OK – so as part of my digestion of last weeks FOSS4GNAÂ 2016 conference I had a couple of suggestions from people that tool the QGIS class or had taken it before.
Why not do it online? Well – I did last year. It sucked. I did a self paced course and the demand was low and those few that signed up for it needed much more hand holding than I could give with a self paced course.
BUT…..what if it were online and you had an instructor. I know it’s not that much different than a half dozen other people teaching QGIS online. EXCEPT – I’m using it for 95% of work…and with the NRGS client list now having shifted to mostly Open Source it might make sense at this point.
So I’m going to run a test – for those of you wanting QGIS Training I’m tossing a form on this blog post and just zip me a message.
The Pros of going this route:
- Break 8 hours of training into 4 hour chunks over 2 days. That gives you the chance to come up with more questions…or maybe we do it as an 8 hour class.
- Location isn’t so much a problem anymore
- I can still “see” your computer if we do this right….and I’ve been testing “right”.
- Hold class more regularly – So the class will morph quicker. Like a great comedy routine – this class needs to grow.
- More regular classes will also fund me changing this class.
- More regular classes will force me to update my ArcGIS knowledge.
- I can improvise and share things easier online
Cons:
- Online. I like the intimacy of a class room.
- We are depending on the “internet” to always be on.
- Crap happens with a laptop and I can’t physically touch it.
I enjoy teaching. I enjoy clients and data issues even more…BUT – this class helps people start considering moving their GIS into a more open direction…or at least including more FOSS4G tools.
Anyway…Online? Instructor led online class? Your thoughts are important!