Online training experience

A few years back, I took two technical online training classes because I could not take two weeks off to attend classroom training. The training classes included the following features: class training materials, remote access to the servers, interactive messaging with trainer and classmates, call-in phone to listen to the class lectures, and PowerPoint presentation. I ended up dislike the training classes and will share some of the pitfalls of the online training so others can learn from.

First, you need to find a place you will not be disturbed. Since I had to work while taking the training classes, I ended up taking the classes in my own cube. That was the biggest mistake. People constantly disrupted my training sessions, some for business related works while others just stopped by for personal conversations. Each interruptions made me fall behind the class and I had to work really hard just to catchup what others had already done. I was extremely stressed over the whole training classes and the end result was I did not learn as much I was hoping for. For those who prefers online training, my suggestion is to isolate yourself from all different kind of disruptions. Otherwise, you will not learn or struggle to catch up with the class.

Second, you need to make sure you can self control and discipline. For the long training classes like the ones I took, there are some part of the classes that you may not like and away from classroom makes it easy to find something else to do, like checking your emails, browsing news, reading blogs, twitting, writing to your friends on facebook, or just catching up with friends. No one can control the participants' environment in online class while classroom can be tightly control. It is up the participants to show self restraint from wondering out or the class experience will end up like I had, disappointment.

Third, you must make sure you have reliable communications and connection to the virtual classroom. Before register for the class, you need to make sure your telephone, computer, software, and internet connection speed meet the requirements. For example, make sure you have a headset if the class is long, or make sure you have enough internet bandwidth for video conference. Any additional software required for the class should be installed ahead of time so you don't have to worry about something goes wrong while installing software. Not enough bandwidth can make your online class experience miserable.

Fourth, you need to make sure you have enough knowledge prior or basic understanding of the online class materials. It doesn't make any sense for a college to provide online orientation for incoming freshmen because their never had any kind of college experience before. The same can be said about technical training. If you have never had any kind knowledge before, you are better off taking in class training or at least you need to spend sometimes on the topic before the class. Comprehending new concepts or understanding new technology can be time consuming depending on each individual. However, the better you prepared, the more you will gain from online training.

Hopefully, my own experience will help someone else to avoid the mistakes I made and get the most out of the online training.