Extra Java offer - sorry, no coffee here

I'm currently enrolled at a 4-year University, and my Java 2 professor today asked me and another student after class if we wanted to start using a book for a Sun Java Certification class (plus extra work) in addition to what we're currently using. He said that "we'd get no credit" for this, and that we couldn't use this as an excuse when the Java 2 assignments come due. He said that "we'd get out a period early," whatever he meant by that, I don't know, he's Hungarian and still doesn't speak English well. He made no mention of taking the certification test, so I assume that would be up to me to decide/pay for.

To be fair, he said that if our grades start to slip, that we'd be done with this extra Java. He's separated the two of us because we're the top people in the class, and he thinks the rest of the class is holding us back and wants to help improve us. He kindly gave from from 3:30 today until class on Thursday to make our decision. I told my parents about it, and they think I shouldn't agree to it. I have to take him again for at least 2 more classes before graduating.

Here's what I'm thinking: since I want to do something similar to desktop/helpdesk support for an office, not programming, would it be worth my time and effort?

I appreciate all the advice!

noahawk

 

In my opinion... no. Where programming may help you do your job as a side benefit in your focus (Analyst/support), it would make no difference if you learned it now or later or otherwise any time prior to your employment other than the extra experience. I would continue on your current course if programming is not your focus and not risk the grade slippage.

 

I was leaning towards not doing it, but I wanted some opinions of geeks with "real world" experience.

noahawk