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There are many different types of computer training available, from introductory courses to certification training to 4-year degrees in computer science and technology. Some courses are geared towards a specific software package or technologies, others are geared towards teaching students a broad area of technology. Please see our certification FAQ for more specifics about certification training and check back soon for more FAQs about specific types of training.
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There are many different types of computer training courses available, from single day introductory courses to 4-year degree programs at major universities. You can typically find shorter courses geared towards teaching specific software packages, longer courses geared towards teaching a specific area of technology (often ending with a certification), and 2 and 4 year degree programs designed to give the student a broad understanding of computer technology.
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That depends on the course you take and the job you do (or want to do). Many people take a computer training course to learn a new technology or software package that is hot in the job market. Also, many people that are already in the computer industry will pursue certification in technologies to increase their value to employers. There is a severe lack of qualified technical people to fill high-tech jobs in nearly every major city in the United States today, so computer training can be a great way to jump start a better career.
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You earn a certification after completing a specific course of study and then passing a test to prove you have achieved a certain level of expertise with the technology. The manufacturer of the technology you are getting certified in often creates these classes and tests. Many companies look for people certified in the technologies they are using because it's a reassurance to the company that the person really knows what they say they know (since it's been verified by the technologies creator). Thus, certification is a good way to get into a new technology or increase your value with the technologies you are currently using.
Please see our "Certification FAQ" for more info on certifications.
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There are numerous online and self-taught computer training classes available. Computer Training Schools concentrates on helping students find instructor led training. If you're interested in online or self-taught training try searching on a web search engine like Yahoo.
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The main advantage of instructor led training is that the student gets to interact with the instructor, ask questions, and ask for further explanation when things are not clear. Classes also offer a more structured environment; they meet on a certain schedule with assignments due each class. Many people find it easier to learn new technologies in this type of environment compared to trying to learn them themselves.
Another big advantage of instructor led training is the opportunity to interact with other students that are in the same position you are. Many students say they learned as much from interacting and working with the other students in the class as they did from the instructor (it's also a great place to network).
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First, look for a school that specializes in the technology you want to learn (schools may specialize in many areas, but be wary of the school that offers nothing but programming classes and then one class on Photoshop). Other things to look for include:
- Class Size - The smaller the more individual attention the instructor can give each student.
- Training Facilities - Does each student get their own computer? Are the facilities up to date and conducive to learning?
- Scheduling - Do they offer classes convenient to you? At night? Intensives (if you want to move fast)?
- Certification - Can you earn a certification after completing the course?
- Is the school certified - Many companies, like Microsoft, Sun, Oracle, will certify schools as experts at teaching their technologies. This is a reassurance to the student that the school knows what they are teaching.
- Costs and Financial Aid - How much will the course cost and do they offer financial aid?
- Location - Of course, it needs to convenient to get to.
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Many schools offer short programs to help beginners get comfortable with basic computer skills: Windows, Mac, the Web, Email, and many other areas. Having a sympathetic instructor (and other students in the same position as you) around as you first try to get familiar with these technologies can be a huge help. Try searching for training type "Beginner" on our site.
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People already familiar with computers might attend a computer training course to:
- Learn a new technology - No matter how much you know about computers, it's often faster to learn something new in a classroom environment.
- Earn a certification or degree - Many employers give preference to candidates with certifications or a degree and may offer higher salaries to certified employees. See our "Certification FAQs" for more info.
- Brush up on current technologies - Someone who is self-taught on a technology might decide to take a course after they feel they've learned all they can on their own. In many cases they may have specific questions they haven't been able to figure out and a course can help take them from a user to an expert or expert to guru level knowledge of the technology.
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Some schools offer financial aid and there are several independent sources of financial aid available (most schools can help you with this, ask when checking out schools). Also, many employers will pay for computer training if the training directly relates to your job (many larger companies even have formal education benefits, ask your manager).
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Yes, that's why you better attend a computer training course NOW. You don't want people to think you couldn't figure it out, do you? :-)
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