[OT] My 13 yr old son got accepted into CCNA course.

[reapersaurus]

Reapersaurus, I don't see how you can say that the the CCNA isn't an introductory course. For those not familiar with it, it's actually two courses, the CCNAB 2.0 (an online course) and the ICND 2.0 (5 days instructor led).

James - get your brain out of your career! (for this discussion) LOL

I say it's not an introductory course because it's NOT an introductory course.
(to computers OR networking)

It presumes that you know about computer use, networks, and LAN technology experience for the context necessary to make heads or tails out of anything.
OTOH, It IS an introductory course for Cisco routing.

I think that's where you aren't thinking it thru from the standpoint of someone who doesn't know about these things, James.

The first thing an instructor has to do is find a way to virtually "forget" what he knows about a subject and approach the class as if you don't know the material.

Let me list the chapters for the CCNA course:
Chapter 1: Internetworking Concepts Overview (aka the OSI Model, which single-handedly baffles 95% of people to start out)
2: Assembling and Cabling Cisco Devices
3: Operating and Configuring a Cisco IOS Device
4: Managing your Network Environment
5: Catalyst 1900 Switch Operations
6: Extending Switchedc Networks with Virtual LANs

is that enough to make my point?
And there's 13 chapters total.

Where is "this is a computer.
This is how it works underneath the hood.
This is how we interface with it.
This is what we can do with it.
This is how we can troubleshoot it.
This is how we manage it.
This is how we monitor it.
These are all different kinds of networks - let's talk about those.
These are network services - let's explore and configure and troubleshoot them.
These are the services/components that allow WAN technologies to work.
etc.

There's no path, or learning curve.

It's just PLOP! Into the deep end with you, boy, and you'd better climb your way to the surface might quick before you drown in information you have no tools with which to comprehend.
Oh- mind those weights around your ankles.

There is NO POINT (IMO) in even talking about WAN stuff until the student knows what the heck a LAN consists of, and the ins and outs of troubleshooting the desktops and the LAN services.

While the rare individual may be able to succeed and PERHAPS save a year of time, the vast majority of people on this planet are much better suited in taking it step by step... the way learning has gone on for millenia.

P.S. There's no guarantee that 2 day course would be a prereq or a part of class.
I know we don't do that part, and we sell thousands of CCNA classes.

But regardless, we all know James is insane to try to make money that relies on discretionary spending during a recession.
So ignore everything he says. LOL (j/k)

 

[Gargoyle]

James - get your brain out of your career! (for this discussion) LOL

I can't really argue with that. I've been wrong before and it could be that I'm looking at things from only my point of view and just can no longer perceive what it's like for someone just starting. I don't have anything to add, other than I'll defer to your experience as a trainer on this matter, which I do not have.

 

[Gargoyle]

But regardless, we all know James is insane to try to make money that relies on discretionary spending during a recession.
So ignore everything he says. LOL (j/k)

Gaming books are wants, and not needs?? What planet are you from??

 

[reapersaurus]

Gaming books are wants, and not needs?? What planet are you from??

he - I'll grant ya, _I_ think 3E needs a Paladin sourcebook BAD, but I don't know if you're gonna make a quarter of a quarter an hour what you could charge doing routing.

Good thing it's a calling for you.

Kinda like paladins, eh?

So you got an email I could ask you some paladin sourcebook questions at? I'll check your profile...

 

[enrious]

I think my point, and that of reapersarurususususus is that there shouldn't be a CCNA course set up as an introductory course when there are lower level, entry level courses and certifications availaible, such as A+ and Network+

 

[ergeheilalt]

First off: Contgrats Brainburn.

Second: I am a hight school kid into all the high tech stuff. My school offers both an A+ (hardware & software) class. But their are prequisits, one year of Algebra and Electronic 1 & 2C. Then After you have those three classes, you can get into the Networking (officially 3COM, but changing to CISCO shorty).

Yes, it is logical to assume that a nineth grader (by the time he's finished tenth grader) will not get a high level Network Admin spot. Does this matter, no. If he's got the certification, he's gonna have a jump on others who only took A+ (this is assuming he has A+ already).

In my own case, I saw taking these classes as a means of repairing my own computers, printers, and other minor electical devices. Yes, most of the students in my class plan on college. But having a little something to fall back on, or help get through heafty college tuition is anothe reason why I'm currently taking these courses.

Anyway, Brainburn, from my xp, the classes are fun and should benificial to say the very least. I hope he excels above and beyond...

Ergeheilalt