Here is an initial plan for my training. This will be updated according to what I can realistically do under particular timeframes. I will keep track of my progress using the pomodoro logs that I will publish openly on this website:
- [November 28, 2014] I am beginning in Berlin with a Tactical Tech Collective training on cybersecurity for activists. I am studying the resources in Security in a Box and Tech Tools for Activism. I am also learning the basics for using Linux (Ubuntu) and the Linux Command Shell.
What Am I Learning?
Here are the following learning programs that I am considering, at the beginning stages of my training process. I am also trying to figure out how to anonymously create an online meetup so that I can do this along with other dropouts and audo-didacts on the internet.
- This intensive bachelor’s computer science program, online and completely free: http://blog.agupieware.com/2014/06/online-learning-intensive-bachelors.html
- This free cybersecurity course and competition: http://cyberaces.org/
- A mixture of edutainment MOOCs from Coursera, Open University, Lynda, SANS, and Adobe KnowHow – with an emphasis on data, cybersecurity, as well as web programming/design.
- This $69 Groupon for AdobeKnowHow grants lifetime access to material for the following beginner courses: HTML and CSS, Javascript, JQuery, PHP/MySQL, Python, Ruby, Android App Programming, and Learning to Build Apps for iPhone and iPad. My plan is to complete this coursework, as well as the 150 hours of Pre-work for the FlatIron School, which is based on exercises from TreeHouse and CodeSchool (click on this FlatIron School link for the discount granted to FIS pre-work students.) Here is a blogpost describing the pre-work.
- My short-term goal is to develop skills in web programming and mobile app development, and create a web community and mobile game for students with ADHD to gain self-discipline and focus. I will pitch this project to HackerSchool for Summer 2015. In the meantime, I will write on this blog about ADHD, various forms of treatment, and ideas for digitizing this treatment into a mobile app. I am choosing to apply to HackerSchool over FlatIron School mainly because it is free, which takes the stress off of stripping to try to afford the tuition for FlatIron School.
- Since I want to actually be able to work in IT and specialize in cybersecurity, I would need to gain IT certification. I am also investing in this online schooling through the following Groupons for IT University Online, and studying my ass off for them with any supplementary materials I can find at the New York Public Library:
- CompTIA Certification (A+, Network+, Security+, Mobility+) – Groupon and Course Description
- Linux and Unix Certification – Groupon and Course Description
- CISCO Network Certification (CCENT, CCNA, CCNA Security, Cisco Voice, CCNP) – Groupon and Course Description
- NOTE: CompTIA Certifications provide some basic knowledge, but CISCO certifications are much more difficult and highly regarded by employers. The CCNP exam is extremely difficult and I do not expect to complete this training any time in the next few years, as the test itself has a 4% passing rate for people who have almost a decade of experience in networks. On the other hand, CISCO is a terrible company that laid off 40% of its workers in the last year. I much prefer Linux, the open source community, and the FOSS philosophy. However, I am told that CISCO certification is better for entering into the IT profession. As I gain more knowledge in networks and security, I’ll reconsider the decision of whether or not to go for CISCO certification. Depending on my ability to focus and pass this material, I may potentially supplement my independent study efforts with physical courses from the New York Business Institute but only if I find that I lack the discipline to abide by structured learning on my own.