10 Things You Should Know About IT Training
Don't take a training class until you read
this
In the bid to acquire skills and knowledge in
today’s information age, many are turning to IT Training. For
many individuals and organizations, the need for training has
never been greater. This hunger for IT training is driven by the
rapid rate of change in all spheres of life that are now
affected by information technology. Individuals and
organizations are making efforts to keep pace with the "latest"
technical advancements.
IT Training is required both by users and
professionals. To remain relevant, you have to be equipped with
knowledge and tools required by the digital age. And training is
a route followed by many. From time to time, you will have to
take important decisions regarding training. Training is often
your opportunity to proactively move your IT career forward.
How should you do your groundwork? An informed
decision is the key to getting training right. You can start by
taking a look at ten things you must know about IT Training.
- Fill Skills and Knowledge Gaps
IT Training focuses on both the theory and practice of IT
–the acquisition of skills and knowledge. It is therefore an
activity that seeks to fill skills and knowledge gaps. What
is lacking? Are you at zero level? Then the training you
need is one that will make you computer literate. If you are
an IT professional your need might be for IT certification.
Before embarking on training you must know what your
training needs are. What gap needs to be filled? Is the
training need for an organization or an individual? What is
your desired career path and specialization? What do you
need to know? Are you sure training will close the gap? Set
your training objectives carefully. The purpose of your
training should be well defined.
- See it, Hear it, Do it
To acquire practical IT skills and knowledge, the best
training approach is that which uses the “See it, Hear it,
Do it.” Concept, i.e. interactive and participative. You see
it been done. You listen to concepts and ideas and then you
do it yourself. “What you need to know how to do, you learn
by doing.” Training must combine the right blend of theory
and practice.
- Choose Your Training Based on
Substance
The quality of training varies widely. It is critical that
you choose your training provider based on substance. A
training center is assessed with respect to quality of
materials, competence of trainers, degree of instructor
support, training skills of trainers, corporate IT focus,
counseling facilities, track record, quality of facilities
and other quality related issues. You should be able to gain
from the real world experience of the trainers.
- Focus on Effective Learning
The focus of IT training should be on effective learning by
students. Has the gap been filled? What can the learner do
now that he or she couldn’t do previously? The training
outcome is key. Are the skills and knowledge acquired
relevant and adequate? What is the value of training you
have received? The outcome should be such that you must not
only learn, but you must also be able to apply your learning
for yourself.
- Aquire Practical Skills
Certification and awards of diplomas are important training
outcomes most especially where there is a lot of emphasis on
paper qualifications. But the primary focus of IT training
should be the acquisition of practical skills and knowledge;
the award of certificates or diplomas is secondary. Paper
certification will not get you anywhere in IT. Training
should give you a form of certification (diploma,
certificate, etc), as well as practical skills and
knowledge. Training is not only about immersing yourself in
knowledge, it’s also about creating opportunities for
yourself.
- Training is Essential
If you want to build a career in IT and you have a degree or
certification without practical skills, training is
essential for you. You need to acquire these skills and
knowledge to advance your IT career. Cramming for tests and
reading text materials alone are not enough to establish
your IT career.
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Tips 5-10
- Consider the Cost
Cost is a major issue in IT training. To many it is a
deciding factor. But price should not be your sole
determinant for choosing training or a training
institution. Always do a proper cost benefit analysis
before deciding if the cost will give you value. How do
you value the investment? Tie this to your training
needs. Think not only of your immediate costs but also
of present and future opportunities. It is reckless to
choose an inferior training solution to save money. On
the other hand high cost does not indicate high quality.
- Make the Effort to Learn
All the best instructors, world-class facilities cannot
learn for you. You must be prepared to make the effort
to learn. Learning involves more than routine attendance
of lectures. Your primary role is to learn.
With a good training setup, there is
no mystery to learning. You simply have to be committed.
Lack of commitment is a major problem. This often arises
due to poor planning and or insufficient motivation.
Each day after training, do you go over concepts you’ve
been taught? Do you practice on your own? Or is your
learning reserved for the classroom only? You paid your
course fees in full two weeks before the course started,
but where is your commitment if you are frequently
absent or late for training sessions? Make sure you are
dedicated to learning before you start. It might seem
funny or weird, but I’ve met students who just want to
pay training fees and collect certificates. They’re
simply not ready to go through the “stress” of training
classes or exercises! Talk about a misplacement of
priorities! You either want to learn or you don’t want
to. Period! If you want to learn, get with the program
and work on getting the most out of your training
program. Let your career ambitions keep you motivated
during times of self-doubt and stress. You must be ready
to the effort to learn and to apply what you have
learned. If you don’t make the effort you are burning,
not just throwing away, good time and money.
- Get Motivated
You need to consider some important factors when
choosing the right learning solution. What is your skill
and motivation level? Consider financial constraints and
available study time. Each of these important pieces
should be used in determining the right training model
for you. Instructor-led IT training seems to achieve
more for students than other training options, most
particularly when there is a focus on in-depth hands-on
exercises. Instructor-led training is regarded as the
most effective means of acquiring IT skills and
knowledge. You must however be prepared to learn at the
pace of your training institution. However, if you
already have some practical skills and or you cannot
make time to attend instructor-led training, a wide
variety of learning options is available to you. These
include self-study such as books, practice tests,
computer based training and Web / Online learning
(http://www.jidaw.com/article5.html). A blend of
self-paced learning and classroom learning might be what
you need.
- Gain Soft Skills
Most IT Training focuses on the acquisition of IT skills
and knowledge. However, if you want to build a career in
IT, there are more issues at play than technical skills
and knowledge alone. You also need soft skills
(presentation, communications, marketing, project
management, etc) to enhance your value. Your tech skills
and training decisions are important, but if you can’t
market yourself, getting ahead will be an uphill task.
Furthermore, attitude is important in the real world.
Attitude will determine your altitude. Issues like
professionalism are important. Do you practice in an
ethical manner? IT Training is a career advancement
tool. You don’t train just for the sake of training. As
an IT professional you need to develop professional
skills and know how training fits into your career plan.
I have looked at some issues you must
consider as you embark on IT Training. In this ever-changing
world fueled by Information and communications technologies,
training is not optional. Taking informed decisions is the
key. Learning to manage these decisions is a worthwhile and
essential skill.
The time and effort commitment involved
with training could be intimidating. But don’t let that
prevent you from achieving your goals. Investing in your
education, investing in yourself is the best investment you
can ever make.
Stay on track by making wise training
decisions.
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