Finding a tutor for front-end coding.

January 17, 2013 10:58 AM

After a more than 10 year long hiatus spent in the business side of technology, I'm looking to get my hands dirty again. I'd like to find a tutor.

I used to be fairly competent in HTML/CSS/JS but I'm finding it hard to *really* get back in the saddle again. I am reading books and taking tutorials about HTML5, CSS3 and JS frameworks like Backbone, but I find myself a bit overwhelmed by trying to learn too many things at the same time and also a bit directionless.

Then I remembered seeing or reading about young coders earning some extra cash tutoring high school kids, and I thought that's kind of what I need: structured environment, project-based learning, one-on-one interaction - even though I am far from being a high school kid (my wife may disagree at times).

I would say that right now I am at advanced beginner level, trying to move back into intermediary. Can a good tutor help me with that? How can I find one? What are the hourly rates I should expect to pay?

posted by gertzedek to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

My first thought would be to find out who teaches those classes at your local college. Then contact them and see if they would be interested in taking you on, or if they know someone who would.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:33 PM on January 17, 2013

Best answer: IMO the best way to learn programming is to find a project that you want to do, and learn what you need to in order to finish the project. That provides you the direction you're missing. If there's something out there that seems exciting to you, look for a project where you'd need it.

Trying to learn "everything" isn't going to work. There's too much. Also, you'll end up chasing fads or inessentials. (I seriously doubt learning Backbone makes sense for someone trying to get back in the game.)

(I do recommend working with JQuery, as long as you have javascript basics down. It is practically a standard at this point.)

SuperSquirrel's idea is not bad as a route to finding a tutor. I took several CC classes when I was younger trying to improve my skills, and I was usually disappointed in the class. But getting the instructor to 1-on-1 might work.

You can also try Craigslist. I often see ads from people seeking tutors on CL. I regard Craigslist as something like the online version of Mos Eisely, so have your wits about you if you go that route.

I would expect an experienced tutor to cost >= $50/hour. If you are happy with a college kid who's doing it on a lark, you might get quite a bit cheaper.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more. I could have gone on. :)
posted by mattu at 8:58 AM on January 18, 2013 [1 favorite]