[ Home ] [ Access - Start Here ] [ Excel In Depth ] [ MS Office ] [ Visio Info ] [ Creating Web Pages ] [ Technical References ] [ Viruses ] [ Points of View ] [ Gadgets ] [ Just Links ] [ Monash ]

Monitor page
for changes

by ChangeDetection

There're lots of ways that you can learn computer applications. For example, you could surf the web and use websites like this as a research reference. Alternatively, you could get some human help.

Coaching

Coaching is a term I use to describe intense one on one (although there may be a few more bodies in the room) work-together sessions with the project that the client brings in (i.e. YOUR PROJECT).

We don't go by any book, except to point to examples or references to follow up on. It's pretty full-on for the Coach (me), because there's a lot of on-the-spot analysis and impromptu delivery of techniques. I find it rather thrilling, putting the brain on the wire but am somewhat drained afterwards.

For Coaching to work, you don't need a large room or many PCs (actually, you don't want a large room or many PCs, because that adds to the booking cost). What you do want is some peace and quiet away from the phone and intrusive colleagues. So that means we need a venue like a small room at a training provider's premises or a real isolatable room at your work.

I've even coached through Email. If you want to set up a session, give me a yell with your contact details.

Traditional Classes

The most traditional form of Computer Training is structured training class. One benefit of this to training providers is that they can carry out bulk training and therefore get revenue from head count.

Participants get a low cost introduction if the class is not drastically diverse in skill set and they have a balanced, keen and knowledgeable instructor. Many training providers deliver such courses but there's only one of Me. I have trained with a few providers but don't do a lot of bulk training now. I still work with:

Aspect Computing (email Brenda)
CAE (email Pas)

Generally, there could be as many as 10 people in a class and you go through a linear syllabus.

Workshops

Workshops are good because they give you power user tips. There are not many around though - they are difficult to set up because you have to get enough people to agree to the same set of topics and/or come from the same company. Also, people who are at workshop level, tend to be fairly competent already and sometimes don't want to attend any more linear training.

By the way, if you want Microsoft Project Coaching and Consulting, get in touch with Gerhard Kick.