Generally speaking, IT isn't considered hard to learn, but this will depend on factors like the depth of study and your prior experience. And, even for those well equipped, there are some challenges you will encounter. Subjects like calculus, linear biology, and algorithms may prove difficult for those who struggle with math, but there are additional challenges even for the mathematically-inclined. This article will address the most common challenges you may encounter while learning IT and how best to handle them. It’s important to remember, though, that no matter what challenges you may encounter, learning IT is achievable for most anyone if you are dedicated.
What is Hard about Learning IT?
There are a few things about learning IT that can be challenging, thanks to the variety of subjects contained within information technology. Topics like algorithms, data structures, and computational theory may be tough to grasp. Some of the most difficult courses in computer science engineering include theory of computation, artificial intelligence, advanced database systems, compiler design, and computer architecture.
If you struggle with math, you may find things like discrete math, calculus, and linear algebra challenging. Furthermore, IT specializations like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence add another layer of complexity. Both of these specializations and, in fact, every form of IT involves constant and rapid change. Evolution is the name of the game when it comes to computer technology. Being adaptable and passionate about ongoing learning will be key, so if you struggle with these two things, mastering IT will be challenging.
Much like learning a language, the best way to overcome these difficulties is through dedicated and consistent practice and an understanding that these are skills one builds up over time. So, while these obstacles may seem intense, if you're motivated and put in enough time, you can learn and master any concept.
How Can I Make Learning IT Easier?
Choosing the right learning method for you is one important way to make learning IT easier. There are several methods to consider and each come with their own pros and cons. When choosing a method that’s best for you, you’ll also want to consider how quickly you want to learn and if a full-time or part-time class is better for you (should you choose to attend a structured course).
Full-time classes and part-time classes may differ in how comprehensive they are as well. Some part-time classes, in order to save on time, may not cover as many topics as a full-time course. Plus, a full-time course offers a more immersive experience, as you’ll spend less time being pulled away from your studies to deal with other work or life responsibilities.
From there, you’ll want to consider if a live or on-demand format is best. Live courses, whether held online or in-person have scheduled class times where you learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework. These classes are ideal for students that thrive in a structured learning environment and benefit from the accountability that a live class requires.
Also known as self-paced, on-demand classes offer the most flexibility of any class option; not only can you learn from wherever you want, you can also learn whenever you want. There are no due dates or scheduled class times, so you can take your time on challenging topics or skip over ones you’ve already mastered. These classes are ideal for learners with complicated schedules who need to squeeze their studying in around their work and other obligations. You’ll need to be an independent and self-motivated student to succeed in an on-demand class. It’s very easy to lose momentum or fall behind when you don’t have any outside accountability, so these courses tend to take longer than a structured live course.
With all that in mind, below are some questions you should ask yourself when considering the options described below in this article:
- Are you between jobs or able to take vacation time to complete a full-time training course?
- Are you only free in the evenings and need a class that can accommodate your schedule?
- How quickly do you need to master IT?
- How immersive do you want your program to be?
Best Ways to Learn IT Without Difficulty
Live IT courses are an ideal learning method for those entirely new to the field. Live online classes are great for those who prefer a solitary learning environment with minimal distractions. They allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose), providing more flexibility. Additionally, if you live in an area with limited (or no) in-person options, online classes open up more opportunities for you.
Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate prepares you for entry-level data science and Python engineering roles. You’ll learn how to manipulate databases and perform data analysis, read and write complex database queries, prepare and clean data for analysis, and use Python to automate everyday tasks such as aggregating, updating, and formatting data. This course also covers how to clean and balance your data with Pandas, apply machine learning algorithms with the scikit-learn library to solve real-world problems, and analyze the results to detect areas for improvement. Finally, you’ll build and present dynamic dashboards and other data visualizations and deploy your projects online with GitHub to demonstrate your analytical abilities to employers.
Their Software Engineering Certificate is another option for aspiring IT students. Divided into front end development, React Development, and Django (Python) Development, you will learn HTML to mark up web pages and CSS for styling; the fundamentals of JavaScript and Git; and how to use Flexbox and Grid to layout, align, reorder, and adapt web page content to different size screens. You’ll then move on to the fundamental JavaScript programming concepts, including variables, data types, loops, and DOM. Plus, you’ll cover topics like React, a powerful JavaScript library for web development, and master Node.js, MongoDB, and Express.js to round out your JavaScript development skills.
By creating a portfolio of projects, preparing for common interview questions, and polishing your resume and LinkedIn profile, this course will have you ready to pursue a new job in software engineering in as little as 20 weeks (on a full-time schedule). One-on-one mentoring and a free one-year retake are included in the cost of this course. Payment plans and tuition assistance are available, and this training requires no previous experience, making it great for beginners.
Or, you could try your hand at Noble’s Python Developer Bootcamp. This three-week online course teaches Python for software development with Django, Django REST, and other developer tools like Git and SQL. You’ll start by learning the basics of Python, including its lexical syntax, then move to more advanced topics like dictionaries, custom functions, and sorting algorithms. In week two, you'll learn object-oriented programming, how to work with APIs, and get an introduction to web databases using SQL. By creating projects that can be added to your portfolio, you’ll master URL dispatchers, querying models, and automating tasks with Django, as well as how to work with images, authentication, and use API endpoints with Django REST.
It’s recommended that you are comfortable coding HTML and basic CSS. You should possess equivalent knowledge of Noble Desktop’s Web Development with HTML & CSS class, and mastery of another programming language is helpful, but not required. Payment plans and financing are available, in addition to extra perks like one-on-one mentoring, a free one-year retake, and a verified digital certificate are included with your purchase.
Their Web Development with HTML & CSS will teach you how to develop websites with HTML and CSS, the coding languages used to create web pages. Using HTML, you’ll learn how to create webpages with text, images, and more. Then you’ll use CSS to style the content, create centered page layouts, add background images, style navigation, and make the page responsive so it adapts to various screen sizes using media queries. Finally, you’ll upload files to FTP to make your site go live.
Finally, there’s Noble’s Front End Web Development Certificate. You’ll learn HTML to mark up web pages, CSS for styling, JavaScript to add interactivity and animation, and Git to track code changes and collaborate with other developers. Ideal for those new to coding, you’ll develop the skills to create responsive websites optimized for any size screen (mobile, tablet, and desktop). Additionally, you’ll learn how to use WordPress, the world's leading content management system, to create customizable websites and edit content without the need to be a programming expert.
How to Learn Coding
Master coding with hands-on training. Learning how to code in JavaScript, Python, and other popular languages can pave the way to a job in tech, such as web development, data science & analytics, or software engineering.
- Full-Stack Web Development Certificate at Noble Desktop: live, instructor-led course available in NYC or live online
- Find Coding Classes Near You: Search & compare dozens of available courses in-person
- Attend a coding class live online (remote/virtual training) from anywhere
- Find & compare the best online coding classes (on-demand) from the top providers and platforms
- Train your staff with corporate and onsite coding training