Wayward child with varying computer knowledge, what should I do?

[TheVrolok]

Ok.. since the people of AT are some of the best computer users/techs I could find I wanted to ask this. I've got a bit of background in many areas of computing.. from hardware(building my own systems, and then of course everything I've read here), software(basics in C++,VB,Java,JavaScript,VBScript, more advanced in HTML, etc.), and also familiar with various programs/OSes/games/etc.... Now with my high school years dwindling down I'm not quite sure what to do. I'm still a sophomore but I feel I should really start picking a more specific path. Any suggestions? I guess I could just start going a little bit more hardcore with the coding and actually take some classes and finish the books I've started but in my school the programming classes are a joke, the kids are dumb and just browse the net all period. Should I look for classes at a local college? I realize this post may be a bit too broad and may not make too much sense but anyone have any suggestions for me?

 

[RGN]

Even at the local college the kids are dumb. Usually they are the same kids... And the teachers arn't always qualified to teach the course even though they are...

Bottom line: You will need to make the decision and take the initiative to learn and excel in the Tech industry. The school and the teachers won't do it for you.

 

[BlueScreenVW]

IMNSHO, once you get over the first "threshold" on the learning curve, there's usually not too much to gain from plain programming classes. I'd suggest (but only based on my very personal opinion) you try to get in some class/project where you actually use your programming skills. This way you learn to plan, structure and actually finish your work - much more important than just learning a lot of programming languages/syntaxes.