The point of departure for the idea of Proftrack was that there are different ways to learn these days. One can choose his/her own way and pace of learning through a mix and match of online, offline, formal and informal options to find a perfect blend of learning. Take learning JavaScript from Berlin as an example. Where and how can a learner interested in JavaScript learn it in/from Berlin? 

Books

Even though we are talking about technology, a good book remains a good reliable way to learn for many. For JavaScript, there is a classical book Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke and also the recently published (after a successful Kickstarter campaign) You Don’t Know JS book series by Kyle Simpson.

Online

For any IT competence, online learning and MOOCs are obvious choices. But even then there are different formats to choose from. Beginners can start with tutorials, e.g. a classic Crockford on JavaScript video tutorial. Then there are proper courses arranged by levels, e.g. JavaScript learning path from Pluralsight, JavaScript learning path by CodeSchool, JavaScript track from Codecademy or one from ALISON. Dash by General Assembly places more focus on hands-on programming.

Meet-ups and Conferences 

The best part of modern learning is the ability to mix different styles of learning. For JavaScript, yes there are online courses, but Berlin also offers decent choices of informal learning events. And the good thing is most of them they are for free. OpenTechSchool regularly organizes learning events. For those interested in JavaScript, the Web Frontend Co-Learning series would be a good place to learn. OpenTechSchool events are especially useful for absolute beginners and developers with some level of programing experience. At these events, if you are stuck, there are real developers around you can easily ask for some help.

For experienced coders interested to advance their skills, there is Berlin.JS JavaScript User Group hosting regular events. And of course Berlin is a city where the JSConf EU conference is happening and where serious players of the JavaScript community gravitate. JSConf EU 2015 will be on September 25-27 this year.

So far we have found that a learner aspiring to master JavaScript can mix online courses with a variety of meet-ups to connect with fellow developers. We did some digging around but could not find formal classroom courses or commercial training programmes in Berlin. If you know some, let us know (either here in the comments, on facebook or to Volodja directly).

Feel free to leave your reviews on the courses, programmes and meet-ups on JavaScript mentioned in this post. Proftrack is meant exactly for this – for learners to share their opinion on different learning experiences. Connecting people for learning – in this case for learning JavaScript.