, like a lower level of engagement, lack of accountability for assignments, and no interaction with fellow attendees. However, many students like to begin with a shorter seminar that costs little as their introduction to the broader computer science field.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Computer Science?

Many students and busy professionals start learning fundamental computer science concepts by watching online seminars or tutorials. While you can learn basics this way, most people soon decide to go beyond free or low-cost resources and embrace formal training.

To fully grasp computer science—especially when you’re learning it for professional reasons—you need expert instruction. Computer science is an immense field, and your specialization may demand training in specific programming languages like JavaScript or tools like HTML/CSS, SQL, or WordPress.

Starting with free video tutorials and articles can be a great introduction to the discipline, but once you master basic concepts, you should think about formal training like that found in a bootcamp or certificate program.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Computer Science

In deciding the best method to learn computer science, think first about how and in what way you want to use the skills and knowledge you’ll get from training. Beginners may not want to invest income yet want a high-level overview of the field. Students at this level should consider a free introductory tutorial like Noble Desktop’s Intro to SQL.

If you want to develop a working knowledge of computer science, plug a skill gap, or grow within your current position, consider enrolling in a course like Noble’s Front End Web Development Certificate or JavaScript Development Certificate.

Want to master computer science for your career? One of the best options is a lengthier program like Noble Desktop’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate or Software Engineering Certificate. These immersive bootcamp-style courses prepare students for entry-level positions and include 1-on-1 mentoring plus the option to retake the programs at no additional cost.

Learn Computer Science with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you want comprehensive computer science training in an interactive environment, check out the Full Stack Web Development Certificate from Noble Desktop. This in-depth program gives participants all the tools they need to build webpages and apps, plus training in hosting, server, and network environments. Featured topics include HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and MongoDB, to name a few.

Is software engineering your main goal? Consider enrolling in Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate program. Here you’ll learn front end development with JavaScript and React along with back end development using Django (Python), all taught by instructors with expertise in the field. Small class sizes and 1-on-1 mentoring mean you always get individual attention and gain essential skills in Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap.

If you focus your computer science training on the subcategory of data science, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate gives you the skills you need for an entry-level position. This immersive program provides training in essential tools from Python programming to machine learning fundamentals. It’s a great way to prepare to work as a Data Scientist, Data Analyst, or Machine Learning Engineer.

High school students preparing for the AP Computer Science exam can benefit from Noble’s live online computer science NextGen Bootcamps. These summer classes offer an ideal way to learn disciplines like web development, Python programming, or data science in a beginner-friendly environment.