I very much agree that, the only way to get better at programming is to program, but I have a bit of a different view on courses. I think heretic hit the nail on the head. It is based on the persons learning style. I for one learn better when I teach myself something. Courses just force me to do stuff I find boring, and I just BS through the assignments.

When I do assignments I like, I do them well. Because, I choose the assignment, and I get to have fun with it.

My personal recommendation is, don't worry about getting better. You will get better if you program. Look for something you have heard or seen someone else do, and then try to code that. Or get the source of it, and see if you can make it better.

So, stop worrying about getting better, and just code. You will get better with time.