A little while back, I wrote about some of the mainstream MOOCs that we have today.  However, in hindsight, I realized that I forgot one very useful elearning platform and service provider that serves a rather specific industry – Codecademy.  In sentence, Codecademy provides amateurs the opportunity to take free courses on various programming languages.  To date, the courses offered by CodeAcademy include:

• Web Fundamentals:  How to build websites, CSS, and HTML
• JQuery: Interactive websites, web animations, manipulate HTML and CSS
• Javascript: Programming basics, develop JS apps, build games
• Projects: Combine HTML/CSS/JS, build web apps, share projects
• Pynthon: Programming basics, all-purpose language, dynamic programming
• Ruby: Ruby related fundamentals, syntax, rapid prototyping
• PHP: Server side scripting, web development, dynamic web pages
• APIs: Pull in outside data, send messages, more powerful apps

As you can see, Codecademy, will give you a good introduction to some of the world’s most popular programming languages. The real value of their service are in their interactive coding exercises so that you can practice what you learn.  Each course has various modules, and the modules have a handful of exercises.  In addition, each course has a forum for you to ask questions and interact with others.

I personally think it is a great way to introduce yourself to programming without paying big dollars for books or courses. In fact, you don’t even need to create an account to get started (but without an account you can’t collect badges) – just show up at the site and begin going through the lessons and practicing the language.  And hey, if you are experienced in these programming languages, then consider teaching your own course on Codecademy!