Comparing DoIT Software Training and Lynda.com

Overall I enjoyed the in-person training more than the self-guided online trainings on Lynda.com. I find that I learn better when someone is walking me through steps in real time, and I am able to ask questions on specifics or on related material. I also like that I can ask why certain steps are required instead of blindly following along with an online tutorial. Wordpress is an excellent resource for easily creating a new blog or website, and I found this training particularly helpful since we are using Wordpress to redo our departmental website at my current job. I think that I could have figured it out on my own, but it would have taken me longer to understand. The in-person classroom environment allows for multiple explanations of complicated processes or concepts, and also allows people to learn by listening to others’ questions. I find that often I don’t know I have a question until someone else raises the concern, and I am then glad they asked it!

Lynda.com is a great resource for people who are looking for self-guided tutorials on a variety of subjects, as it allows you to pick and choose which topics you would like to cover. You can easily see which videos are in the queue and can jump down to skip over material that you already know. The transcript on the left also allows for easy fast-forwarding or reviewing. I think Lynda.com is better for people who may be more advanced, and want to know specific information or just a short reminder on how to do something. It does not allow for the same interaction as the in-person training, but some people may prefer this if they are not comfortable interacting in a group setting.