Jigsaw Academy's PG Diploma: A Critical Analysis
When evaluating a postgraduate diploma from Jigsaw Academy in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education, it's essential to consider various factors, including the reputation of the faculty, the relevance of the course content, the practicality and effectiveness of the learning process, and the industry acceptance of the certificate. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective based on recent experiences and insights that might help potential students make informed decisions.
Introduction to Jigsaw Academy and Manipal
Jigsaw Academy and Manipal Academy of Higher Education are two reputable names in the field of education. Jigsaw Academy is known for its industry collaborations to provide students with a practical learning experience, while Manipal Academy of Higher Education is recognized for its academic rigor and industry partnerships. Their collaboration should, in theory, provide a robust postgraduate diploma program.
Experience with Jigsaw Academy's Full Stack Data Science Online Course
Recently, I enrolled in Jigsaw Academy's full stack data science online course, and unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing. The promise of industry expert faculty with 15-20 years of experience was not fulfilled. Instead, the course was led by in-house trainers who were mainly proficient in reading PowerPoint presentations verbatim. This approach to teaching lacks the hands-on and interactive nature that is crucial for a data science course, especially one that promises to offer a comprehensive education.
Course Content and Relevance
The course content was below standard and outdated. Many modern tools and techniques in data science have emerged since the course materials were last updated. As a result, the information presented was no longer relevant to current industry practices. This is a significant drawback for a course purportedly designed to prepare students for the job market, as it leaves graduates less equipped to meet the current demand and standards in the industry.
Practical Learning and Batch Size
Another critical aspect of online learning is the interaction between students and instructors. In a large batch size setting, individual questions often go unanswered or receive cursory attention. This environment can hinder the learning process, as students may not receive the detailed guidance they need to fully grasp complex concepts.
My experience aligns with this concern. Larger class sizes meant that my questions and queries often went unaddressed, which slowed down the learning pace and diminished the overall value of the course.
Jigsaw Academy’s Certificate and Industry Value
A major point of concern is the perceived value of Jigsaw Academy's certificate in the job market. Originally, I joined the course hoping for a recognized certificate that would significantly enhance my employability. However, my recent research has revealed that Jigsaw Academy's certificate does not hold as much weight as certificates from other institutions recognized by major employers. This lack of industry acknowledgment could be a significant risk for anyone seeking to take this course without thorough consideration of their future career prospects.
Conclusion and Recommendations
After a detailed evaluation, it becomes apparent that Jigsaw Academy's PG diploma program, at least in its current form, does not meet the expectations set by the institution's reputation and promises. The inadequacy of the teaching faculty, outdated and irrelevant course content, and the bulkiness of the batch size all contribute to a subpar learning experience.
I strongly suggest potential applicants to research other courses available in the market. By exploring multiple options, one can find a program that meets higher standards in terms of instruction, content, practicality, and industry relevance. Investing in a high-quality education through a well-regarded institution is crucial for a successful career in the dynamic field of data science.