Computer Tuition

[Mayniac]

I thought about putting this in Electric Cafe, but it seems to be a bit gadget orientated in there.

Can anyone recommend any books, CD-rom or on-line based computer tuition? I took a basic night school class about ten years ago, which led to CLAIT 1 level. I can just about build a basic XL spreadsheet, and write a letter in Word. I contacted local colleges, but there seems to be a gap between 'How to use a mouse' and a full on degree level course.

I'm currently taking a bit of a sabbatical to take my NEBOSH diploma, and one of my aims this year was also to improve my IT skills. Employers seem to take such things for granted; I suppose it's a generation thing, but at my last job, there was an office full of 40-something ex-tradesmen, all with the same problem. (We usually ended up asking the tea boy.)

Are the 'Dummies' books any good? I've tried hunting around on the net and the Windows stuff on my PC, but there's a bit too much lingo for my current level of knowledge. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[marinyork]

Learndirect?

 

[FBOAB]

As above. Dummies books generally seem to work for me too and is a good start when researching a subject.

 

[peanut]

the problem with the basic courses is that they tend to cover absolutely everything at a very basic level. You may find it frustrating if you have some particular IT tasks in mind that are not adequately covered.

I would look at your local colleges first and see if they do any introductory it courses . Also set yourself a useful task

for example write a 'small business plan ' (this is how I learnt to use a computer back in 1996. )
If you don't need a business plan what about a spreadsheet based anual accounts, balance sheet, company report etc .
or
Design a basic website or blog using MS Publisher or Frontpage. I've just constructed one for our residents association (group of 8 neighbours)
Alternatively set yourself the task of converting all your old photos , LP's Cassettes,VHS movies & CD's to digital and transferring all your media onto a PC and organising it.

What about starting a spreadsheet based family tree and researching your family history online

Make a list of things you want to know and ask friends rellies and neighbours if they will show you various tasks

 

[ACS]

I have used training materials from Lynda.com a bit monkey see, monkey do, but it worked for me as I find recalling written material very difficult.

 

[Speicher]

Try asking about classess for an NVQ for IT users, with the quirky title iTQ.

Two Colleges local to here offer it. It is the successor to ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence).

You can do Units that best suit your interests/current skills. There is one mandatory unit. You do not even have to do more than one unit, as the units each have a certificate when you successfully complete it. So you could just do the one(s) relevant to your work.

I have the leaflet in front of me as I type this. "Level 1 requires no formal entry requiremnts, making the course ideal for beginners or those seeking to update their skills".

"Level 2 iTQ students should have a good working knowledge of computers, or have completed level 1".

Level 3 iTQ students should have the ability to research in order to gain extensive knowledge of applications, and have achieved at level 2 or similar.

I suggest you contact your local colleges again and ask for the Adult Guidance Unit. They offer advice to potential students over the age of 19.
Hope this helps, or is of interest.

Also ask, if you are not working, if the fees can be reduced.

 

[Over The Hill]

I needed to learn Excel fairly quick for a job interview. Got a book from the Library - it was slow and boring. Got a DVD to show me - that was more boring and slower.

Went on Youtube and found tons of tutorials- A set of 12 short films each about 8 mins that you can follow and do at home. Good fun and easy to learn.

Did not get the job but passed the test that was part of the process.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

I needed to learn Excel fairly quick for a job interview. Got a book from the Library - it was slow and boring.

i did a similar thing with dreamweaver. worked a treat

 

[Mayniac]

So it ended up in the electric cafe after all-sorry mods!

Thankyou for all the replies. Based on your collective advice, I'll get myself a Dummies book to start with. The iTQ gives me a specific qualification to aim for, as opposed to just hunting around for 'computer tuition'.

I had a quick look at Lynda.com, and will have a go at the taster sessions. Likewise with Youtube. (If I can get away from the cycling clips.)

I've had mixed fortunes with Learndirect. Technically I am self-employed, and support and funding seem to be pretty elusive. If I signed on, I would probably qualify, but so far this year I've shelled out about £2k on training and education. I get the impression that they are aimed at the employer/employee rather than folks like me.

Once again, thanks for all the advice. Your time and effort is appreciated.

 

[Yellow Fang]

Those CompTIA courses look quite intriguing. I'm thinking of doing the CompTIA A+ myself, and possibly the CompTIA Linux+. The CompTIA A+ is a IT support qualification. I don't believe you need previous experence or qualifications to take it. I had a look at a CompTIA training book in Waterstones and it's a pretty thick old book, but it looks useful. There are various ways of studying for it I believe. You can read the books, do on-line courses or class based courses.

I've read one Dummies book on UML. It was OK but the slightly jokey tone grated. I've recently read one of "The Missing Manual" series for Access 2007, which was quite good. I've also read one of the Visual Series for Excel 2007 Data Analysis, which was quite good too. Not much use for getting a job in the current climate though, maybe in the future.

 

[Speicher]

I studied and passed ECDL level 2 in 2005. Part-time at a local College. It has been suggested to me that I can arrange to "top up" my ECDL to the iTQ, rather than starting over again. I am very surprised that a qualification has been superceded so quickly, no wonder employers get confused.

I think there are various ways to study these courses. Flexible learning appeals to me, as I can chose when I attend, and learn at my own pace, ie move more quickly through the word processing units, but go at a snail's pace for Presentation.