Choosing Between Online and Offline DevOps Courses

DevOps has become an integral part of the current digital ecosystem. DevOps helps bridge the gap between developments and operations, hence the name. It enables faster software delivery, constant innovation, and improved collaboration. The demand for skilled DevOps professionals has risen considerably, and as organizations across industries are looking to accelerate their digital presence, DevOps has become an in-demand skill.

But one question remains for aspiring DevOps professionals: Should one consider online or offline DevOps courses? Well, each mode has its fair share of pros and cons, and the decision isn't as easy. 

This blog will help you understand the various aspects of online and offline DevOps courses. Shedding light on various attributes like flexibility and cost to structure and learning outcomes. We'll cover key differences, highlight pros and cons, and guide you toward the most suitable path based on your individual learning needs and career goals.

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Overview of DevOps Learning Methods

DevOps courses are offered in both online and offline modes. Each mode is designed to address different learning preferences, timing, and career choices. People opt for the type of courses depending on their convenience.

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Online courses are typically offered by various top e-learning platforms like upGrad along with other vendor-certified programs. These courses are delivered through a combination of self-paced modules, live virtual classes, projects, and assessments. Online learning is a popular choice among many students as it provides flexibility, which makes it an ideal choice for working professionals and students seeking to learn remotely.

On the other hand, offline DevOps courses are conducted in physical classrooms, mostly by tech institutions, universities, or training academies. These offline courses follow a fixed routine, that includes teacher-led sessions, face-to-face mentorship, and lab-based exercises for practical knowledge.

Both methods have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages depending on what the learner needs. As some students prioritize flexibility and convenience, some prefer to learn in person. Choosing the right course depends on what the learner prefers, however, the course structure usually remains the same.

These are the key topics usually covered in DevOps courses:

• CI/CD Pipelines: CI/CD Pipelines are used to automate code. You'll also learn how to use this in integration, testing, and deployment workflows using tools like Jenkins or GitLab CI.
• Containerization and Orchestration: It helps in managing applications in isolated environments, using tools like Docker, and then scaling them using Kubernetes.
• Cloud Platforms: You'll learn about various cloud infrastructures and services on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): In this, you'll learn to automate infrastructure using tools like Terraform and Ansible.
• Monitoring & Logging: You'll learn how to track system performance and logs using various tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or the ELK Stack.
• Agile & Scrum: You'll learn about various collaborative and iterative software development practices.

Advantages of Learning DevOps Online

Online DevOps courses have gained popularity due to various reasons. They have their fair share of advantages. Here are a few advantages of online DevOps courses:

• Flexibility in Schedule

Online mode offers the flexibility to learn anytime and anywhere. It is one of the biggest advantages for people who have a busy schedule, like working professionals. For students who have limited access to such courses in their area can easily learn from online modes.

• Affordable and Budget-Friendly

Online courses are comparatively cheaper. They also help cut down on additional costs like traveling and relocation costs and save time. Online courses are often paired with free tools and resources, which makes it a great package.

• Access to Experts Globally

Online modes provide the advantage of learning from top experts from around the world through live sessions, pre-recorded lectures, and webinars. Access to these experts gives a huge boost in the learning curve and also enhances the experience gained from the top minds in the field.

• Community Support and Collaboration

Online learning opens the doors for students to participate in discussion forums, engage in peer reviews, and be a part of various virtual study groups. This elevates the overall learning experience.

• Self-Paced Learning Experience

Students can study at their own pace. Online learning provides you the option to revisit difficult topics and structure your learning process according to what suits you best.

• Lifetime Content Access

A lot of platforms that provide online courses provide permanent access to course materials. This enables students to constantly revise and learn concepts in-depth and upskill.

• Integrated Learning Services

Many platforms, like upGrad, also provide support like resume reviews, placement assistance, and good exposure to what the industry demands are and how one can prepare for job interviews in a better way.

Must Read: Future Scope of DevOps – 15 Reasons To Learn DevOps

Advantages of Learning DevOps Offline

Offline DevOps courses are also still quite popular among students and first-time learners, as they want to have a first-hand experience of how things work. Here are a few advantages of offline courses:

• Structured Learning Experience

Offline learning provides a properly structured model of study. Fixed schedules and in-person attendance of classes improve consistency, focus, and accountability.

• First-hand Interaction with Instructors

Offline learning courses have the advantage of immediate feedback opportunities and live problem-solving. This enhances concept clarity and retention rate.

• Access to Physical Labs

One of the biggest advantages of offline learning is access to physical labs. Students have direct interaction with infrastructure, tools, and lab experiments, which supports the practical learning approach.

• Stronger Networking Opportunities

Interacting with peers, trainers, and industry experts personally can help build a strong professional rapport that can help in job placements and career growth immensely.

• Soft Skills and Communication Development

Offline learning methods subsequently improve presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills. These skills are crucial in various DevOps roles in the industry.

• Immediate, Personalized Feedback

Offline DevOps courses help trainers observe a student's behavior and give them much-needed feedback. It helps to identify knowledge gaps and modify their teaching methods accordingly. It is an advantage that is limited in asynchronous online learning formats.

Also Read: Is DevOps Easy to Learn? : Challenges and Tips to Become a DevOps Expert

Key Differences: Online vs Offline DevOps Learning

There are several factors that separate online and offline DevOps courses. From their way of delivery to the overall learning experience, these methods are unique in their own way. Below are some of the differences between online and offline DevOps courses.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Mode

Choosing between an online and offline DevOps course shouldn't be only about convenience. It's important to align your learning experience with your personal and professional aspirations and priorities. Here are a few factors that one must consider before making a decision:

• Learning Style

If you're self-disciplined, passionate, and are willing to comb through digital platforms, then online learning may be your perfect fit. However, if you're someone who prefers a structured routine and in-person learning, an offline mode might be your best choice.

• Schedule and Availability

Online courses allow you flexibility, making you learn at your own pace. It is ideal for people who are working or those who are in remote locations. Offline courses, however, require consistency and commitment, and physical presence. If the learning source is easily accessible physically, it can be a great choice.

• Budget Constraints

Online programs are generally budget-friendly and more cost-effective. They also provide many perks like additional access to tools for free, making it a good package. Offline modes may involve higher course fees, travel, and accommodation costs, along with other expenses.

• Career Goals

Many employers value practical training experience and offline certifications from reputed institutions. It's important to carefully analyze and choose what aligns with your long-term career strategy and the credibility you want to add to your CV.

Conclusion

Both online and offline DevOps learning methods offer their own pros and cons. There's no one answer to all your questions, but analyzing multiple options, weighing your conveniences, and acknowledging various factors that might affect your entire learning process becomes crucial. 

DevOps has grown in importance, and upskilling in this field can give a huge boost to your career. Finding a solution for long-term career success depends on how you build your base, and that comes through choosing the right mode of learning. So, choose wisely, keep learning, and prepare yourself for the rapidly evolving tech scene.

Not sure which DevOps skills to prioritize or which course aligns best with your career goals?

Connect with upGrad’s expert career advisors for personalized guidance tailored to your professional journey. Prefer face-to-face support? Visit your nearest upGrad offline center for in-person insights and take the next confident step toward your dream tech career.

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Reference:
https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/devops-global-market-report