A Response to NoriMaki’s Critique: Hack Reactor’s Plans and Challenges

Welcome to our response to the recent critique from NoriMaki regarding Hack Reactor’s program. NoriMaki made some valid points while also making a few disingenuous ones.

The Class Size Problem

One of the major points made by NoriMaki is that the class size is too big. In our early marketing videos, one of our cofounders did mention the importance of the classroom environment. Indeed, dividing one lecturer’s attention among 80 students can be challenging. However, decreasing class size would significantly impact the profitability of the company.

Another option could be to have more lecturers and run the two floors completely separately. While this is an expensive solution, it may not be feasible given current market conditions. We can expect to implement a compromise rather than a full-scale change.

Two-Day Sprints Are Rushed

NoriMaki also points out that the two-day sprints are rushed. While we agree that the lynchpin of learning by sprinting is productivity, it’s important to note that the support provided during these sprints can be inconsistent. The recent graduates who provide assistance haven’t yet gained sufficient expertise.

To address this, we need to find more qualified individuals to answer student questions. However, recruiting skilled professionals is challenging in the current market. Therefore, we expect that the status quo will continue.

Video Lectures: A Dumb Idea

NoriMaki criticizes the use of video lectures, which were widely disapproved by our students. We fully acknowledge that video lectures can be less effective than in-person instruction. Our aim is to provide a better learning experience, and hence, we are working on enhancing our educational materials.

The Argument About One Language

Another point made by NoriMaki is that only one language is taught, which he deems as a weak point. We advertise ourselves as a JavaScript school, but we also encourage students to explore other languages on their own. This is reflected on our website, and we did not mislead NoriMaki. Nonetheless, it's a fair criticism that can be considered in future iterations of our curriculum.

Slow Internet and Computer Performance

Regarding the internet speed and computer performance, we understand that these can be frustrating. While we do our best to maintain a stable connection, the environment shared by hundreds of students can be challenging. For the computers, the limitations are inherent to the setup, as we provide basic tools for text file editing and browsing, not supercomputers. We are exploring ways to mitigate these issues.

Support in Finding a Job

Finally, NoriMaki questions the effectiveness of our job search support. We believe that we do an excellent job at helping graduates find employment. While our placement rates might vary, our approach to job searching is unparalleled. We recognize the importance of continuous improvement and are actively working on refining our methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hack Reactor will respond to NoriMaki’s criticisms with a mixture of continued improvements and pragmatic compromises. We acknowledge the valid points but also believe in the potential of our program. We are committed to addressing these concerns and providing a better experience for our students.

Key Takeaways

Class size and lecture effectiveness are critical issues that impact profitability. Two-day sprints may be rushed due to limited support from recent graduates. Video lectures can be improved to better meet students' needs. Job search support from Hack Reactor is robust and effective. Continuous improvements are being made to address existing issues.

Thank you for considering our response. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent education and support to our students.