Agile Appetizer, Season 1

Note: Season 1 will be led (http://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Ross-Led-Zeppelin-Is-Innocent-1200x630-1460642729.jpg) by Gene Babon, Chief Percolator.

Boston PHP is delighted to introduce a new virtual self-study group, Agile Appetizer. The objective of the group is to learn about agile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development) methodologies and the scrum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrum_(software_development)) framework. Season 1 will be organized around the following book: Scrum: Novice to Ninja (http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780994346919.do).

https://covers.oreillystatic.com/images/9780994346919/cat.gif

Ten chapters ... Ten weeks ... Summer school.

Why this topic? Because agile (#3 (http://beantownweb.blogspot.com/2016/05/boston-web-tech-job-market-q2-2016.html)) and scrum (#16 (http://beantownweb.blogspot.com/2016/05/boston-web-tech-job-market-q2-2016.html)) are mentioned more frequently in web developer job descriptions than either MySQL (#21) (http://beantownweb.blogspot.com/2016/05/boston-web-tech-job-market-q2-2016.html) or PHP (#24) (http://beantownweb.blogspot.com/2016/05/boston-web-tech-job-market-q2-2016.html).

Knowing about agile and scrum is valuable to your career growth and future job prospects.

This virtual self-study group is designed to be a complementary educational opportunity coinciding with A Quick Introduction to Agile Management (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/events/231050514/) on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Attendance at this in-person Meetup is NOT required to participant in this virtual self-study group.

What is a Virtual Self-Study Group?

The format of a virtual self-study group is as follows:

• Each participant obtains a copy of the same textbook: Scrum: Novice to Ninja (http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780994346919.do). Details on a discount from O'Reilly Media forthcoming.

• Each participant commits to read one chapter per week, complete the exercises and post links to your completed work.

• Each participant obtains assistance by posting questions to a discussion area set up on the Boston PHP Message Board (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/50002820) for each chapter. Each participant will receive personal feedback, as well as, a weekly group e-mail update.

• Each participant who completes the book is recognized on the Self-Study Group | Wall of Accomplishment (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/21414292).

Notes: There is no classroom instruction. There are no webcasts. There are no scheduled appointments of any kind.

Once you have access to the book, you simply proceed at a pace that best fits into your current work/life schedule. You DO NOT need to live in the Boston area to participate. Invite your friends, family members and co-workers to join in the fun!

How do I get started?

• Become a member of Boston PHP if you are not already a member. Simply click: Join us!

• Register for Agile Appetizer, Season 1 (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/events/231368071/). Simply RSVP: Yes

• Obtain a copy of the book (the only program cost). Simply visit O'Reilly Media and order Scrum: Novice to Ninja (http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780994346919.do) in one of two formats: print (40% off) or ebook (50% off). Use discount code: PCBW

http://www.oreilly.com/partner_file/125x125.gif

When your book arrives, start your virtual learning by reading one chapter at a time, completing the exercises and posting a link to your completed work.

FAQs:

Q: How long will the course last?

A: We will cover 10 chapters in the book starting Sunday, August 7 and ending Saturday, October 15. Refer to the Agile Appetizer, Season 1 -- Master Discussion List (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/50002820) for specific dates.

Q: Do I have to wait until Sunday, August 7 to begin?

A: No need to wait! Feel free to begin as soon as you obtain a copy of your book. Simply post a message on the Introduce Yourself: Agile Appetizer, Season 1 (https://www.meetup.com/bostonphp/messages/boards/thread/50005267) message board once you receive your book so that we can gauge participation. Then, proceed at a pace that best fits your current work/life schedule.

Q: Do I have to live in Boston to participate?

A: Not at all. This program is virtual. We have successful graduates from many states and even have graduates from countries in Europe and Africa.

Q: What if I have additional questions?

A: Simply post a reply below and you will receive a response.

Let's get agile!

Gene Babon
Chief Percolator