I completely agree with Michael. I get MUCH more out of class if I have
read a bunch before I go. Most classes I have had have been the
instructor showing me what's in the book that I could have read on my
own. Where I benefit the most is to have spent hours in the book and
hands on testing prior to the class and then spend the class time
clarifying what I don't understand.
Here's my take - most 5 day classes start at 8:30 and end at 4:30 with
an hour lunch. That's only 7 hours of possible training less time
wasted by Off-Topic conversations, "slow" students, equipement or setup
problems, etc. So realistically, you will have less the 30 hours.
That's just not enought to teach you the basics of file systems, user
management, installations, TCP/IP and networking, apache setup, DHCP
server setup, DNS server setup, etc.
Since the class time is generally expensive and since your access to a
"pro" is limited, use your time as well as you can by preparing as if
YOU had to teach the class (knowing it that well) and then use the
instructor to help with the parts you just can't figure out.
Personally, I won't go to any more hi-fee paid classes unless I know the
instructor's reputation. I have been to too many where I had obviously
studied more than the instructor. Now that's not to say that I haven't
had some really good ones, but I have also had several that had never
taught the class before, or were transitioning from a similar product,
etc - just not what I had expected for my $1600.
I've found that I can generally learn more, in less time, on my own with
a book and a small lab setup. I have even had two of my managers let me
learn at home with my own equipment. I told them what I've told you
above and then asked for the week off to study and mentioned there only
expense was a couple of books and a little software. It worked out
great both times. When I get really stuck, I'll google search or post
to a group like this and generally get better answers from real-life users.
Rock wrote:
> Let me be clear on this issue of books. I think a book is a good guide
> as far as sequence of training is considered and it is also an important
> source of information prior to 'class'. Every class I have ever taken
> has had a book of some sort.
>
> Reading before hand is an important part of learning. That way when you
> get to class the subject material is not completely foreign to you.
>
> I would suggest choosing a linux text to follow and have required
> reading before class, even if you do not fully understand. In that way
> you can be primed to ask questions.
>
> The technical aspect of books can be supplemented with real life
> examples that can be demonstrated in a class room or at home after the
> subject has been discussed.
>
> Michael C. Rock
> Systems Analyst
> Registered Linux User # 287973
>
> "The time has come the walrus said to speak of many things,,,"
> "Christians give up what they cannot keep to gain what they cannot lose"
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: slug@lists.nks.net [mailto:slug@lists.nks.net] On Behalf Of Joe
> Brandt
> Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 3:46 PM
> To: slug@nks.net
> Subject: Re: [SLUG] Other recommended local Linux training outfits?
>
>
>
>
>>I think there is not better way to learn that reading. This is quality
>>
> that you
>
>>must have if you want to learn Linux.
>>
>>
> I have tried learning by reading. Not only Linux but other
> correspondence courses as well and it does not work for me. I learn
> best in an instructor led course. Books can not tell by the look on
> your face that you just don't get it. Books can rarely answer the
> questions that I ask. And most importantly (especially in Linux) books
> are not written so that a newbie can understand it. You would not
> believe how long it took me to figure out the ./ before a command.
> Books and Linux geeks take that for granted but a Windows and or DOS
> trained user would not even consider it.
>
>
>
>
>
>
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