What Training....? again ....

It's that time of year again when my boss asks me 'what training would you like?'. Doesn't mean it will get budgeted for or approved, but if it isn't in then it definitely won't even be considered.

.... we use NPM, NCM, IPAM and NTA and one of the big drives around here is automation. Those of you that know me will know I ask a lot of questions about SWQL and Powershell (to a lesser degree). I've already done the 4 Day 'SolarWInds Comprehensive Training' by Kenson UK (now a part of Loop1), which is very much an overview of all popular modules and included time on SAM and other modules we don't have.

The only folks I see still doing training (in the UK at least) are Loop1 and Prosperon - am I missing any?

So what I think I need are courses aimed at taking an absolute n00b in coding to something that's usable with a little research / help. And to that end the only one I can find so far that might help me is: is Loop1's Orion 301Automation and SDK [ https://loop1.com/public-training/orion-301-database-automation/ ] but has anybody here done that and can advise how much it helped?

I know there are folks here that actually used to teach that course - looking at you @mesverrum

Thoughts?

BTW: please don't suggest online classes or reading books - I literally fall asleep. It needs to be interactive and preferably 'in person' to engage me.

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jeremymayfield

I used to be like that as well where I only wanted instructor led classes. Its not feasible in the modern world for all things. The SolarWinds success center and the videos the THWACK heads put out are awesome. There are lots of tutorials on PowerShell and things right here already recorded which will help you. You have to be flexible in today's world. Drink a energy drink and get to watching. There is also training with SolarWInds, which is online but its a live person teaching it. I have taken several of those and they work well. I am sure others will have other recommendations for you.

The resources in the customer portal for SolarWInds are amazing and you will gain the skills you need if you open up to more learning options. Just my suggestion.

stuartd

Hi Jeremey and thanks for the reply...

[quote userid="242550" url="~/product-forums/network-performance-monitor-npm/f/forum/92132/what-training-again/292804#292804"] Its not feasible in the modern world for all things. [/quote]

I sort of get that but there are valid reasons why I can't just read technical tomes or watch hours of videos. I'd prefer 'in person' classes but am happy for those to be virtual in person. For me, it is absolutely critical for effective learning.

I'm sure I've discussed this elsewhere on THWACK - ah yes: https://thwack.solarwinds.com/product-forums/the-orion-platform/f/forum/91251/swql-study-group-for-the-complete-novice---thoughts/290806#290806 but it is all about inclusiveness of learning.

For a modern world (he says referencing your phrase) where we rightly equalise gender pay gaps; be accepting of differences etc. etc, it appears that the one constant that is ignored is the different approaches to learning that exist. There are 7 (or 4 depending on the methods followed) "Styles of Learning" and my local schools have long since adopted this in their approach. It's about engaging and connecting with the individual 'where they are at'. I'm stunned that 30yrs later this still isn't commonplace thinking or a part of the modern world.

This article: https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/ beautifully breaks the styles down, and for the record I am firmly in the kinaesthetic zone with a secondary style of interpersonal [emphasis mine]

So, in short ... for you 'grabbing an energy drink and slugging through hours of video or books' may well work. but the key takeaway here, is it doesn't work for me. I know, I've got 50+ years of learning, or not, under my belt as proof of concept.

BUT - back on topic there are few and far between live classes in the EMEA time. Whilst I'm able to adjust my day by an hour or two either side, but most classes, that might have an appropriate topic, don't finish until 19:00 my time (last I looked). Consequently they finish to late for me as my work day is done by 16:00 latest, and I can't really do later due to other commitments (foster children to name one).

I think I'll have to push the study group idea some more but maybe also do it on /r/SolarWinds as well to se if it gets any more traction from EMEA based folks.