| | Mark Hayes | I two took Metis' online courses:
1. Python/Math for Data Science
2. Intro to Data Science
I thought both were very good and definitely worth the money. I was a complete programming beginner but had done some pre-work using Zed Shaw's "Learn Python the Hard Way" and I had taken one intro Python/Data Science class at Simplilearn (very good too).
Class #1 above was the first Metis class I took. Without my preparation I would have been lost, but the prep I did allowed me to keep up with the programming part of the class. The math I fortunately already knew, but it would have been confusing had I not known it. [If you don't know it, then use the class as a menu for what you need to know eventually]. Interaction with the instructor took place via chat window, but he was responsive to Q&A. The course materials (Jupyter Notebooks) were very through and detailed & I've reviewed and re-reviewed afterward and continue to get value from them.
Class #2 built on Class #1 but got more into techniques of statistical modelling. In this class, we spoke with the instructor (not just chat box), which was very very valuable given the subject matter. I thought the course material (again Jupyter Notebooks) was well structured and clearly showed how to run the models using Python code. The instructor was fantastic, even agreeing to have "office hours" before class and hanging out after class for extra Q&A. Way beyond the call of duty, but it replicated a bit the university environment.
In general, I'd highly recommend either course (and I paid myself, no corporate reimbursement). If -- like me -- you are a total beginner, then do some learning on your own before enrolling. It will be very hard to keep up if you go in cold. They cover a lot of material and go fast. But if you're willing to really try and work hard to learn, I bet you'll find good value and a lot of insight to help you on your path. I did. |
