Software certifications aren’t new, but a few things never quite sat right with us. Certifications are usually expensive and can feel unapproachable. Even the word “certification” feels a bit stuffy. When designing a way for passionate Coda makers to invest in themselves - the Coda Doctorate - we wanted to make sure our program met the following criteria:
Free of charge to anyone interested in participating
Fits into anyone’s schedule
Centers on community and creativity
Offers a lite and a deep dive option to meet different learning needs
The Coda Doctorate program supports makers in growing their skills in community and through direct application of skills.
How does the Coda Doctorate work?
Not everyone has the same learning goals so we’ve divided the Doctorate program into two modules. By completing these two modules, you can officially call yourself a Coda Doctorate graduate. If you’ve watched all of the videos in our Coda Essentials series and are ready to go deeper, you’re ready to join the program.
A certification is great, but community is better. Built on a cohort model, participants connect and support each other during and after the program. We also celebrate our graduates with a special published doc to raise awareness about (and show off) their skills. We all get better when we work together and share our special skills and insights. Hope to see you there!
Module 1 (2 weeks)
Think of this as Coda 201.
Instead of a formal application, your journey begins with the first module - a quick deep dive into the core skills that give any maker the foundation they’ll need to build great docs. In this two week program, we’ll dig into how to think about Coda to build effective, engaging, hard-working docs. During Module 1, we’ll build the foundational mental models for powerful doc building and troubleshooting to ensure you’ll be proud of every doc you build. Rather than simply learning the recipes, we’ll teach you how to think about doc “ingredients” to help you be a more flexible and fast problem solver with docs.
Week 1 - Doc archetypes
We begin the program with a deep-dive into the three common doc archetypes so you can build quickly and efficiently.
We close the week with an overview of the power of databases and how to shift your thinking from traditional spreadsheet programs to unlock your superpowers.
Week 2 - Formulas
The Coda formula language is one of the most powerful features available to you, but where to begin? This week focuses on how to think about formulas, troubleshoot when things go wrong, and an overview of the five formulas you’ll need to be successful right away.
Once you complete Module 1, you’ll be eligible to attend Module 2.
Module 2 (5 weeks)
Think of this as Coda 301.
After you complete Module 1, you’ll be able to join second module in the learning journey. We’ve reimagined the process of building a doc, using app design principles to uncover the potential to be skilled Coda makers. During the module, you will work on a capstone project from start to finish. Each week, you’ll add new your maker skills to your tool-belt. In addition to learning how to build, each week, you’ll receive formula exercises and templates to expand your tool set.
Week 1 - Identify the problem
A great Coda doc starts with a clear understanding of what the problem you want to solve is. In this week, we’ll explore the beginnings of design and the tools available to you including packs, mobile, and automations.
Week 2 - Database design
The best Coda docs are intentionally designed from the ground up. This week, we focus on organizing your data to keep your docs optimized and streamlined.
Week 3 - Interface design
This week is a deep dive into user interface design principles to ensure every doc you build is pleasing to look at and delightful to use.
Week 4 - Build your business on Coda
Here at Coda, we want our makers to be successful. This week focuses on your long term success. If you’re an individual, we review monetization. If you’re a business owner or work for a company, we’ll focus on building your second team doc and the doc ecosystem.
Week 5 - Publishing and promotion
The program closes with a flex of our creativity: a doc built for the Gallery with special support from Coda’s social team.