SharePoint Framework reaches general availability!

Hi Kathleen Lynch

So it's definitely not an apples to apples with that class. At this point the SharePoint Framework really covers the development pattern for building webparts for both Modern & Classic Style pages. It doesn't currently cover the majority of requirements for branding a SharePoint site. 

There's a good article which covers the current gap of customizations that are possible with modern sites/pages. Basically it's most of the content of the course that you have outlined.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/pnp_articles/modern-experience-customizations-customize-sites

If you have requirements now to brand your environment (maybe Intranet homepage, etc.) then I would recommend you still consider taking that course. There's also other elements such as creating Display Templates which at this point do not have a replacement.

There is a chance at the upcoming SharePoint Virtual Summit that new features might be available - maybe they will enable some customization options but it depends if your business can really wait for that or not. 

I would also say of the elements listed - these are likely useful to you no matter what changes are made to how we can customize SharePoint:

• » Understand Cascading Style Sheets
• » How SharePoint server uses CSS
• » Using CSS in SharePoint
• » Explain Web Content Management
• » Utilize Web Parts for Content Rollups
• » Create Display Templates