Take advantage of the "summer break" to improve skills

Matt, in Florida, asks: Mike, I have a 14 year old son. I would like to get an e-learning curriculum for him to work on throughout the summer. Can you recommend one?.

Yes, Matt. Great question. We are entering an era where the more our children know about technology, the easier it will be for them to succeed in the world of the future.

The biggest problem with any kind of technology course is that they tend to become "out dated" so fast. If he was my son, I'd suggest he go to the local library and look at the latest issue of PC-Magazine. Then, get last months, and the month before, and so on - just read and find articles he is interested in. You can also go to www.pcmag.com to see the articles.

This is basically how I originally got started at around 14 years old and it is a super way for him to learn - not to mention that it is fun!

As he reads the magazines, even if an article is a little "over his head," after he reads several of them he will start catching on fast. The articles are all timely and recent, short and to the point, and full of useful information. Strongly recommend.

He will probably find some specific areas he wants to try to learn, such as Visual Basic for programming, or DreamWeaver for Web design, and there are plenty of courses for those tools.

Also, he may be interested in studying for some of the exams offered by www.comptia.org such as:
A+
Security +
Network +
i-Net +

Then maybe even a Microsoft MCP and MCSE, and/or a Cisco CCNA, depending on how advanced he wants to get.

There are also seminar companies that offer great courses such as www.compumaster.net. And, you can find e-learning courses like you are asking about from www.elementk.com.

Contact those companies and they can answer your questions about their services.

About the Author:
Mike Foster is a coach, seminar leader, workshop presenter, and keynote speaker. Having delivered more than 1,000 presentations and training sessions in the United States and internationally, Mike has mastered the art of explaining the most technical topics in a common sense way that people enjoy. For more information about Foster's programs and coaching, and to buy his book "Relationship Secrets Every Brain, Nerd & Tech Geek Can Use - How 5 Easy To Learn Relationship Skills Can Super-Charge Your Career!" call 800-657-7107 or visit www.fosterinstitute.com.