IT Project Management Training and Classes
Pros and Cons of Self Study Courses vs Attending Classes
Aug 25, 2009
There are essentially two types of IT training courses to take, the “DIY” approach where the trainee does his or her own research, buys books on the subject and self studies or the approach of attending an IT training class. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Self Study IT Training Courses
Self study can mean a huge saving cost wise – buying the books and studying the material oneself is a lot cheaper than paying for the overheads of an IT Training institute. There are many free IT training courses available on the Internet, such as free web page development IT training courses. Self study allows the student the opportunity to skip over material that he or she is familiar with and concentrate on newer material.
Cons of Self Study IT Training Courses
A lot of motivation is needed to self study without the support of an IT training institute. Consider too, that it is possibly more difficult or time consuming to find the answers to complicated questions without the help of a lecturer. Unless the student writes and passes an exam, there are no diplomas for completing a course. An IT certification is usually necessary when job searching.
The student will need to setup his or her own test or lab environment at work or at home depending on the nature of the IT training course, which can be a costly exercise. It must be noted though, that many students have successfully circumvented this problem by using a virtual computer on their personal computer at home. Microsoft virtual computer or Vmware can be used for this purpose.
Pros of Attending IT Training Classes
IT Training classes offer a scheduled and structured approach to the subject studied. The lecturers will usually know what needs to be focused on when studying for exams. In a classroom environment, the student has the opportunity to ask questions and benefit from the experience of others. Teaming up with others on assignments can be very useful.
It is often easier to use the IT Training facility's labs and other infrastructure to practice and experiment to gain practical experience. An IT training course diploma can usually be obtained from the Institute for attendance and course completion even if the exams have not been written. This can help when looking for a job.
Cons of Attending IT Training Classes
The fact that IT training courses can be very expensive is a big factor as to why students go the self study route.
Lecturers sometimes have little or no practical experience in the real world. Someone who is already working in the IT industry should find out about the lecturers before enrollment. What practical experience do they have, will they be reading the answers to questions from the text book, or will they be speaking from experience? Many who have working experience in the IT sector have found that they have more practical experience than the lecturer and that it would have been better to self study at home.
IT Project Management Training
IT project management courses should preferably be taken in a classroom environment. The student will benefit from team work when handling assignments and reviewing case studies.
One of the reasons for enrolling in an IT Project Management Course is to obtain a diploma. Usually the diploma depends on the student completing certain assignments. These assignments are typically completed as part of a team and therefore cannot be completed at home in isolation. Keep in mind, project management is all about working with a team and a classroom environment offers this advantage.
More Articles on Project Management:
Project Management Methodology Overview
Project Management Feasibility Studies
Project Management Implementation Phase
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
