Step 1: Determine what category you fit into.
(Scroll down to the one that fits you.)

1. "I've never touched a computer so I'm afraid I will lose everything if I begin to try." Or "I'm too old to get this new fangled stuff."
   Don't be too hard or yourself. Computers are made pretty "newbie" tough. If you are truly a beginner, I recommend you spend some time with a friend, relative or in a classroom situation for the basics. You need to understand basic terms, such as monitor, keyboard, hard drive, etc. You will also want to begin to feel comfortable using something called a "mouse". Here's an inside tip: one of the best ways to get comfortable with the mouse is to play a game, such as Solitaire, on the computer. You'll gave a great time playing and forget all about how uncomfortable you are with a computer. It's great – give it a try. You can usually find some computer games in Windows by clicking on Start (bottom left corner of your screen), Programs, Accessories, and then games.

    

   Once you are comfortable with the basics of moving around in the computer you can then begin to focus on what you want to learn. The best way to determine what you want to learn is to think about how you would use the computer. Do you want to write letters? If yes, then you would want to learn a Word Processing program, such as Word or WordPerfect. Click here to look at different types of programs and what they do.

2. I have been self-taught by trial and error and now I really want to learn.
   Great – you know the basics of moving around using the computer. You now want to get down to making the computer useful. The first thing you need to do is find out what you want to accomplish with your computer. For example, do you want to use the computer to create cards or write letters? Maybe you want to use it to track your monthly budget. Maybe you are looking to get a new job or be promoted and you need to know particular software programs to get where you want to go. That's great! What you need to do is write a list of the programs you want to learn. If you do not know what programs are out there and what they do, Click here to see a listing.

    

3. I have been working in computers for a while and now I want to change careers into the computer/IT field. By the way, "IT" stands for Information Technology. Or maybe you need to learn programs to advance in your current career.
   First I recommend having a clear cut goal in mind. Don't just take computer classes to learn all that you can. Sit down and make a list of your goals: 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. I know - I am not a planned person either. Writing career goals can be difficult but worthwhile. At least write down your 1 and 5 year goals.

    

   From that list, write down what you must do to accomplish that goal. If you want to become a Network Administrator begin researching what you need to accomplish the goal. If you want to become an Administrative Assistant then begin looking at the classified ads and read the qualifications. What do you need to learn to move toward that goal? Do you need to learn the software products or do you need to also go for a certification in that area?

   I'm not a career counselor, however, if you have goals and begin to identify what you need to obtain those goals you will be able to know what your next steps should be and begin to make productive strides to accomplish that goal.

Step 2: Determine what software products you want to learn or certifications you want to obtain.

Okay, you have identified what category you are in. Now you need to determine what software products you need to learn or what certification you want to obtain. Click here for a listing of different software products and certifications to help you find what you are looking for.

Step 3: Determine your learning style and what media would help you to best learn.

We all learn a little differently. This is why the training industry offers so many options for learning. One style does not fit everyone. Also one style may not fit a single person. For example, when starting with computers you may need to take an instructor-led class to learn the basics to get you going. An instructor-led class is with fellow students, just like school. Once you have that under your belt you may be just fine learning on your own.

"What are my options?" you may be asking. Below is a brief listing of your choices:

Instructor-led classroom training:
This is what we have been used to all of our lives. There is a real person teaching the class, often with other students in a "classroom" situation.

One-on-One Training:
Like personal attention? There are many companies and individuals that you can hire to sit down one-on-one with you and help you learn to use the computer. They will often come to your home or office, whichever is convenient for you.

CD-Rom Self Study:
A CD you put in your computer and a program runs that teaches the software or products you want to learn. There are many types of products on CD. This can be referred to as CBT (Computer Based Training). There are three types:

1. Very text-based meaning that they only have words that you read with some pictures, usually no sound. They often come with some interactive exercises although not all do.

    

2. Interactive training – this usually comes with sound (so you need to have speakers attached to your PC), often includes a simulation of the software being learned (so it looks like you are in the program, such as Word). You listen to the "instructor" (and often read the same words on the screen) introduce the features of the products and watch as the tasks are performed. The program will then ask you to try and perform the tasks you just learned.

    

3. Interactive Multimedia Training – This is similar to 2 above but it will include multimedia. You will usually see a small video of the instructor as part of the training. This gives you the feeling of being in a classroom where you can see a person.

Web-based or Online Training
There are 3 types:

1. Self-study
   This is similar to the CD-Rom (CBT) training discussed above. However, instead of receiving a CD you connect to the Internet and all of the training and information is on the Internet. This type of training media is becoming very popular. It offers access to training no matter where you are 24 hours, 7 days a week! You can be in the office, at your home or at a friend's house and you can access your training. It does require access to the Internet for long periods of time.

2. Virtual "Instructor-Led"
   With Virtual Instructor-led classes, there is a begin date and an end date to the class. You work with an instructor via email. The class usually goes through a workbook/training manual. The instructor sends you the lesson and assignments to complete. You have access to the instructor and often the other students in the class. Discussion boards are often part of the class to enhance the learning. It is self-study but with access to an instructor (real person)!

3. Online Live Instructor Training
   This is known as "Synchronous" training. It is still on the Internet, through the computer. There is a scheduled date and time that the class is offered. You log into a web site and connect to the class being offered. You will see a live picture of the instructor in "real-time". You are able to see the software the instructor is teaching along with a "white-board". You will be able to "chat" with the instructor. Usually the instructor is the only voice you hear and you communicate via a "chat mode" by typing your questions and information into the computer. This is the closest thing to physical classroom training as you can get and still be at your home or office! Realize that with this training that your computer must meet certain requirements. The requirements are very minimal, such as needing basic sound system, but you want to verify that your computer meets these requirements before signing up for one of these classes.

Books
Yes, this is still a wonderful way to learn. There are many self-study tutorials and training manuals available. The key to having books work for you is to know your learning style. Do you prefer to start at the beginning and go page by page (I refer to this as a workbook), or do you prefer to quickly look up what you need to know and have step-by-step instructions that you can use with your own work (I refer to this as a quick reference guide)? Knowing your preferred style will help you find the book that is best for you.

Step 4: Begin learning!

Now you are ready to learn! You've determined what you want to learn, how you best learn and what media fits your learning style (books, CD, online, etc). You can now begin your wonderful adventure of learning to use the computer to better yourself, personally and professionally.

Copyright 2001 STR