They work in almost every industry, helping businesses make decisions, solve problems, and run smoothly. This career is both lucrative and in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analyzes information about the economy, and provides reports on numerous different occupations. It finds that computer and information technology occupations pay an average of $100,000 yearly, which is much higher than average. Jobs in this field are also expected to grow faster than average over the next ten years. For instance, Computer and Information Research Scientists are predicted to see a 23 percent increase, and Information Security Analysts a 32 percent increase. The average rate of increase is only 5 percent.
The 20 Best IT Classes
- General Assembly—Software Engineering Immersive (Live Online and In-Person)
- ONLC Training Centers—Cisco Certified Network Associate (On-Demand)
- UC San Diego Extended Studies—Database Management Program (Online)
- Global Knowledge—Cybersecurity Foundations (Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Data Analytics Certificate (Live Online and In-Person)
- Future Media Concepts—Apple Mac Technician (Live Online)
- NetCom Learning—Cloud Operations on AWS (Live Online)
- Computer Training Source—ITIL (Live Online and In-Person)
- NYC Career Centers—Data Science Certificate (Live Online and In-Person)
- Developer Bootcamp—SQL Server Administrator Bootcamp (On-Demand)
- Cprime—Artificial Intelligence Implementation Bootcamp (Live Online)
- Flatiron School—Software Engineering Bootcamp (Live Online and In-Person)
- American Management Association—Architecting on AWS (Live Online and In-Person)
- Rev Up Tech—macOS Support Essentials (Live Online and In-Person)
- Technical Institute of America—CompTIA Network+ Certification (Live Online and In-Person)
- UCLA Extension—Cybersecurity Certificate (Online)
- Udemy—The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course (On-Demand)
- TLG Learning—AWS Technical Essentials (Live Online)
- Coursera—Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization (On-Demand)
- LinkedIn Learning—Python Essential Training (On-Demand)
#1: General Assembly—Software Engineering Immersive (Live Online and In-Person)
Software Engineering Immersive is offered by General Assembly, a school that provides tech, data, business, and design training both in-person and live online. This course covers front end development, full stack development, and front end frameworks and APIs. Students learn through a combination of live study and independent work. They work on a number of projects, including a capstone project where they mimic a team-client interaction and create a full stack application. Students who take this course also get 20 hours of optional self-paced instruction on specializations such as UX engineering, DevOps, and cloud development.
Key Information
The course takes 12 weeks of full-time study, or 24 weeks of part-time study, to complete. It costs $16,450. Payment can be made by check, wire transfer, PayPal, or credit or debit card. Students can also choose from a number of financing offers. For instance, they can pay in 4 installments of $4,112.50. There are no prerequisites.
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Students in the Software Engineering Immersive class also receive career coaching, including interview prep, mock interviews, resume reviews, and whiteboard practice. After finishing the class, they get a signed certificate of completion. General Assembly graduates also get access to digital tools and development programs, and receive tuition discounts on additional General Assembly classes.
General Assembly is favorably reviewed by former students. Many state that they found the tuition investment to be worth it, and that taking a course from this school has helped them in their careers. For instance, one student says, “Overall, I had a wonderful time participating in the online program. I got the chance to get to know a wide range of people who had like interests, and we developed enduring connections. I learned a lot throughout the program, and it considerably increased my skill set. I genuinely think the investment I made was justified.” Another student comments on the quality of support, saying, “I wasn't sure what to expect and if I would be able to keep up the pace but the instructor team were fantastic at supporting me and go above and beyond to keep me on track. The career team was also fantastic and provided some excellent resources for job hunting.”
#2: ONLC Training Centers—Cisco Certified Network Associate
ONLC Training Centers offers IT training in more than 200 locations across the United States. It also offers numerous on-demand classes such as Cisco Certified Network Associate. This class covers the fundamentals of networking, and it also prepares students to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. The curriculum includes networking fundamentals, ethernet LAN design and implementation, wireless LANs, and designing, implementing, and troubleshooting IPv4. There is a combination of lectures, visuals, demonstrations, and labs. Students also take quizzes and exams.
Key Information
Tuition is $1,295, payable at the time of registration. Students have access to the course for 180 days after enrollment. There are 11 hours and 39 minutes of video content, and as a traditional course, the class would take 2 to 3 days to complete. There are no prerequisites.
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Students receive a printed study guide, in addition to an exam voucher, and access to an online practice exam.
Many former students have positive things to say about ONLC Training Centers. One comments, “I've been to 5-6 ONLC classes and each and every instructor has been amazing. I can't say enough good things about ONLC...for me it is the only way to learn. Thank you!"
#3: UC San Diego Extended Studies—Database Management Program
The Database Management Program teaches students the skills needed for database management. Students choose three courses from: Introduction to SQL Programming, Intermediate SQL Programming, Advanced Database Management, and Cloud Computing Architecture Using Amazon Web Services. They also choose one elective. Students who take this program learn how to use SQL, how to design and implement database management systems, how to use EER modeling and data warehousing, and about transaction processing and distributed data management. They also develop expertise in cloud computing architecture through Amazon Web Services. UC San Diego Extended Studies offers educational programs that support lifelong learning.
Key Information
This course costs $3,000, which does not include textbooks or software. Tuition is due at the time of enrollment, and can be paid by credit card, check, or money order. Each course in the program takes about two months to complete. While there are no formal prerequisites, it is recommended that students have some experience in Business, IT, and/or CS.
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Former UC San Diego Extended Studies students have posted reviews online, and a number of students say that they found extension courses useful, and the professors knowledgeable. For example, one student says, “My class was taught by a highly accomplished professor. He knew exactly what he was talking about and all the books he authored backed that up. I felt confident that I received sound advice. Having an accomplished teacher is a big plus in my book. I feel so inspired and motivated.”
#4: Global Knowledge—Cybersecurity Foundations (Live Online)
Global Knowledge is an IT training company that was founded in 1995 and offers classes in a number of locations around the world, in addition to in a live online format. Cybersecurity Foundations is designed to teach students about cybersecurity threats, and how to manage them. Covered topics include vulnerability and assessment tools, cyber awareness, different types of cyber attacks, security policy management, securing hosts and servers, securing communications, and authentication and cryptographics solutions. Students also learn about firewalls and edge devices, forensic analysis, disaster recovery, and cyber evolution. The course also includes a number of labs.
Key Information
The course runs for five days, and costs $3,395. Students should have some knowledge of TCP/IP networking.
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Many former students have written reviews of Global Knowledge classes, and the majority are positive. Some students say that classes moved a little too quickly, however, many say that the content was presented in a way that was easy to understand. One reviewer writes, “Knowledgeable instructor with clear and organized material.” Another says, “The on line training is well organized. Instructors are well versed and experienced. You also ha e the opportunity to network with other peers with in your line of work. Such a productive and enjoyable experience.”
#5: Noble Desktop—Data Analytics Certificate (Live Online and In-Person)
Noble Desktop is a tech school based in New York City that offers both in-person and live online IT classes. Its Data Analytics Certificate is designed for students interested in working as a Data Analyst or Business Analyst. There are eight units in the course: Excel for Data Analytics, Data Analytics Foundations, Python for Data Science Bootcamp, SQL Bootcamp, Python for Automation, Python Data Visualization & Interactive Dashboards, Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, and Tableau Bootcamp. Overall, students learn a wide range of skills including how to gather, clean, and analyze data, how to extract information using SQL, how to interpret results, and how to use Tableau and Python to visualize data.
Key Information
This course takes 6 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time to complete. There are 156 hours of instruction in total. Nobel offers both weekday and evening scheduling options. Tuition is $4,995. Noble also offers an installment payment option or a 12-month financing option. With the installment option, the total is paid by the end of the course, while with the 12-month option, students make monthly payments for a year. Both options require an initial deposit. There is no interest or financing fees. There are no prerequisites for this course, but students should be comfortable using a computer.
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Students who take this class also receive eight one-on-one mentoring sessions where they can get help with their resume and LinkedIn profile, spend extra time working on challenging concepts, and get advice about applying for jobs. They also receive a New York State-licensed certificate of completion. In addition, Noble offers a free course retake within one year.
Many students have reviewed Noble Desktop classes favorably. Mai was impressed by the instructors, writing, “Professional, supportive, engaging and down to earth instructors. Noble Desktop is always there for you.” Noble students have also commented on how much they learned in this class. For instance, Niekel writes, “It was great to see my progress during the duration of this bootcamp. I started with no prior knowledge of Python and by the end of the course, I was able to complete a machine learning project using Python.”
#6: Future Media Concepts—Apple Mac Technician (Live Online)
Future Media Concepts was founded in 1994, and offers a variety of different tech classes. In Apple Mac Technician, students learn to troubleshoot and repair Mac computers. Instructors cover setup and maintenance, user accounts, file system, security, Time Machine, permissions, Power Management macOS Networks, troubleshooting, repairing, and servicing. Instruction includes interactive discussions and hands-on exercises.
Key Information
This is a four-day training, with an average class size of eight students. Tuition is $2,800. Government, corporate, and educational rates are available. There are no prerequisites.
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Future Media Concepts classes have received many positive student reviews. Some students have commented that instructors are knowledgeable. For example, one person states, “The instructor was both highly knowledgeable and creative, bringing elements of history, development and practical use together in his approach.” Another student says, “The instructor . . . was very friendly, welcomed questions, and knew her subject material quite well.”
#7: NetCom Learning—Cloud Operations on AWS (Live Online)
NetCom Learning runs a variety of IT training classes. It received the 2023 Microsoft US Learning Partner of the Year Award. In Cloud Operations on AWS, students learn to create networks and systems on the AWS platform. Covered skills include installing, configuring, automating, monitoring, securing, maintaining, and troubleshooting AWS systems. Students also learn about specific AWS tools, features, and best practices. This class is recommended for students who want to earn the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator-Associate certification.
Key Information
The course has three eight-hour sessions. In addition to live online instruction, students receive real-time remote access to class software and a virtual lab environment. Tuition is $2,025, and is payable at the time of registration. Students need a PC or Mac computer that is less than four years old, and a USB headset. Two display monitors are recommended. Students should have a background in software development or systems administration, a knowledge of AWS technical essentials, and a basic knowledge of networking protocols.
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The NetCom website includes reviews from former students. One student says, “Quite an insightful training; tons of realtime examples to co-relate wth what we are learning and helps with real time projets.” Another says, “The content, reading material and training resources were very useful.”
#8: Computer Training Source—ITIL (Live Online and In-Person)
ITIL is a live online course offered by Computer Training Source, a Chicago-based school that offers both in-person and live online training. This class is focused on ITIL, which is a commonly used IT service management approach. Students learn how to use this framework to identify, plan, deliver, and support IT services to a business. The course covers service management, service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, and service improvement. The course also prepares students to take the ITIL Foundation certification exam.
Key Information
There are three eight-hour course sessions in the ITIL course. Tuition is $1,895, and is due at the time of registration. Students receive 30 days of free telephone or email support along with their class. Computer Training Source classes typically have 6 to 10 students per class, and instructors can see student screens so that they can better assist students during class.
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This school offers an exam pass guarantee, where students are guaranteed to pass their certification exam the first time, or Computer Training Source will pay for a free retake. Students also get the option of a free course retake within six months.
Computer Training Source has received many positive reviews from its students. A number of students state that the school’s instructors were helpful and easy to understand. For instance, one reviewer says, “My advisor was available for every change I needed and encouragement was outstanding not to quit!!! Teachers were above and beyond helpful in and after class and even during breaks.” Another comments, “Instructor was very clear and took time to make sure all in the class were able to follow along. I felt I learned a few new items that will certainly help in my profession.”
#9: NYC Career Centers—Data Science Certificate (Live Online and In-Person)
The Data Science Certificate offered by NYC Career Centers is intended to prepare students for entry-level data science and Python positions. There are four units: Python for Data Science Bootcamp, PostgreSQL Bootcamp, Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, and Python for Automation. Students learn a wide variety of skills, including coding in Python, and using Matplotlib, Pandas, and other Python libraries to evaluate data. They also learn foundational database concepts, develop the ability to scrape data from websites, and learn data cleaning and management.
Key Information
This course can be completed in two months of full-time study or eight months of part-time study. There are 19 sessions, with a total of 114 hours of instruction. Tuition is $3,995. Noble offers a 12-month financing option, or an installment option where students pay a deposit and then 3 installment payments. There are no interest or finance charges with either of these options. There are no prerequisites for this course, but students should be comfortable using a computer. The average class size is seven people.
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This course also comes with a certificate of completion, proprietary workbooks, and the option of a free retake within a year. In addition, students receive a one-on-one mentoring session that they can use for career or job search advice, or to get extra practice on challenging concepts.
Former students of NYC Career Centers have posted a number of positive reviews online. Some commented that they were impressed with both the curriculum and the quality of instruction. One says, “This was a very safe environment to learn - I felt comfortable asking questions, and the teacher knew how to address my questions and reinforce the knowledge.” Another writes, “Teacher was very knowledgeable and clear.”
#10: Developer Bootcamp—SQL Server Administrator Bootcamp (On-Demand)
The SQL Server Administrator Bootcamp covers relational database fundamentals, SQL programming, and administering SQL databases. Specific topics include SQL syntax, creating and using stored procedures, functions, and views and triggers. Instructors also teach students about installing and configuring an SQL server, backing up and restoring databases, and configuring security. There are two required courses: Microsoft Transact-SQL Programming, and Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Administration. There is also an optional course called SQL Server 2017 Business Intelligence: Integration Services and Analysis Services. All classes are half lecture, and half hands-on exercises.
Key Information
Tuition for this class is $2,400. Developer Bootcamp offers low-interest financing options that students can call to discuss. Veterans receive a 20 percent discount. Both courses in the bootcamp take 35 hours to complete. The optional course also takes 35 hours. There are no prerequisites.
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The school website contains student reviews of its classes. Some liked the school’s on-demand format. For instance, one says, “This was my first on-demand training course and I was very pleased with the results upon completing. The instructor seemed very knowledgeable and the pace of the course was good. With on-demand training, it was a nice option to just start a module over as a review. For those with busy schedules this would be a great option.” Another person states, “I was able to replay portions of the course and also spend more time on the labs. Thanks so much!”
#11: Cprime—Artificial Intelligence Implementation Bootcamp (Live Online)
Cprime’s Artificial Intelligence Implementation Bootcamp is designed to teach students how to adopt machine learning and AI features in their own projects and applications. Students learn about big data, how to implement machine learning, creating concrete value, and about machine intelligence as part of the customer experience. The course also covers machine intelligence and cybersecurity, and filling the internal capability gap.
Key Information
This is an eight-hour class, and tuition is $1,100. The class is held via Zoom, and has an average of 25 people. There are no prerequisites.
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Classes taken through Cprime have been positively reviewed by many students. A number mentioned that they liked the instructors. For instance, one says, “[The instructor] was very passionate and he really knew his stuff. His stories were informative and relatable. They were also frequently very funny. The class was very collaborative and engaging. I am happy that I took this class!” Another student says, “Really liked the instructor, his examples were easy to relate to and clear.”
#12: Flatiron School—Software Engineering Bootcamp (Live Online and In-Person)
The Software Engineering Bootcamp at the Flatiron School includes a combination of lectures, lab work, and work on a portfolio. Students learn about front end development, including how to use AI chatbots, and how AI models can help with debugging. The course also covers front end web applications. In the back end part of the course, students learn Python, and all about back end APIs. Finally, students work on a cumulative project, where they build an application of their own. Instructors are software engineers with real-world experience.
Key Information
This class takes 15 weeks of full-time study to complete. Tuition is $17,900. Students can pay up front, or in 12 installments of $4,184. Flatiron also offers a number of loan options, including a cost-of-living loan. In order to take the class, students need to fill out an online application, and then take part in a 15-minute assessment with the admissions team. Prior to the start of class, students also need to complete Software Engineering Prep, which takes 60 to 80 hours. During prep, they will gain a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, set up their computing environment, and get comfortable with the Canvas platform that is used for the course.The Software Engineering Bootcamp is also available to take part-time, however, instruction for the part-time program is asynchronous.
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The Flatiron School offers career coaching as part of its bootcamps. Students are partnered with a career coach during their course, and also receive up to six months of support after graduation. Career coaches can help with things like building a resume and LinkedIn profile, interview skills, salary negotiations, searching for a job, and creating a network.
A number of students have reviewed this course favorably. Jon Brundage, Jr. was particularly impressed with the quality of instruction. He says, “My favorite part of the program was my phase one instructor, who completely laid the foundation for my success in the program.” Brundage Jr. adds, “[He] explained this new world of Javascript in a way that was very accessible and had so much patience for all of my questions. He took this very big, intimidating process and gave me the tools to feel empowered from day one and I will be forever grateful for all his tutorage.” Tristam Jones says that for him, it was his fellow students who were a key factor in his success. He explains, “It made all the difference to be surrounded by other individuals as motivated, bright, and desperate as I was to make such a drastic career pivot.”
#13: American Management Association—Architecting on AWS (Live Online and In-Person)
The American Management Association offers professional development classes, both in person and live online, on a wide range of topics, including IT. Architecting on AWS is designed for solutions architects, solutions-design engineers, and developers who want to get a better understanding of AWS architecting. It is also for students who want to obtain the AWS Solutions Architect-Associate certification. The course is focused on building solutions for AWS Cloud. Covered topics include account security, networking, storage, databases, monitoring, automation, containers, serverless architecture, edge services, and backup and recovery. Participants in the class watch live presentations and demonstrations, engage in group discussions, and complete hands-on labs.
Key Information
This class has three eight-hour sessions, and costs $2,095. Students can pay at the time of registration, or can choose to receive an invoice, which is sent 7 to 10 days after registration. Payment can be made by credit card or check. There are an average of 20 students per class. Students who want to enroll in this class should understand AWS Cloud practitioner essentials, distributed systems, general networking concepts, and IP addressing. They should also have a working knowledge of multi-tier architectures and understand cloud computing concepts. Students who plan to take the course in a live online format are advised to have a headset.
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Classes at American Management Association have been well reviewed by many students, some of whom mention that they liked the level of interactivity that they got, and were impressed with the knowledgeability of instructors. One says, “This course challenged the way I think, my responses to situations, and how I conduct my work. . . . I've already implemented . . . the tools I learned in class!” Another comments, “Great facilitator, with decades of management experience. . . . I also enjoyed the interactive quizzes and breakout sessions for the online course . . . Very helpful and engaging.”
#14: Rev Up Tech—macOS Support Essentials (Live Online and In-Person)
macOS Support Essentials is a three-day class offered by Rev Up Tech, which is a computer training school based in Los Angeles. Students who take this course learn how to support macOS users, through a combination of presentations, demonstrations, group discussions, and hands-on exercises. Covered topics are: installation and configuration, user accounts, file systems and storage, data management, apps and processes, network configuration, network services, and system management. The teacher is an Apple Certified Instructor.
Key Information
Tuition for this course is $1,895, and is due at the time of enrollment. Rev Up Tech accepts Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. This class is suitable for beginners, and there are no prerequisites, however, some knowledge of a Mac computer or an iOS device is suggested. Students receive a certificate of completion after finishing the course.
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Rev Up Tech’s client list includes a number of large, national companies such as Neiman Marcus, Associated Press, Wells Fargo, and Walt Disney.
#15: Technical Institute of America—CompTIA Network+ Certification (Live Online and In-Person)
CompTIA Network+ Certification is offered by the Technical Institute of America, a tech school based in New York City. Students learn to configure servers, routers, switches, and firewalls, and should leave class with the ability to set up and troubleshoot a network. The course also prepares students to take the CompTIA Network+ certification exam, which is an entry-level network install and repair certification. Some of the specific topics covered in the class are: networking fundamentals, the OSI model, network operating systems, TCP/IP fundamentals, WAN and remote access technologies, security, HTCP/IP utilities, and network troubleshooting.
Key Information
There are four class sessions in this course, with a total of 28 hours of instruction. Tuition is $699. On average, classes have no more than 15 students.
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The Technical Institute of America boasts a 97 percent exam pass rate for its students. If students cannot pass the exam after two retakes, they receive a tuition refund.
Students have posted positive reviews of this class on the Technical Institute of America website, with many writing that it helped them pass the exam. For example, one says, “This class Network+ was great, it covered exactly what was on the exam and helped me understand how to pass this exam. I'm excited about my next certification." Another writes, “Andrew made the Network+ certification really simple. With his explanations and hands-on approach I really felt confident when taking the exam which I passed right after the class.”
#16: UCLA Extension—Cybersecurity Certificate
One of the oldest and largest continuing and professional studies providers in the United States, UCLA Extension offers a number of online IT courses including a Cybersecurity Certificate. There are four required courses in this program: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, Information Systems Infrastructure Security Management, Cybersecurity Lab, and Network, Operating System and Database Security. Students learn about best practices for secure applications, and how to create security policies, risk assessments, disaster recovery plans, and post-attack protocols and procedures. They also get hands-on experience with OSI stack security, and learn about hacking methodology and mitigation, and defensive strategies. In addition, the course covers concepts that are needed in CompTIASecurity+ and other cybersecurity certifications.
Key Information
Tuition for this certificate program is $5,475. There is also a $200 application fee, and $700 estimated textbook fee. UCLA Extension accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. It also offers access to a number of different financial aid programs. Each of the required courses takes about 11 weeks to complete.
Online students use Canvas, which is UCLA Extension’s cloud-based learning management system, to access course material such as webinars, readings, and videos, and to connect with their instructor and classmates. There are no live meetings in this course, but students do receive new course content weekly, and must also complete assignments by specific due dates. Instructors provide office hours through Zoom.
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There are a number of program benefits that come with enrollment in this course. Students get access to career resources such as the UCLA Career Center’s online job board, and membership in the UCLA Alumni Association after graduation. They also get a printed certificate and can participate in the UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony.
UCLA Extension classes have been well-reviewed by many former students. One writes, “UCLA provided great courses that I think is a great option for those looking into gaining skills and advancing their careers more quickly. UCLA has a great pool of in instructors and having the experience to work and collaborate with students from different countries was a wonderful experience!” Another comments, “Good teachers, Helpful career services, Positive environment, Good career preparation, Hands-on training.”
#17: Udemy—The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course
The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course covers networking fundamentals, and also helps students prepare for the Cisco CCNA certification. It is designed for those who want to obtain certification, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about networking. Students learn about LANs, IP addressing and subnetting, and hubs, switches and, routers. The course also covers OSI and TCP/IP models, name resolution with DNS, Access Control Lists, Wi-Fi 6, and address allocation with DHCP. In addition, students learn how to protect networks from attacks.
Key Information
This course costs $18.99. There are no prerequisites, but students should have a basic understanding of computers. There are 79.5 hours of video, 18 articles, and 121 downloadable resources.
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After finishing this course, students receive a certificate of completion. In addition, once a student purchases a course from Udemy, they have lifetime access to it. Students can also access their courses on a mobile device.
This course has been rated by thousands of people, and the majority of reviews are positive. A number of students say that the content was presented in a way that made it easy to understand. One says, “Detailed and clear explanation. Very practical and easy-to-understand examples. One of the best network courses I've ever had. Recommend to everyone who wants to learn and understand computer networking in a right way.” Another student says, “Overall very high quality content with descriptive and detailed explanations. Some videos were taken from older recordings, but they are still valid today. I learned a lot from his live demonstrations.”
#18: TLG Learning—AWS Technical Essentials (Live Online)
TLG Learning provides IT training for corporations and government agencies. AWS Technical Essentials is a TLG class that covers fundamental AWS concepts so that students can understand how to build, compare, and apply cloud solutions. There are seven modules in the class: Introduction to Amazon Web Services, AWS Compute, AWS Networking, Create an AWS S3 Bucket, Databases, Monitoring and Load Balancing and Scaling, and Course Summary. Some of the specific topics covered in these modules include terminology, navigating the AWS Management Console, key concepts of AWS security measures, a comparison of several AWS services, and an understanding of networking services.
Key Information
This is a one-day class, and tuition is $675, which is payable at the time of registration. Students do not need prior cloud computing or AWS experience, but they should have IT experience, and a basic knowledge of common data center architectures and components.
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TLG Learning has received positive reviews from former students. Some students say that they liked the instructors. A few commented that they would have liked a little more time to learn the material. One says, “Great teacher and learning environment. Classes were small and intimate, allowing students to ask questions. The course was packed with lots of information, so 19 hours may not be enough for most.” Another comments, “I enjoyed a lot about this program from the instructors to the material we covered. Overall I had a great experience at TLG Learning. The company as a whole makes you feel very comfortable while you are there.”
#19: Coursera—Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization
Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization is designed to provide the fundamental skills needed in most IT careers. Students learn about hardware, operating systems, programming, databases, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. They also prepare for the CompTIA ITF+ certification exam. This specialization is made up of five courses. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems takes 15 hours to complete, Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases takes 17 hours, and Introduction to Cloud Computing is 12 hours long. After that, students take Introduction to Networking and Storage, which is also 12 hours long, and Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials, which takes 14 hours to complete. Finally, students spend 2 hours on the practice exam for the CompTIA ITF+ Certification.
Key Information
This course takes a total of about 2 months to complete, with 10 hours of work required each week. There are no prerequisites. Students who want to take a course through Coursera can choose from three different payment options. Access for a single course is between $49 and $79 per month. Coursera also has a Plus Monthly plan, which is $59 per month, and gives students access to more than 7,000 different courses. The third option is the annual plan, which is $399, and includes access to courses for a year.
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Upon completion of this course, students receive a shareable certificate.
A number of students have posted positive reviews of the classes in this specialization, with many stating that they enjoyed the flexibility of the Coursera format. For instance, one writes, “I like being able to not only view the components of the computer while listening to the narrator but also read the materia, take notes, and revisit anything I may have missed in the lecture.” Another student says, “Course was very organized and I learned a lot. I did not experience a single technical issue unlike other self-paced courses. All content was up to date. Great course, highly recommend.”
#20: LinkedIn Learning—Python Essential Training
LinkedIn Learning has a large library of on-demand IT classes, including Python Essential Training, where students can learn this popular language. The instructor covers Python fundamentals including how to install Python, pip, and Jupyter Notebook, and how to write a program. Students also learn about variables and types, operators, classes, objects, functions, and basic data types and structures. In addition, they learn how to work with different types of files in Python, and how to create modules and packages.
Key Information
This course costs $29.99. It has 4 hours and 22 minutes of instruction, and includes 11 quizzes. There are no prerequisites.
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Students who finish this course receive a certificate of completion.
The LinkedIn website has hundreds of positive reviews of this course. Most people found it easy to understand, even for beginners. One reviewer writes, “Trying to learn Python on your own and being instructed by a knowledgeable professional are two incredibly different learning paths. . . . [The instructor] not only teaches you fundamentals of coding, but also gives you the understanding for why things are done the way that they are done. I struggled trying to learn Python on my own because I lacked that understanding.” Another says, “Instructor teaches very well. She makes the concept easier to understand and I like the way she teaches.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I choose an IT class?
There are a number of different ways to assess your IT class options. First, it's a good idea to think about what type of training you are looking for, and how much time and money you have to invest in it. IT classes come in many different formats, like in-person, live online, and on-demand, and they also range from shorter training sessions that take a day or two to complete, to more comprehensive options like bootcamps or certificate programs, that can take weeks, or even months, to finish. All of these different options have varied tuition costs, and they also vary in the level of instructor support that you’ll receive.
Another important part of choosing an IT class is conducting research on classes and schools, so that you can compare your options. One part of that research is reading school websites and course syllabi, which often contain a lot of information about how the class will be conducted, and what will be covered. In many cases, you can also email the school to request additional information. Another way to get a better understanding of what a particular class or school will be like is to read student reviews. You’ll find these posted online for most IT schools.
Is it better to attend an IT class in person or online?
IT classes come in both in-person and online formats, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The decision about which one is best will depend on your learning style and your schedule. In-person classes are popular because they are highly interactive and engaging, and they take place in a space that is dedicated to learning, with minimal distractions. With an in-person class, it is also easy for the instructor to see whether students need additional help. Finally, the in-person format makes it easy to interact with other students, which can lead to valuable learning and networking opportunities.
However, in order to take an in-person class, you need to commute to the class location, which can be expensive and inconvenient. On the other hand, online classes don’t require a commute; you simply log in on your computer, from whatever location you want. Not only does this give you a lot of flexibility, but it gives you more class options. Because there is no commute, online students can choose from classes all over the country. If you’re considering an online class, however, you do need to be aware that online learning often requires more focus and motivation. If you get distracted easily, or you’re not good at working independently, online learning might not be the best option for you.
What will I need for an IT class?
If you’re taking an IT class, you will probably need a computer and an internet connection. Computers may be provided if the class is in-person, however, even then you’re likely to need a computer in order to practice your new skills outside of class. If your class is online, then both a computer and an internet connection will be essential so that you can download course material and attend any live sessions.
Depending on the class that you’re taking, you may also need specific software. Software companies often provide free trials for their products, though, so you may not have to purchase anything in order to take a class. For instance, Adobe offers a free seven-day trial of its Creative Cloud apps.Knowing programming languages like HTML is an integral part of IT, and you might find that some classes include this as a prerequisite, however, many beginner classes include instruction in any programming languages that you need to know.
Can I learn IT online for free?
If you’ve searched online for IT classes, you’ve probably realized that there is a wealth of free IT information online. For instance, YouTube has hundreds of short, free IT tutorials. Utilizing free online information is definitely a great way to learn some things about IT. However, once you start taking a closer look at all of the free resources out there, you’ll also realize that most of them won’t provide you with a comprehensive IT education. Instead, free resources are often focused on providing a few quick tips or tricks, or troubleshooting specific problems. For an in-depth IT education, it’s usually best to enroll in a paid class. With a paid class, you can also be confident that the information you’re getting is reliable and up-to-date.
Is it better to learn IT in a live or self-paced class?
When thinking about whether to enroll in a live or a self-paced class, it's a good idea to consider how you learn best, and also think about how you want to fit your IT education into your schedule. Live classes are good for people who prefer real-time interaction with an instructor and other students, and want to be able to get immediate feedback. However, when you take a live class, you need to attend at a specific time, and you have to learn at the same pace as the rest of the class. In contrast, an on-demand class doesn’t include live interaction, but you get a lot more flexibility, both in when you learn, and in how quickly, or slowly, you work through the material.