Udacity Agile Software Development Nanodegree Review
Agile software development encompasses more than just frameworks like Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Feature-Driven Development (FDD). Pair programming, test-driven development, stand-ups, planning meetings, and sprints are all examples of agile software development approaches.
The phrase “agile software development” refers to a collection of concepts and techniques based on the ideals and ideas articulated in the Manifesto for Agile Software Development and the 12 Principles that underpin it. When approaching software development in a certain way, it’s typically a good idea to live by these values and principles and utilize them to assist figure out what to do given your specific situation.
In this Nanodegree program, you will learn the principles of employing an Agile approach to software development to create solutions that provide consumers with ongoing value.
Students will be able to distinguish between Scrum, Kanban, and XP by the end of the course, develop an environment that supports high-performing teams, and manage iteration planning using Agile methods. Students will also be able to develop metrics that show project status, create release plans for Minimum Viable Products, and effectively communicate development both inside and outside of the development team.
About Udacity:
Udacity is an online company that provides a variety of online courses that cover various educational topics. It was founded by Sebastian Thrun, David Stavens, and Mike Sokolsky. Udacity was started in 2011 with accessible computer science classes at Stanford University. Udacity offers a range of courses, such as free and paid courses that require online certification, such as Nanodegree programs.
Features of Udacity Nanodegree Program :
All Of Udacity Nanodegree Program comes with some unique features that you will not get elsewhere. These Features are what make Udacity one of the best websites to enroll in an online course.
- Real-world projects from top industry experts
With real-world projects and engaging content created in collaboration with top-tier firms, you’ll master the IT skills that employers demand.
- Technical Support by mentors at Udacity
The Smart and knowledgeable mentors at Udacity will guide your learning and are always available to answer your questions, help you and keep you on track
- Career services
You’ll have access to GitHub portfolio reviews and LinkedIn profile optimization to help you develop your career and obtain a high-paying position.
- Learn with your own freedom
Create a learning plan that matches your busy schedule. Learn at your own speed and on your own timetable to achieve your specific goals.
Program offerings
Class content – Real-world projects, Project reviews, and Project feedback from experienced reviewers
Student services – Technical mentor support, Student Community
Career services – Github review, Linkedin profile optimization
Meet Your Instructors
- Hasnain Rizvi – Agile Coach
- Vincent High – Agile Delivery Lead
- Mark Ginise – Agile Engineer and Coach
Requirements for this course:
Prior experience isn’t required, but it does help if students have basic skills with computers such as managing files, surfing the web, and using third-party programs.
What you will learn in this Course – Course Breakdown
Now let’s come to the most important part of the course which is the course itself and what you get in it when you enroll in this course. This Course has a total of two sections each explaining some important topics related to the course and providing with you learning points and real-world projects at the end. Let’s take a deep dive into the sections -:
Foundations of Agile and Agile Frameworks
In this course, you will learn about The Agile Mindset in this course and how it determines whether an individual will “be” Agile rather than merely “do” Agile.
Students will discover how to use The Agile Manifesto as the basis for all Agile Frameworks, distinguish between Agile and Waterfall techniques practically, and master the characteristics of three of the more well-known Agile Frameworks used by all industries: Scrum, Kanban, and XP. Then, in order to generate enormous commercial value, students will delve deeply into Agile Teams and Governance and apply best practices from both.
For this project, Students will take on the role of an Agile consultant in this project to assist WorldVisitz in beginning its Agile journey. For executives at WorldVisitz, students will outline and advocate an Agile delivery strategy to replace their ineffective current traditional product development procedures.
Students will prepare a presentation to persuade WorldVisitz leaders of the business value and justification for adopting an Agile framework based on an assessment of the organization. In order to start the team’s Agile journey, students will also prepare an Agile onboarding presentation.
Delivering Value with Agile Planning and Prioritization
The Agile planning method is an iterative process that emphasizes providing value to the client. In this course, Students will learn about the high-level elements of agile planning, such as product vision and roadmaps, in this course. The management of requirements at the tactical level, including their gathering, drafting, and prioritization utilizing agile methods from all of the major frameworks, will also be covered in class.
Finally, students will gain knowledge of several methods for estimating work as well as how to create iteration and release plans that support the team’s continuous value delivery. Students will leave the course with the skills and tools necessary to utilize Agile Planning and Prioritization within a team or organization more effectively to produce value.
In this project, Students will design a strategy for the Centers for Disease Control to develop software that will aid in halting the spread of a fatal virus as part of this project. Students will be given a certain set of requirements to develop a plan for the client. The plan, which outlines the minimal set of features required to make the product successful and conform to business requirements for an MVP, will include a vision, roadmap, user stories, and release plan.
Progress, Communication, and Organizational Agility
Students will gain knowledge about how to distinguish between patterns to replicate and anti-patterns to avoid, guide, and direct organizational agility through the use of metrics, and communicate project progress and status through information radiators. Along with risk identification and mitigation, students will develop internal and external communication strategies that are efficient for the target audience of the pertinent stakeholder groups.
In this project, Students will gain knowledge of project planning, organization, monitoring, and information display through this project. Students will develop a Big Visual Information Radiator (BVIR) that anyone working on an Agile project can use to assess the project’s goals, the progress of the work being done, KPIs, risks, and the anticipated completion date.
The proper use of burn-up and burn-down charts, prioritizing user stories, identifying risks, and calculating velocity are just a few of the tools that students will learn how to apply. Additionally, students will learn how to speak clearly to senior management of a company about the status of a project and the appropriate key indicators.
How long will it take to finish the course?
According to the Program, the course is expected to be completed within approximately 4 months if you devote a minimum of 10 hours per week to the course. As we mentioned above, they have a self-paced learning environment, so you can attend at your discretion and at your pace.
What’s the Cost of the Course?
Now let’s talk about the cost of the course which is an important part of whether you will buy or not buy the course. In this course, Either you will pay for monthly access or you can also choose a 3-Months access plan.
If you choose the monthly pay-as-you-go option you will pay $399 per month and there is another option that you can choose which comes with exclusive discounts which is a 3 months plan that you need to pay upfront and costs you around $1197 which comes with exclusive discounts making it cheaper than the monthly plan and also recommended by Udacity.
If you pay upfront for the 3 months of access you can save up to 15% + 70% exclusive discounts which you cannot if you take the monthly plan. If you need more time after 3 months, you can switch to a monthly access plan but it will increase the overall cost of the course.
Exclusive Discounts
Udacity will give you personalized Discounts if you answer 2 questions and pay upfront rather than a pay-as-you-go plan. You will get a promo code with a 70% Discount on your course by just answering 2 simple questions.
Demand/Jobs for the Role:
Professionals in the agile and scrum communities are in high demand by Fortune 500 businesses like Dell, IBM, HP, and other top enterprises. Agile and Scrum specialists frequently earn between $107,000 and $126,000 annually.
Final Thoughts
This is overall a good course created by experts at Udacity and also the features and offers provided by Udacity make this course a very good Nanodegree program. Also, You should also check other courses which you can take right after this course as those courses are made with help of top tech companies, they are of high quality and make you more knowledgeable about your field. If you are interested in other Udacity courses, please check out all courses on our website.
The course also has easy to follow a curriculum that includes everything to build your foundation. And also every section at the end includes a real-world project that will give you practical experience and make you job-ready.
One thing you should keep an eye on is your timing, try to complete your course in the estimated time provided by the course, or else you have to pay more for extra months which will increase your overall cost of the course.
If you think that the Udacity Agile Software Development Nanodegree Program is right for you, Udacity is the perfect place for you to take the course and land your dream job.
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