AdobeAce
09-18-2005, 05:01 PM
Hi All,
As a computer graphics trainer, I'm constantly asked -- "What should I look for in computer graphic training?"
My answer is always the same -- "It depends."
And then I ask a bunch of questions --
"Everyone learns differently, how do you learn best?"
- Some students can read the manual or a QuickStart book and their off and running in no time. If that's you, go for it -- It's the most cost-effective approach.
- Others learn well, simply by watching someone else demonstrate the features. Take a class or get training that uses a seminar-like approch.
- Some people learn best by doing.
- Most students learn best when they can see a feature demonstrated and then they can try it themselves. If that's you, make sure that the class is equipped with a projector so the instructor can demonstrate, AND with computers for EACH student so you can try what was just demonstrated.
"How experienced are you in computer graphics?
- Expert users in one program are more likely to pick another application more quickly.
- Less experienced users usually need to move more slowly. They may want to take a beginners class or one-on-one training so they aren't overwhelmed.
"What are you looking to get out of the learning experience?"
- If you or your graphics department have very specific needs, look for customized training. If you are only interested in print graphics and could care less about the Web, don't take a general class.
- If you're an experienced Quark user and you're switching to InDesign, look for a Quark Certified Expert who is an Abobe Certified Instructor in InDesign.
- If you want a good solid overall background, a class may do the job beautifully
"Do you usually ask a lot of good questions?" If you do and want good solid answers, make sure the trainer is an Adobe Certified Instructor in the Application that you want to learn. This certification is your guarantee from Adobe that the instructor really knows his or her stuff.
Even though I'm listed on Adobe's website, as an Certified Instructor for InDesign and Illustrator, I still have prospective clients call me for Photoshop training. I always tell them that I'm not Certified in Photoshop and I give them the names and phone numbers of Instructors who are. I may know a lot about Photoshop, but I'm no expert. Photoshop is a "bottomless pit" of an application, so if you want good answers to all of your questions, look for an Adobe Certified Expert.
The last and most important question --
"Do you want to get your moneysworth?"
Of course you do!
Then make sure that the computer graphic training facility uses ONLY Adobe Certified Instructors. Or, if you're hiring an instuctor directly, make sure they are Adobe Certified. Most computer schools do NOT use Adobe Certified Instructors. These schools usually deliver "canned" classes out of a book. They just touch on the features with a bunch of tips and tricks or just the basics.
If you have any questions about training feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction. Or you can also visit Adobe's website at http://www.adobe.com/support/training.html to find various options that are available for training.
If you want to search for an Adobe Certified Instructor in your area, visit http://partners.adobe.com/public/partnerfinder/tp/show_find.do
Hope this helps!
As a computer graphics trainer, I'm constantly asked -- "What should I look for in computer graphic training?"
My answer is always the same -- "It depends."
And then I ask a bunch of questions --
"Everyone learns differently, how do you learn best?"
- Some students can read the manual or a QuickStart book and their off and running in no time. If that's you, go for it -- It's the most cost-effective approach.
- Others learn well, simply by watching someone else demonstrate the features. Take a class or get training that uses a seminar-like approch.
- Some people learn best by doing.
- Most students learn best when they can see a feature demonstrated and then they can try it themselves. If that's you, make sure that the class is equipped with a projector so the instructor can demonstrate, AND with computers for EACH student so you can try what was just demonstrated.
"How experienced are you in computer graphics?
- Expert users in one program are more likely to pick another application more quickly.
- Less experienced users usually need to move more slowly. They may want to take a beginners class or one-on-one training so they aren't overwhelmed.
"What are you looking to get out of the learning experience?"
- If you or your graphics department have very specific needs, look for customized training. If you are only interested in print graphics and could care less about the Web, don't take a general class.
- If you're an experienced Quark user and you're switching to InDesign, look for a Quark Certified Expert who is an Abobe Certified Instructor in InDesign.
- If you want a good solid overall background, a class may do the job beautifully
"Do you usually ask a lot of good questions?" If you do and want good solid answers, make sure the trainer is an Adobe Certified Instructor in the Application that you want to learn. This certification is your guarantee from Adobe that the instructor really knows his or her stuff.
Even though I'm listed on Adobe's website, as an Certified Instructor for InDesign and Illustrator, I still have prospective clients call me for Photoshop training. I always tell them that I'm not Certified in Photoshop and I give them the names and phone numbers of Instructors who are. I may know a lot about Photoshop, but I'm no expert. Photoshop is a "bottomless pit" of an application, so if you want good answers to all of your questions, look for an Adobe Certified Expert.
The last and most important question --
"Do you want to get your moneysworth?"
Of course you do!
Then make sure that the computer graphic training facility uses ONLY Adobe Certified Instructors. Or, if you're hiring an instuctor directly, make sure they are Adobe Certified. Most computer schools do NOT use Adobe Certified Instructors. These schools usually deliver "canned" classes out of a book. They just touch on the features with a bunch of tips and tricks or just the basics.
If you have any questions about training feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction. Or you can also visit Adobe's website at http://www.adobe.com/support/training.html to find various options that are available for training.
If you want to search for an Adobe Certified Instructor in your area, visit http://partners.adobe.com/public/partnerfinder/tp/show_find.do
Hope this helps!