Straighterline NEW(ish) IT courses?

[MNomadic]

I didn't see it mentioned on the forums before but it appears SL added several new technology related courses that are now ACE recommended and changed their programming course to allow the student to select C++, Java, or Python(also, it's only worth 3 credits now instead of 4).

The new courses seem to be designed around IT industry certifications: CompTIA A+ and Network+, MTA Networking Fundamentals, Database Fundamentals, and Software Development Fundamentals. I believe these courses were launched around the same time WGU Academy was launched, so it makes sense that straighterline would offer these to more people than just prospective WGU students using the WGU Academy. 


http://www2.acenet.edu/credit/?fuseactio...CE=1006628

https://www.straighterline.com/online-co...echnology/

[ss20ts]

I looked at them last night. I am debating between these and SDC. So many decisions!

[MNomadic]

BTW, the course names listed on Straighterline appear a little different than than the ones listed on ACE so before buying any SL courses I'd confirm with them that they're the same as the ACE approved courses.
Example:
SL listing: CompTIA A+ Certification Training
Course Content from McGraw Hill
Course Number: COMPTIA_A+

ACE listing: Introduction to Personal Computer Maintenance (IT 150)

Credit Type: Course
ACE Course Number: 0103
Organization: StraighterLine

Comparing the description of the courses leads me to believe they are the same course but again, I recommend that you verify with SL that your course is worth ACE credit before purchasing.

[ss20ts]

BTW, the course names listed on Straighterline appear a little different than than the ones listed on ACE so before buying any SL courses I'd confirm with them that they're the same as the ACE approved courses.
Example:
SL listing: CompTIA A+ Certification Training
Course Content from McGraw Hill
Course Number: COMPTIA_A+

ACE listing: Introduction to Personal Computer Maintenance (IT 150)

Credit Type: Course
ACE Course Number: 0103
Organization: StraighterLine

Comparing the description of the courses leads me to believe they are the same course but again, I recommend that you verify with SL that your course is worth ACE credit before purchasing.

Not an issue for me. I'm looking at them for transfer credit and to learn the languages. I'm not worrying about the certifications.

[dfrecore]

These have been available since 2019. And some are only 2cr, so be aware of that.

If you go through WGU Academy, it's actually going to be cheaper - it's $150/mo, and includes the vouchers for the exams - so if you do the A+ course, you get both A+ exams for free, worth about $450 I think. If you go through SL, they give you a discount on the exam, but it's not free.

I'm also not certain that this is the best way to learn programming (not saying it's not, just saying it may not be). At SL, you're paying by time, so it can add up. You may be better off buying a course or even finding a free one, so that you have the time to learn it.