Introduction to Coding Blocks' Online Android Development Course
Android software development is the process by which new applications are created for devices running the Android operating system. One popular platform for Android app development is Andromo, which helps users achieve significant milestones in app creation. This article delves into a critical review of the online Android development course offered by Coding Blocks. This review will analyze the quality of the course content, delivery, and overall value for students.
Quality of Content and Course Structure
The course aims to equip students with the necessary skills to develop Android applications. The primary concern is the quality and depth of the content being taught. In the Machine Learning (ML) module, students were promised four classes per week, with the course wrapping up by 17th July. However, the course schedule was unprofessionally altered, resulting in a reduced number of classes and an extended completion period. This change disrupted student schedules and led to frustration.
In contrast, the Java module saw a different issue with the course structure. The students were supposed to have four classes per week, but the weekly schedule ballooned to six or seven classes. In one instance, while teaching hashmaps, the instructor stated she would not cover the topic in class as it was already explained in online videos. This raises questions about the redundancy and effectiveness of the online component versus live classes.
Comparison with Other Platforms
The review also touches on the pricing and accessibility of alternatives. For instance, GeeksforGeeks offers a course for around 8000 INR, which is considerably less than the 20,000 INR charged by Coding Blocks. However, the value proposition is a key consideration. The founders of Coding Blocks, who co-founded Nagarro and offer freshers a starting salary of 35,000 INR, charge such a high fee for a course that spans just 21 classes. This disparity is seen as unethical and questionable for the impact on society. The motive of education seems to be profit-driven rather than providing quality education.
Student Feedback and Suspension of Reviews by Teaching Assistants
Considering the reviews on Coding Blocks' course, the majority of reviews (90%) are from students and Teaching Assistants (TAs) paid to leave positive feedback. This suggests a lack of authentic feedback and potential conflicts of interest. One of the students, who started ML and Java courses with their cousin, ended up dropping out of the course due to dissatisfaction with the course content and delivery.
Critique of the Business Model
As a critical review, this article questions the business model and the value proposition of Coding Blocks. The founders have a strong background, working in prestigious companies such as Amazon and Facebook, but the charging practices seem out of touch with the actual worthiness of the service. This raises ethical concerns about the impact on students and the broader society. For those who can afford it, Coding Blocks might be a viable option, but for many, there are more economical yet equally effective alternatives available.
In conclusion, while Coding Blocks offers a structured course on Android development, the quality of education, pricing, and the authenticity of student reviews are all factors to consider when choosing an online course provider.