At the moment, I have a dead end job, and would like to improve my horizons by taking a computer course, with a view to becoming a computer technician, working at an IT help desk, or something similar.
I want to do home study, because I'm not in a position to be able to give up work, but I don't want to waste my time and money doing a Micky Mouse course that won't be recognised by employers, or offer any credibility.
What courses would be the best ones to take, that I can do as home study?
Thanks for any help. :)
2007-10-13 18:51:47 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Try the European Computer Driving Licence. I'm only three weeks into it myself, studying at college but according to the link below, it can be studied at home. Best of luck.
2007-10-13 19:05:14 · answer #1 · answered by tattyhead65 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out Kaplan University On-line. Second choice is Phoenix University On-line. Both are regionally/nationally accredited and their credits are transferrable to any other university. I would suggest going for a Bachelors in IT and then choose a focus. This will greatly improve your chances of getting a solid job in IT.
If you just want to take a few courses you can do that as well. Take IT 101 (introduction to computers) and IT 102 the second part. These will give you the basics and then you should follow up with IT190-03 Which is Computer Hardware and Operating Systems.
A quality text for the last course is the Guide to Managing & Maintaining Your PC 6th Edition by Jean Andrews published by Thomson Course Technology.
This book completely maps out the CompTIA A+ certification exams which is what you want to get certified in if you wish to do tech support.
You CAN buy this book on your own and study it thoroughly. Get a used cheap PC that has a minimum of a Pentium Processor and this will allow you to do the hands on practice you will need. Then take the CompTIA A+ exam. If you get this certification then you will be able to get a job in tech support.
2007-10-13 19:06:09 · answer #2 · answered by Rowjim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are asking the impossible. You want practical, saleable, skills, but not be exposed to a teacher who can give you hands-on guidance. A distance learning course will only be able to give you very limited practical skills.
With this, and your job, in mind you need an evening course. One that leads to professional qualifications would be useful - but these are limited in IT. The ones that exist tend to be limited in scope and not "full" qualifications.
If you really want to work in IT then a part-time evening course at your local university would lead to the highest level of recognition.
If high earning capability is your goal then you might be better off considering professional exams. These would include accountancy (e.g. ACA, CIMA, or ACCA), banking, insurance, and marketing. The professional bodies have a range of part-time evening courses that can lead to very good earnings.
2007-10-14 04:47:43 · answer #3 · answered by philipscown 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local Adult Education centre - they are really good.
This time last year I didn't know how to even turn on a computer, now - I can see how addictive they are. They have opened up a new world for me.
I started with the beginners course - this year I have started the "Clait" course moving on to "Sage". They make the learning interesting, innovative. Meeting new people is very nice too and the fees are reasonable. They also have "flexi" times. So, c'mon get your finger out and get to it.
I wish you the very best of luck.......xxx
2007-10-13 19:35:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋