Readiness Training Thoughts
With all the new products coming out, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my thoughts on readiness training. This is actually part of a larger document I am creating that will encompass specific resources for Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008. I figured the IT Pro folks have Windows Server 2008 covered :)
Purpose
This article was created to help anyone who wants to use the myriad available resources that exist today for learning. Specifically, this will serve as an overview of the types of training available and the relative value of each. This is by no means a complete list of resources but should serve as a starting point for the readiness decision-making process.
Types of Training
There are essentially five types of training that are available for almost any subject: Instructor-Led Training (ILT), Computer-Based Training (CBT), Books, Free Online Resources, and Hybrid. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's take a closer look at each one:
Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
ILT is the traditional training that most people think of when training first occurs to them. This is where the student is in a classroom environment with a live instructor available to guide the course. The main benefit to this type of instruction is the ability to ask questions throughout the course and get immediate feedback. Additionally, since many classes are held at an off-site facility, there is the added advantage of fewer interruptions during the learning process.
Unfortunately, the disadvantage is cost. ILT is generally the most expensive of the three types of training available and typically runs (depending on the course) from $99.00 up to $5,000+ per student. While there are many reasons for this, the main reason is the need for a physical location and all the costs associated with it (lights, air conditioning, parking, etc.).
Computer-Based Training (CBT)
CBT refers to the broad category of training that is available though digital media. This includes Web-based training and instruction provided in CD or DVD format. The main advantage here is the ability (usually) to stop/pause the class then resume whenever you feel like it. This means that you can take the class according to your schedule in the comfort of your own home instead of having to take time off work to attend ILT. Additionally, this type of training will typically cost much less than ILT.
The disadvantage lies in the ability to ask questions or clarify certain points immediately. Another problem is that your success with the material depends on your ability to stick to it and complete the course. There is no instructor there to make sure you are doing the work.
Technical Books
Books are, by far, the most common approach taken by many when considering certification. They often are the same price or cheaper than CBT and tend to provide much more information.
The down side to books is they are plagued by inaccuracies and error corrections. In ILT or CBT the instructor is showing you what is to be done; there is no room for error in this process as the demo is live and any errors would be immediately obvious. This is not true with books. Often typos range from the annoying to the dangerous and it may take several hours or many pages later to discover the inconsistency. At that point, you have to unlearn what you thought was the right way and commit the correct approach to memory. To give you an example, an instructors recently read a book (for the record, not an MS Press Book) and found that in the first chapter a technique was mentioned for writing code; then two hundred pages later a different technique was mentioned for the same code. Which one was right? He tried both and found the later one was correct and the technique mentioned in chapter one was completely wrong. Not a fun situation. Always, always, always make sure you go to the publisher's web site to get any errata (error corrections) they offer for your book. In some cases this may not be possible because the book is so new the publisher doesn't have any errata posted.
Free Online Resources
Unlike the other methods mentioned before, this class of training has the distinct advantage of incurring no cost to the learner. The content usually consists of articles, tutorials, short videos, eBooks, etc. Online material takes on all the advantages of printed and video material as well as being free and readily available.
A disadvantage, however, is the content typically isn't in one place. Usually there is a great deal of time spent sifting through search results to find adequate material for use. Also, much of the content on the Internet is available "as is" with little to no editing and therefore is much more subject to error than a typical book. To be fair, many articles (and videos) allow comments to be posted where the errors are subsequently pointed out and therefore offer a much quicker turnaround on error correction than other types of training would.
Hybrid
The final category of readiness is a new one that I have created to address new types of training that have emerged. The Hybrid types combine different methods to achieve readiness goals. Generally this combination results in minimizing or eliminating the weaknesses of any one type standing alone.
One example of this is "Mentored Learning". With Mentored Learning the student goes to a training facility and is assigned a computer to work on. They are then given a CBT to use and go through at their own pace. Additionally, there is a full time instructor in the room to answer any questions students may have as they go through the training. This combines the advantages of ILT with CBT in new and interesting ways.
Another example is the use of online bookshelf subscriptions included with CBT's. Some vendors are now including these to combine the advantages of CBT's and books into a complete package to great effect.
Which Training Should I Choose?
Now that you know the types of training offered out there, you are probably wondering which one is right for you. There is no correct answer to this question. Each person is different and they learn better with one style over another. Generally the best approach is a blended approach. Mixing two or more types tends to cause much better retention than any single type. For example, reading a book on the material before or after ILT or CBT will tend to reinforce the learning experience. Generally you will find that if you read a book (and do some work with the examples) before attending ILT that it will significantly improve retention. If you are using CBT, go through the CBT then use a book to augment the training (the reverse of the ILT approach). The reason the CBT approach is reversed is due to the nature of the medium. If you have enough discipline to finish the CBT then you should have no problem going through a book; with ILT the ability to get though the book is considered an added bonus but not mandatory in order to complete the course as the instructor will be there to guide and (hopefully) motivate you.
Conclusion
Choose your method of training carefully. While there are many types of training, not all types are suitable for everyone. Only you know what works best to achieve your needs. Also remember that while certification is a noble goal, the main objective should always be knowledge acquisition and retention.
