IT training shares something in common with many other types of training and education in this modern day.
This is the choice between classroom instructor-led learning and self paced learning at home.
The movement toward what is called distant learning has been steady ever since the advent of computers and the development of the internet.
The debate between the two learning styles has gone on since the beginning with each side having its devoted advocates.
In many cases, the individual learning style of the student is one of the most important aspects in this debate.
Some people thrive in a self paced distant environment and others really need the help of the instructor.
Each student should have a general idea of which learning style best suits his own abilities.
Even though the choice is not always totally in the hands of the student, when the student has any input at all, knowing his preference will enable him to make the best decision.
The major advantage of instructor-led training is the instructor himself.
When the instructor is qualified not only in the subject but also in the general principles of training itself, he can be a valuable asset to the learning process.
The ability to recognize confusion and to steer the student back to the right direction is the major advantage of a live instructor.
There is a large amount of computer training courseware available to assist in the training process.
Courseware consists of specific training software.
This software makes the computer into the instructor and is designed to take the student through the learning process in an orderly step by step manner.
Computer books and study guides are used to supplement the computer courseware.
The availability of courseware has made many people see the instructor as something that is no longer necessary.
However, instructor-led training can utilize the same courseware as distant learning uses with the additional advantage of a live person to provide additional insight and to answer unusual questions.
The ability of an instructor to bring a student back from a state of complete confusion can still be an asset despite the most sophisticated courseware.
There are still a couple of downsides to instructor-led training.
It involves the actually physical meeting between the instructor and his class.
This involves a specific time and schedule.
Distant learning can be done on the students' schedule.
There is also an additional cost involved in instructor-led training.
This cost is greater when travel is required to attend the class or significant time is lost from the job to complete the training.