Update Data Engineering Zoomcamp content with new FAQ entries, clarify self-paced learning details, and enhance course description. Remove outdated images to streamline the post.

Author: kavaivaleri

_data/faqs/data_engineering_zoomcamp.yml

@@ -4,6 +4,10 @@
     
     This data engineering course has a 9-week [curriculum](#course-curriculum) and all the materials are open and available any time on the [Data Engineering Zoomcamp GitHub repo](https://github.com/DataTalksClub/data-engineering-zoomcamp). You'll work with an industry-standard stack including Docker, Terraform, dbt, Spark, Kafka, and BigQuery and earn a [certificate](#how-does-the-data-engineering-zoomcamp-certificate-work).
 
+- question: "Is it really free?"
+  answer: |
+    Yes, the Data Engineering Zoomcamp is completely free. There are no hidden costs, no tuition fees, and no paid tiers. All course materials, videos, homework assignments, and access to the [community](#datatalksclub-community-and-support) are provided at no cost. Unlike traditional bootcamps that charge $10,000-$20,000+, this course is entirely community-driven and open source.
+
 - question: "How does the Data Engineering Zoomcamp compare to traditional data engineering bootcamps?"
   answer: |
     The Data Engineering Zoomcamp differs significantly from traditional data engineering bootcamps in several key ways.
@@ -38,15 +42,19 @@
 
 - question: "Can I take the course in self-paced mode?"
   answer: |
-    Yes! All course materials remain available after the course ends. You'll have access to the Slack community for support, where you can search previous discussions or ask @ZoomcampQABot for help. You can continue working on homework and [projects](#building-your-portfolio-with-data-engineering-projects) at your own pace, and all course materials and recordings stay accessible.
+    Yes! All course materials, videos, and recordings remain available after the cohort ends, and you can learn at your own pace. You'll have access to the Slack community for support, where you can search previous discussions or ask @ZoomcampQABot for help. However, please note that self-paced learning does not include homework submissions, project evaluations, or the ability to earn a [certificate](#how-does-the-data-engineering-zoomcamp-certificate-work). To receive a certificate, you need to join an active cohort.
+
+- question: "What if I get stuck?"
+  answer: |
+    You have multiple support channels available. Join the [DataTalks.Club Slack community](https://datatalks.club/slack.html) where you can ask questions and get help from instructors and fellow students. We also have an [FAQ repository](https://github.com/DataTalksClub/faq) with answers to common questions, a @ZoomcampQABot in Slack for quick help, and regular office hours where you can interact directly with instructors.
 
 - question: "Where is the official Data Engineering Zoomcamp GitHub repository?"
   answer: |
     The Data Engineering Zoomcamp GitHub repository is [https://github.com/DataTalksClub/data-engineering-zoomcamp](https://github.com/DataTalksClub/data-engineering-zoomcamp).
 
 - question: "Where can I find the course videos?"
   answer: |
-    The course videos are available in our official [Data Engineering Zoomcamp YouTube Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/live/-zpVha7bw5A?si=ASoCMCwIT3P9Yij4). But please refer to the [Data Engineering Zoomcamp GitHub repository](https://github.com/DataTalksClub/data-engineering-zoomcamp) for easier navigation through the course materials.
+    The course videos are available in our official [Data Engineering Zoomcamp YouTube Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3MmuxUbc_hJed7dXYoJw8DoCuVHhGEQb). But please refer to the [Data Engineering Zoomcamp GitHub repository](https://github.com/DataTalksClub/data-engineering-zoomcamp) for easier navigation through the course materials.
 
     We also maintain [year-specific playlists](https://www.youtube.com/@DataTalksClub/playlists) for office hours and updates.
 

_posts/2020-12-23-slack-communities.md

@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ Since it’s 2025, we decided to collect an updated list of active communities.
 
 ### DataTalks.Club
 
-One of the largest Slack communities dedicated to all things data, from analytics and visualization to machine learning and data engineering. Among its 78,000+ members, you'll find data scientists, ML engineers, and enthusiasts who use the space to share knowledge, ask career questions, and join in discussions. You'll find channels ranging from `#career` and `#datascience` to `#book-of-the-week`.
+One of the largest Slack communities dedicated to all things data, from analytics and visualization to machine learning and data engineering. Among its 80,000+ members, you'll find data scientists, ML engineers, and enthusiasts who use the space to share knowledge, ask career questions, and join in discussions. You'll find channels ranging from `#career` and `#datascience` to `#book-of-the-week`.
 
 [Join here](https://datatalks.club/slack.html)
 

_posts/2023-08-17-machine-learning-zoomcamp.md

@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ The course runs for 4 months and includes pre-recorded videos, live office hours
 <details>
 <summary><strong>How can I start learning?</strong></summary>
 
-You can choose between two learning paths: self-paced learning, where you can start immediately with pre-recorded materials freely available on GitHub and learn at your own pace, or joining our live cohort starting on September 15, 2025, to learn alongside peers, participate in live sessions, and earn a certificate.
+You can choose between two learning paths: self-paced learning, where you can start immediately with pre-recorded materials freely available on GitHub and learn at your own pace, or joining our live cohort starting on September 15, 2025, to learn alongside peers, participate in live sessions, submit homework and projects, and earn a certificate. Note that certificates are only available for cohort participants.
 </details>
 
 <details>
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ The only requirement for this course is prior programming experience (1+ year) a
 <details>
 <summary><strong>What's the difference between self-paced and cohort learning?</strong></summary>
 
-While all course materials are freely available for self-paced learning, joining a cohort offers additional benefits. You'll get a structured timeline with regular deadlines, active peer learning and discussion, live office hours and troubleshooting support, the opportunity to earn a certificate, and a shared learning experience with others facing similar challenges. The content is the same, but many students find the cohort structure helps them stay motivated and complete the course successfully.
+While all course materials are freely available for self-paced learning, joining a cohort offers additional benefits. You'll get a structured timeline with regular deadlines, the ability to submit homework and projects for evaluation, active peer learning and discussion, live office hours and troubleshooting support, the opportunity to earn a certificate, and a shared learning experience with others facing similar challenges. Self-paced learners can access all materials and the Slack community but cannot submit homework, participate in project evaluations, or earn certificates. Many students find the cohort structure helps them stay motivated and complete the course successfully.
 </details>
 
 <details>