When I first acquired a computer, I was curious about everything. I didn’t know how to turn it on and had no idea why DOS wasn’t talking. I didn’t understand that there was a difference between a DOS screen reader and a Windows screen reader. I had so many questions and there were few resources available through which to find answers.
My rehab counselor purchased a computer and bestowed it upon me. I was thrilled to enter a new world of technology but there was a dearth of training opportunities available. I learned of mailing lists and started absorbing everything I could from those who knew more than I. I seldom wrote to the lists, I merely read every post that entered my inbox and absorbed as much information as I could.
As my skills developed, I had questions. What was happening on the display and why did I execute a particular keystroke. I met a number of trainers and they all taught by keystroke. To open a document, I learned to press ALT-F, O, type the name and press ENTER. That was all I knew. I had no idea what was happening or why. I had to remember those keystrokes and execute them exactly to accomplish a task.
This wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more. I researched on my own and found the answers I wanted. I learned of menus, dialogs, radio buttons, buttons, combo boxes, and so much more. I learned the language of Windows and of the screen reader. I was able to share this knowledge with others and, like me, they gained a new perspective on computers. They finally understood. Windows wasn’t a litany of keystrokes to be memorized but it was an interface with which we could interact. I made that the heart of the certification course I developed several years later.
In the Access Technology Trainer Certification Course offered on this site, students learn the ins and outs of Windows. They learn what’s happening, when it’s happening and how to control what’s happening on the computer rather than guessing at a keystroke and hoping they get it right. They learn how to interact with a computer rather than typing several keystrokes to accomplish each task.
The training course starts at the beginning. What is Windows and how is it laid out. Students learn how to interact with each feature of Windows and applications. We create a foundation upon which future components build. Students gain an overall understanding of Windows, Applications and Screen Readers. They learn keystrokes but in the context of the concepts and controls of Windows.
I’m proud of the trainers who take the time to endure ten months of comprehensive and challenging training that includes hours of study each week, an online discussion and weekly testing. This course isn’t for the faint of heart. Those who graduate from this training course are among the upper echelon of Access Technology Trainers in the World. I can say that without reservation because I’ve worked with them and have seen the heights they’ve reached upon graduation from the training course.
The cost of the training course is expensive. I’m not going to pretend it isn’t. I also receive a lot of criticism for asking $1000 per component for the certification course. Many feel that being self-taught is equal to what is offered but they don’t see the whole picture. Upon graduation, students are welcomed into a community of graduates who work together to help one another succeed.
In most training situations, once you graduate from a course, whether it be college or a training center, you are cut lose and left on your own. There isn’t an opportunity to continue your training unless you’re willing to pay additional funds. With the way in which technology is developing and with new versions of applications being released on a regular basis, it’s difficult for trainers to stay current on the materials they teach.
At ATI we solve this problem before it occurs. Upon graduation, every graduate receives unfettered access to every textbook and future component written or created by the staff of ATI. They never have to pay another dime to upgrade their skills. Those who graduated from the certification course in the days of Windows XP and Word 2007 now have the opportunity to learn Windows Vista, Windows 7, Word 2007 and Word 2010. They can download the new components and textbooks at their leisure and we are available to provide support and assistance where needed.
This month, I posted three new components for ATI graduates to download. If these materials weren’t free of charge, each graduate would have had to pay $3000 for these materials. I don’t ask anything of the graduates except that they abide by some simple guidelines such as not sharing our materials and showing respect to one another and the ATI staff. I’ve only removed graduate privileges from one student in the ten years I’ve taught this class and that was a result of plagiarism.
We dedicate ourselves to the success of our students and graduates. No cost is spared when it comes to providing ongoing services to our graduates. I’m pleased to offer a new website for graduates to download products and receive support at www.attrainers.com and am updating materials for the trainers on a regular basis.
I’m not aware of any training facility that offers similar services to their graduates. At ATI, we understand our success is rooted in the success of our graduates so we do everything we can to help them succeed.
When you hire an ATI Certified Trainer, you’re placing your student’s computing future in the hands of a skilled professional who will do everything necessary to insure their success.
Henry Adams said, “A teacher affects eternity, you never know where his influence stops.” The knowledge and skill embodied in the trainers who graduate from the certification course touches many lives in a myriad of ways and is molding the future of Access Technology Training.