A Java work group

FYI-- This is not a job posting , but more of a learning group.
EDIT: This is not a paid service, and more of an initiative to facilitate learning.
Also , I dont know if im posting in the wrong place, if so please put it in the right place.

Hi Friends,
Im relatively new to the field of programming and have just started out in Java /Web programming , I was having an idea of setting up a Java Work group where , newbies could come together and work on projects / learn together (personally I feel learning in a group is a much better idea , especially programming. the stalwarts may correct me if im mistaken).Also, experienced people with some spare time are welcome too , so that they could help solving problems and ease the learning curve for us newbies ! I plan to use Skype as a medium of interaction . Further details can be discussed and implemented as the group grows! Anyone interested please PM me your skype id and experience . Thanks

Any discussions on this idea are also welcome!

Hi Folks,
With reference to the idea of the Java workgroup and the queries that you may have.
I would like to concentrate more on web technologies scaling from the basic JSP , Servlets etc. Also as a good knowledge of Core Java is necessary to implement any Java Based technology I would be interested in that as well .
As for the work(My idea) -- we could help each other with the assignments that we already handle be it at work / school or any other place for that matter . Also I was thinking of holding discussions based on free course ware issued by universities such as Stanford's engineering everywhere .

P.S The idea for the group is very nascent in nature , any supporting ideas are welcome

ok- 1 idea. A java quiz website. Questions can be taken from the doubts that people ask here - one might not find some of these questions even in the best books !
example
This website will allow users to register accounts and take java quizzes. Their account details and performance can be stored in a database.

Will teach us : jsp, servlet , html , database , hosting the website...anything else ?

some issues : How to proceed ? how to inform others ? how many are willing to join ? guidance/mentors ?

Good luck.

Sorry for the delay guys!
yes thats a great example
As far as teaching content goes , I guess we'd primarily be focusing on Core Java and J2EE (basics) progressing to frameworks subject to availability of mentors or teachers.

As far as informing others goes, I guess that has to primarily happen on this site or some other forum(IMO:. haven't found a better or more active one yet!)

As far as participation is concerned , as we arent looking at anything thats paid . I guess it would have to be voluntary . For newcomers , it would be a golden opportunity to learn and for experienced folk , it could end up being a platform for them to hone their skills amongst other things only limited by one's own imagination.

Looking forward to hearing opinions of fellow Ranchers

It sounds as though you are going to dilute the learning you would have had here; by forming a small group you will isolate yourselves from the wealth of experience here on the Ranch. Remember how often the original poster thinks they have a complete answer to their query, until somebody experienced finds something nobody had thought of.

Campbell Ritchie wrote:It sounds as though you are going to dilute the learning you would have had here; by forming a small group you will isolate yourselves from the wealth of experience here on the Ranch. Remember how often the original poster thinks they have a complete answer to their query, until somebody experienced finds something nobody had thought of.

Hi Ritchie ,
Thank you for posting .
My intention of forming this group is quite contrary to what you fear.I don't intend to use the group as a be all and all solution isolating itself from the Ranch . I was only thinking of it as an avenue where interested people could join to maybe learn together . Only thinking that maybe some form of group learning could help those of us having problems handling the learning curve alone. I intend it to be a place for newbies to learn together or ask another experienced person (if he/she is interested to participate ) and probably guide them.I reiterate, I dont intend this to be an exclusive solution point , but only an aid for those wishing to learn and for those willing to help

My offer to code opensource chess server like chess.com

Welcome to the Ranch

Audrius Mo.

I do agree with Ritchie on this form of separatism that seems be suggested.

As for the 'school' platform, aside from this awesome forum, there is already BlackBeltFactory where you can test your knowledge and/or contribute to the system. Well worth to check it out.

Cheers,
Wim

I have never used Black Belt myself, but have heard good things about it, so that is a good suggestion, thank you.