In class we have now done both the ESRI Virtual Training and the MAG Training as well. I believe that both the platforms are very similar in their effectiveness of teaching us GIS. However, I would have to give the upper hand to the ESRI virtual training.
While using ESRI for learning Geodatabases, I felt that is was a more straightforward and to the point form of training. Some problems that I have had in the past with MAG are that there is too much busy work. While using MAG we would have to constantly digitize over and over again. This took up too much time and frustrated many of us. ESRI got straight to the point and gave us the A to Z on how to use it.
I liked ESRI's format of teaching in that they give you information about the subject, then they work you through how to use it, then they do a quick review, then you take your exam and get your certificate. The certificate in my mind is a overlooked accomplishment. Many people I think view these certificates as refrigerator material where I think they should be valued as much more. Accreditation is everything nowadays and you should be proud of that acknowledgement that you just received. I think it is great that ESRI allows you to receive these certificates because you never know when they may come in handy later on in life.
ESRI's format for me was just overall more efficient. The periodic questions were well placed and kept you on track so that you didn't get lost in the abundance of information given. I am definitely looking forward to the next ESRI virtual training lab so that I can further improve upon my GIS skills in the best manner possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment