DataCamp is an online learning platform that aims to teach people data skills and how to code.
You can learn valuable skills and coding languages such as Python and SQL, as well as how to work with AI and complete thorough data analysis.
However, knowing how to get the most out of DataCamp and use it in the most effective way isn’t always straightforward.
There is a lot of information on DataCamp and finding the best way through can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve written this article with our top 10 tips for you to know how to get the best out of Datacamp!
1. Don’t Skip The Courses
One of the main highlights of DataCamp is the Career Tracks. These are carefully curated curricula that will help you learn all you need to know about a certain data science career, such as Data Engineers, Computer Science, Data Cleaning, Data Scientists, Data Science Skills, Data Analyst, Machine Learning, or Python Data Scientist.
They consist of several linked courses and once completed, will award you a certificate.
However, don’t instantly opt for the Career Tracks and skip over the individual courses. There are many very useful courses that aren’t part of Career Tracks.
Some of the more advanced and specialized courses aren’t in any Tracks at all and they can really improve your skills.
2. Don’t Skip The Tutorials Either
DataCamp also has a deep library of tutorials that you can access. These are all available for free as well!
The tutorials are a great way to learn a little more about a subject in a way that is easy to access whenever you need it.
They don’t have any exercises included but are divided into useful headings so you can quickly find the information and examples you need.
Tutorials are divided into common sections such as Python, R Programming, and AI, and can help supplement your learning.
3. Check The Prerequisites
Before you decide to take a course, check out the Prerequisites. Most courses have a Prerequisites section and this lists all of the knowledge you should already have before taking the course.
The Prerequisites will link you to other courses that will contain this knowledge.
The prerequisite courses are not mandatory but it is recommended that you take them. If you don’t know the information covered by the prerequisite courses, you may find that your chosen course is too difficult.
4. Choose The Right Career Track
We mentioned Career Tracks earlier in the list and committing to one of these is one of the best and most effective ways to learn all you need to know for a specific career in data analytics.
However, you can only enroll in one career track at a time. Although you can complete courses at random, you will only be able to complete a single Career Track and receive the certificate for one.
This means that choosing the right career track is essential. Take the time to look at all of the Career Tracks available and what they mean before you commit.
5. Apply Your Knowledge
Online learning platforms are a great way to learn data science and new skills. They’re often more convenient than traditional styles of learning as you can study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
One way that online learning can struggle, however, is when it comes to applying knowledge. It’s very easy to passively absorb information from a screen but this will not benefit you in the long run.
Make sure that you complete the exercises offered by DataCamp, take notes, get involved as the data analysts and community, and do whatever else you can apply your knowledge.
6. Complete The Projects
DataCamp offers guided Data science projects for learners to complete. You will find these between the various courses that make up your chosen Career Track.
Completing them isn’t mandatory, but we highly recommend that you complete every project that DataCamp offers.
There are even additional projects you can do that are found under the Projects tab and we recommend doing those, too!
These are one of the easiest ways to apply your knowledge.
They will also let you get a glimpse at what life in your chosen career will be like. Take the time to complete these projects and see how your learning is progressing.
7. Answer the Multiple-Choice Questions
DataCamp has many multiple-choice questions that learners can answer.
No matter what course you’re studying, there are likely to be multiple-choice questions based on the information in that course.
These questions are quick and simple to answer and won’t take too much time out of your day to complete.
They can greatly help you to retain information, however. It’s easy to forget details that you studied days, weeks, or even months ago but answering the multiple-choice questions is a great way to keep your memory refreshed.
Before you answer the questions, you will be given a few flashcards to review the information in the course they’re related to.
When you answer the questions correctly, you will be awarded XP. You can retake the multiple-choice questions as many times as you want to.
They’re also available on the DataCamp app (more on that later)
8. Try The Assessments
Another way to check your progress is to try the assessments offered by DataCamp.
Assessments are one of the most reliable trackers of performance and how much information you’re retaining so make sure that you take advantage of these as much as possible.
You should take assessments regularly so you can compare your scores and see your progress. They can also help you to identify areas where you may need extra support or study.
Getting used to doing assessments may also help when you start applying for a data science job and data science program.
It’s not unusual for employers to ask applicants to complete assessments to assess their skills and completing these assessments will give you experience.
The assessments on DataCamp are adaptive and they scale up as you progress through courses and learn more skills. This means you never need to worry about them becoming too easy.
They will always be worth your time.
9. Download The DataCamp App
Did you know that DataCamp has an app? This is available for both iOS and Android and we highly recommend downloading it.
Many of the DataCamp courses and Career Tracks are available on the app so you can study on the go. The app also has daily coding challenges that should only take a few minutes to complete.
You can also complete the multiple-choice questions we mentioned earlier in the app.
10. Have Fun!
Finally, you should try and have fun and enjoy your time with DataCamp. You’re using DataCamp to learn valuable skills that can help you in your future career and this shouldn’t be a boring trial.
You want to enjoy your work and the first step is to enjoy your studies!
Final Thoughts
In this article, we listed our top 10 tips for using DataCamp the right way.
We introduced some features that are often overlooked by DataCamp members but are essential for ensuring you get the most out of the online platform.