People who are looking for database programming
training generally fall into one of two camps. One
includes experienced programmers whose assignments
now call for extending those skills into the
database world. The other includes those who’ve
progressed through off-the-shelf database use and
customization, learning to modify and automate
existing database applications with built-in tools
such as macros and scripting. Either way, if you ’ve
come to the point in your career where your
responsibilities are quickly outgrowing your
database knowledge, you’ve got your work cut out for
you. The good news, though, is that there are myriad
training resources available and one of them is sure
to match your learning style, schedule and
resources.
When it comes to database programming, training is almost entirely
application-specific, so first you’ll need to decide which database tool you
want to master. For the purposes of this article, we’ve chosen to focus on
Microsoft Access 97, because, as part of Office 97, it already resides on so
many desktops. Training options for any of the other popular database tools
should parallel those we discuss for Access. Contact the company that makes the
database application you’re interested in to begin your search for
application-specific training resources.
In most cases, programming Microsoft Access 97 means using Visual BASIC for
Applications (VBA), which is the graphical programming language underlying
Microsoft Office. You’ll need a strong working knowledge of Access, including
creating forms, writing queries and using events and macros to automate common
tasks. If you aren’t quite that far along, you may want to take introductory or
intermediate courses before tackling Access 97 programming.
To start your training with the lowest cost and commitment level, look to
how-to books like "Access 97 Programming for Windows for Dummies" by Rob Krumm
or "Microsoft Access 97 Visual Basic Step by Step" by Evan Callahan, both of
which include CD-ROMs loaded with practice files.
Online training presents a more structured approach than self- study kits,
while maintaining flexibility and convenience. For less than $50 (including the
textbook) ZDNet University offers an eleven-week message board based class
called "Using VBA with Microsoft Access 97." Training Associates offers a
six-week "Introduction to Access 97/VBA Programming" course online for $350,
conducted by Microsoft Certified Trainers via regularly scheduled Internet chat
sessions with Web-based assessment exercises as follow-up.
While books and online training work well for many highly motivated learners
and those with limited resources, many programming students prefer to learn by
doing under the watchful eye of a live instructor. Options for this type of
hands-on training include classes held at local training centers and regional or
national seminars. To locate a training provider in your area, visit Microsoft’s
Web site training section (http://www. microsoft.com/train_cert/train) and take
advantage of its searchable database. Many local consultants, certified as
Microsoft Solution Providers, offer training classes, as do the local branches
of larger companies such as Executrain and Learning Tree International.
Minneapolis-based Application Development Training Co., a widely recognized
leader in Microsoft developer training, periodically holds seminars in major
cities throughout North America, including three levels of Access 97 training.
The cost of $695 or $895 for a two- or three-day seminar includes instruction by
experienced database developers and take-home courseware for later review.
If you have a number of employees you’d like to train in-house,
computer-based training (CBT) delivered on
CD-ROM is one option. Learning Tree, for instance, has two levels of Access97
programming CBT, available starting at $995 each. For instructor-led training
taught at your site, check with local training providers or national firms such
as Application Development Training, Executrain or Learning Tree. DB Basics is
among the companies that offer courseware your own trainers can use to teach
database programming.
