Criteria
My criteria for evaluating a course are based on:
- Target Audience: Is there a clear explanation as to who the target audience is for the course?
- Supplemental Content: Is there additional content to help aid in teaching or reinforcing a skill?
- Instructor Participation: Is there interaction with the students (i.e. answer questions, etc)?
- Update(s): Are there significant updates to the course to keep if relevant?
Study Skills
Before one embarks on their journey of learning it is best to understand the actual learning process and the variations for which it can occur.
Website
Udemy
Course(s) Title
Improve Your Focus
Improve Memory
Price
The price of the course(s) will vary based on which promotional sale discount is in effect at the time of ones purchase.
Content
The courses might seem like they cover commonly known knowledge on the subject matter but it's taken a step further by intricacies that encompass the successes and the deficiencies of them. The author provides the why, what, and how to improve the efficiency of ones ability to Focus and to Memorize information. Each course is composed multiple sections filled with short videos, self assessment test, games, and additional websites & videos for one to consume. The author is very enthusiastic about the topics and has a smooth voice to convey his messages.
Personal Note
I found the presented information from the courses quite helpful as they have shown me where my personal deficiencies lie in regards to being able to focus on content and maintain it in memory. Everyone is different but I believe understanding where your personal deficiencies lie will aid in your ability to succeed with your studies especially for technology related studying.
Cloud Computing
With cloud computing being implemented into more organizational environments every year acquiring skills in the discipline is a requirement for future job advancement. For learning multiple skill sets and vendor specific cloud certifications the following is a great resource.
Website
Acloud.guru
Price
Subscription base with price options that vary per the length of ones choice subscription.
Content
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. The content is updated regularly to keep in line with any changes to the vendor specific certifications. The supplemental content comes by way of labs that follow up lessons to reinforce the core message of the lessons. There is a skill progression per course which recommends one takes the courses in order for maximum value. One can take comfort in knowing courses designed for beginners don't require any prerequisites cloud knowledge or experience making it a great way to break into the field.
Free 7-Day Trial
Trial
Personal Note
I purchased their Amazon Solutions Architect Associate certification training and used it to pass my certificate exam. I have bought several other of their courses pertaining to AWS and will look to pass more certification exams in the near future.
Cyber Security
In the world of Cyber Security certifications are an important part of field. In various industries where cyber security professional are employed specific certification are required for one to even have the ability to sit for an interview let alone be employed in the position. With that being said the once expensive pay wall that separated cyber security professionals from high quality and effective training for Cyber Security certifications has been removed with the advent of multiple online arenas like Cybrary, Linux Academy, etc.
Website
Infosec4tc
Price
The price of the course(s) will vary based on which promotional sale discount is in effect at the time of ones purchase.
Content
There are various courses on all the major technical (Linux+, OSCP, Smart Phone Forensics) and management level cyber security certifications (CISM, CISSP, CCSP). The author provides a plethora of additional material for each of the course offerings. The author has a high pass rate for the various cyber security certifications.
Free Course
Build Your Career in Information Security from Scratch
Personal Note
I have purchased and am currently working through the Ethical Hacking Bundle. It has several courses focused on teaching one the skills sets needed to pass the Offensive Security Certified Professional exam.
Conclusion
There is a vast number of readily available and low cost online courses to allow one to take the necessary steps to advance their career in the field of cyber security. Your future development is in your hands. I will leave you with these inspirational words from Yoda, "There is no TRY, only DO." So use this information wisely, share it with others, and enjoy your educational journey.
Social Media
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BDavisCS/
Twitter:
@BDavis_CyberSec
