The other major obstacle to self-paced training in a corporate setting is
that few employers let employees do self-paced training during work hours. So
the employee feels pressure to study at home and sometimes resents having to do
so. In contrast, employees who attend class treat it like a break from the
routine and have a positive attitude.
Microsoft is moving toward combining the two styles of learning for some
products. For Access, VB, and other programming tools, the company has developed
self-paced training for both individual study and instructor-led classes.
Microsoft will emphasize the self-paced mode for working with the software in
the class, but an instructor will cover the concepts and provide guidance.
There's no substitute for being able to ask someone when your lab exercise
doesn't work.
Microsoft is also integrating a classroom setting with self-paced training
in other ways. In August 1995, Microsoft joined forces with several online
classroom providers to launch the Microsoft Online University (MOLI) on the
Microsoft Network (MSN), and Microsoft recently announced the beta Web launch of
MOLI. The sidebar, "Microsoft's Online University," on page 60
explains MOLI.
Microsoft isn't the only company evaluating and applying teaching methods.
Friesen, Kaye and Associates runs the Instructional Techniques workshops that
most certified Microsoft trainers attend. This group has calculated the
student's retention rate of the material. If an instructor presents the
information orally, the retention rate is 35% after three hours. If the
instructor presents the information visually, the retention rate is 72% after
three hours. If the instructor presents the information both orally and visually
(e.g., showing a slide and explaining it), the retention rate is 85% after three
hours. After three days, the oral retention rate is 10%, the visual retention
rate is 20%, and the oral and visual retention rate is 65%.
These findings raise some interesting questions. If the oral and visual
retention rate is 85%, is it the same if the students watch a videotape of the
same class? Is the retention rate similar if the students look at a slide on a
computer screen while listening to the narration through speakers on a
multimedia system? I suspect retention rates are not nearly as high because
people are desensitized to television, and multimedia probably falls in the same
category. With any electronic medium, in contrast to the classroom, no true
interaction occurs between the instructor and the student.
Third-Party Training Materials
Several companies offer self-study packages, including every course you need
to be an MCSE. Two types of third-party training materials are videotapes and
CD-ROMs. The CD-ROM is convenient when you're short on desk space. In contrast,
several people can watch a videotape.
Learning from a CD-ROM lets you control the pace, but you lose personal
interaction. With a videotape, an instructor can appear on screen to simulate
the classroom experience. Many companies find that CD-ROM-based training looks
great at first, but people get bored and walk away.
One company that provides training on both CD-ROM and videotape is
LearnKey, Incorporated. It provides 11 videotapes to prepare for the MCSE exams.
To get an idea of what LearnKey videos include, see the sidebar, "Training
for the Video Generation," on page 62.
Other training companies provide CD-ROM-based training because 650MB of
storage holds a lot of material. Unfortunately, cramming lots of material on a
CD is exactly what many training companies do. You don't build a training course
by simply filling a CD-ROM and handing it to the student. Sorting through data
is hard even if you know what you're looking for, and students usually don't
know where to begin.
Microsoft recognizes that even with videotapes and CD-ROM-based training,
instructor-led classes are a good idea. Students who want to go the self-paced
route can sign up for classes through MOLI and benefit from the available
instructor. Large companies can consider bringing MOLI in house. For instance, a
company can provide a dedicated training lab where students can study during
working hours or on their own time. Instructors running the lab can be available
for assistance and encouragement. But students must take the responsibility for
completing the course.
Exam Preparation Tools
Once you complete any type of course, you have to prepare for the exam. Two
tools that can help you prepare for an MCP exam are practice exams and local
user groups. Both resources let you sharpen your skills before taking a real
test.
Practice exams can help you gauge your knowledge of the subject. By taking
the practice exam, you can identify areas that need attention and focus on weak
points.
For example, Transcender has a line of Examinator practice exams. When you
get an answer wrong, the software-based practice exam gives the right answer and
explains why it's correct.
Another product is Net-Com Image's BeachFrontQuizzer. This database of
questions lets you test in specific areas, such as NT installation, hard-disk
management, and networking. Or you can take a simulated exam that mixes
questions on various topics, as in the real exam. You can measure your progress
as you repeat the tests. You can download a demonstration copy (QUIZDEMO.ZIP)
from CompuServe (GO WINUTIL). An updated demo, BFQUIZ.ZIP, will be available
this month from the Internet.
I found the questions on the practice NT Server test harder than those on
the real exam. The practice questions are more detailed than the test. Not that
knowing more detail than you need is bad: If you can pass these simulated tests,
you're definitely ready to take the exam. In contrast, the NT Workstation
questions seem easier, but this exam is usually easier than the NT Server one.
You can turn on an option to immediately see whether your answer is
correct. The program supplies the correct answer, but not an explanation. So
this software is more useful as a preparation for the test than as a learning
tool.
If you can't afford such tools or want additional help, don't overlook the
study opportunities that your local user group offers. It can often identify
local training opportunities and connect you with other members who are studying
for MCP exams. For details about user group offerings, see the sidebar, "Learning
from User Groups,"
on page 64.
You can trust Microsoft's structured training methods, and other vendors
have innovative training tools. Which learning track is right for you? The
answer depends on the class, the demands on your time, your learning style, and
your budget.