Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.
~ Christian Lous Lange ~
Cybersecurity, Google, internet, cloud, ICT, social media — the world of technology is central to our lives. To be without it is a recipe for disaster. An ACMA survey exploring Australian trends in online behaviour, released in 2020, showed that 99% of Australians accessed the internet in the previous six months and used 4.4 types of devices to do so.
This is no real surprise because, these days, almost everything you need is online, including courses on how to maximise your online abilities.
Whatever your skill level with ICT — beginner, intermediate or advanced — and whatever your background computing knowledge, there will be IT courses online to meet both your professional and personal needs.
Have a look around at the different topics available, from programming courses to computer science degrees — there are computer courses online to cover every gap in your tech knowledge.
Benefits of Studying IT and Computer Science Degrees Online
It takes time to learn everything you need to know about your computer and how to use it. Basic commands, internet functions, software, security, storage — it all has to be learned, understood and practised until the process becomes natural.
Often, people find themselves turning to Google to find information and support to answer their questions, and there's certainly nothing wrong with accessing these, often free, online resources. However, is this the best way to learn for you? What are the advantages of taking IT courses online, compared to traditional face-to-face learning in a classroom environment, complete with assignments, set topics of study and exams?
Is there any truth to the myth that free online resources and studying your degree online make you less likely to be successful in a professional capacity than students who have obtained their computer science degrees, or any other certificate, diploma, bachelor degree or master degree, through a traditional university or TAFE course?
No. Not these days anyway. That way of thinking is, as mentioned, a myth. There is no difference between the skills and knowledge you can obtain in online ICT courses versus face-to-face computer courses.
It all boils down to the way you learn best.
Do your research. Often the schools that offer the best computer science degrees also offer online learning.
You don't know what you don't know until you look
Once you start learning and using everything information and communication technology has to offer, you'll also start realising how much more there is to know in the ICT world. The knowledge and knowhow you can gain from online courses can include:
- building a website
- developing and maintaining a blog
- producing, editing and uploading video content.
A good course, online tutorial or even a free video or lecture can make your project go from amateur to professional.
As you're searching the internet for topics and skill-based courses, keep a list of ones you think you might enjoy. Who knows — later on, they may form part of your professional skill set that leads to a new and rewarding career.
Take as little or as long as you need to complete the work
One of the greatest advantages of online learning and self-paced courses is that students can work through the content as quickly or as slowly as needed.
Maybe you take longer to process certain knowledge? That's fine — repeat and review as often as you need.
Maybe you have a job that requires you to travel? That's fine — online, you can study anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and your laptop computer.
Maybe you learn better early in the morning or late at night? That's fine — log on whenever you are likely to be the most motivated.
Online learning is all about you.
Tailor your learning to your interests
There is so much content to choose from when you are immersed in the ICT world — programming, cybersecurity, cloud administration, business communication, software, systems, support services, Word, PowerPoint, Google Apps ... do you have to learn it all?
No, you don't. In fact, nobody can possibly learn everything there is to know about computing, and information and communication technology in general.
Of course, everyone needs to start somewhere, and that's with the fundamentals — basic computer functions and operations. This is where students would be looking at an introduction to computing style of course or module.
Once you have the basics under your belt, however, it really is up to the individual student to choose exactly what they want to learn, or need to learn for career advancement. Evaluating your current skill level and clarifying your learning goals is essential.
It is possible to set your own totally independent study program or curriculum. However, letting the experts advise you on different requirements and prerequisite knowledge is a good idea. Plus, if you enrol in a course, you have the opportunity to ask questions (even if it's in an online forum) and receive feedback.
A good halfway point, between independent study and a formal course, is engaging an ICT tutor for private lessons.
Practical, hands-on learning
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
~ Confucius ~
The word of Confucius applies to all learning but particularly to online learning. Students can work with the best teacher ever, but if they don't get the opportunity to put what they've learned into practice, they might as well be watching a blank screen.
This is why students should check the online course curriculum or program to determine how much practical application is included. If it's all 'chalk and talk', you may wish to look elsewhere.
Disadvantages?
As with everything, there are disadvantages to taking IT courses online.
Communication is difficult. Even if your course is held on an interactive platform, like Zoom, that face-to-face interaction is always going to be lacking. This is tough because it's often in the interactions and communication with other students that some of the key learning is achieved.
Staying motivated can also be tricky. It takes a certain amount of self-discipline to stick to a schedule or structured timetable and can be easy to let some sessions slide. Then, before you know it, you're behind and finding it challenging to catch up.
Remember, though, nothing is impossible.
Free or Paid? Choosing Computer Courses Online
It can sometimes be difficult to find a course that meets your exact needs, not to mention your timetable and budget.
However, if you are willing to learn online, which requires a little extra motivation to get through the learning, there are many, many more options available to you.
Accessing quality content from online sources has become very easy. However, this, in itself, has created a new problem — there is now so much content, and so much choice, it is challenging to have to sift through all of it in your quest to locate a handful of directly relevant online computer courses.
Anybody can post anything on the internet these days, so it is always going to be a case of 'buyer beware' — or downloader beware.
There is a seemingly insane range of resources, programs and classes available for what appears to be no cost. Free. Most people, when they note something is free, tend to think one of two things:
- what's the catch?
- it can't be any good.
While this is sometimes the case, there are also some exceptional resources out there that you can access ... for free.
The first thing to check is who the free resource is created by. If it's offered by a well-known, reputable IT company, then it's probably okay (although they may be trying to sell something as well).
An internet site might be focused on basic computing. Skills like learning to code, how to create and edit video footage, and the ins and outs of graphic design may all be available as online learning.
Sometimes, professionals who work in the industry may offer lessons, or be interviewed for a podcast.
Amateur ICT buffs also often upload content and can amass a huge following on platforms like YouTube. These YouTubers are usually highly competent and the advice they give is solid.
On the other hand, many people who post content do so in order to make money — not from selling their lessons (as they are free) but from the advertisements they attract to their page.
As a consumer, you should learn how to 'interpret the signs'. For example, if IT courses online boast they can teach you how to code in less than two hours, there is every chance that this is not going to deliver and you certainly won't master how to code in an employable sense.
Try the free ones first
While you are still figuring out what you'd like to specialise in, or which skill set needs to be learned first, you could certainly check out some of the free tutorials on YouTube or other platforms. By doing this, you can learn and practise the fundamentals of computing — administration uses, internet functionality, how to make PowerPoint presentations, making the most of Google Apps, data analysis and so on.
Watching the free videos could help you determine a program of study and you may then be in more of a position to access paid courses. Of course, always make sure you check reviews and testimonials as well.
Know your learning intentions
Whatever you decide —paid courses, free tutorials, or even one-on-one online sessions with a private tutor — you need to be clear on the goals you are trying to achieve.
Check the outline of the study program. The best outlines will include a session or module title that is descriptive, plus a paragraph or two that summarises the content in that module. For single lesson tutorials or single topics, a paragraph detailing the knowledge you will gain is essential.
Ask yourself if the outline adequately caters for your desired goals. If it doesn't, find something else.
Equipment Requirements for Online Learning
Online learning in your own home is convenient and practical but you need to have the right equipment and software.
The computer
These days, nearly everyone has at least one computer in their home.
Yours may be a desktop computer, or it may be a laptop. The question is: does your current computer have all the requirements for a professional IT course?
Do a quick stocktake of the equipment and accessories you already have, as well as the storage capacity of your current computer (this is where cloud storage comes in) and match it up with the listed requirements of the course you are doing. If there's no equipment list, find someone to ask.
Make sure your computer has enough available memory for the software you will need.
Ensure everything is updated, such as your Zoom platform.
Check your security level and, if needed, invest in a better security program.
The software
Most new computers come with the basic Microsoft software — Word, Excel, PowerPoint — already installed. There are also free versions that do a similar job when it comes to text input and data manipulation; these include Google Apps (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides) and WordPad.
Additional software is available through monthly or annual subscriptions. These may include Paintshop Pro, Photoshop and Lightroom. They can be quite expensive so make sure you budget for them and make sure you actually need them for the purpose of your university course, online learning or career.
Remember, too, for every paid subscription there is at least one free version of equivalent functionality. These can be good for testing whether or you will actually use them.
The accessories
We could take up a lot of space here listing all the possible accessories you may or may not need for your online IT course. Instead, we advise you to look carefully into the recommended accessories for your particular course, talk to other students or the tutors and, initially, only purchase what you really need.
At the very least, however, students should ensure they have:
- a reliable computer with sufficient storage
- stable internet access
- a good webcam and microphone (if your course is interactive)
- speakers that enable clear sound transmission
- an external hard drive (for backup, extra storage or security).
How to Improve Your IT Skills
Motivated, hardworking students will achieve their goals regardless of the mode of delivery. However, these students will also come across problems or issues in their IT education from time to time. The difference between failing and passing is the ability to recognise when you need help.
Know how you learn. If you need the motivation of a real person, you may want to consider engaging a tutor for a weekly catch up and progress check. If you find it difficult to process written or verbal information without someone to guide you in the practical applications, again, working with a private tutor online will help solve this.
There are four steps to improving your skill in ICT:
- Set clear goals and maintain the focus on these
- Choose a program or structure that suits your learning style
- Seek help when needed
- Practise regularly and apply every skill taught in a real-life context.
Timetabled study
This much is clear — when you are studying online and independently a timetable is essential.
The only thing more essential than a timetable is the drive to stick to your timetable.
Build your timetable logistically. Add in the non-negotiables first — these include scheduled meets with a tutor, set times for live classes and any other outside appointments or commitments you have. Then add in blocks of time to:
- watch tutorials
- complete assignments or project homework
- practise the lesson's focus skill.
Remember that education is more effective when taken in small bites on a regular basis. A little bit every day is better than a marathon session once a fortnight — you'll retain more and have less chance of burning out.
Know your end goal
As already mentioned, being clear on your learning intention is essential. If you don't know what you want to achieve, you'll end up going around in circles. You may have great skills in coding, but if your career involves editing videos, coding is not exactly going to help.
Knowing your goal and the reason for your goal is the thing that will keep you motivated. Learning for the sake of it is a great recipe for letting things slide and achieving nothing.
To help you set your goal, start by writing down everything you want to learn and why. Then prioritise the items on this list. It's okay to have things on your wishlist because you think they'll be fun to learn but make sure your career goals rank higher.
Take a look at our guide to studying computer science to give you some ideas.
Put theory into practice
A private tutor will set project and homework tasks for you. However, if you are learning independently, you probably won't get this — so set your own. Remember the timetable we discussed earlier? Schedule in practice time every day and make sure you stick to it.
You can also try setting yourself mini-goals or a practical project that will make you integrate and apply each skill you've learned. For example, creating a web page will have you practising coding, graphic design and cybersecurity skills.
Finally, remember a few keywords to help you set and achieve your goals: practical, practice and persistence.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
