A learning guide is only as effective as the way you use it.
Software learning guides come in many shapes and sizes. The initial challenge is how quickly you can familiarize yourself with the structure, so you can begin learning the content.
At ASCENT, our learning guides all follow a similar format, so you don’t have to spend valuable time understanding the setup. Plus, the structure of our guides gives you all the pieces you need to succeed: preface, chapters, practices, review questions, and command summaries.
Unlock the full value of your ASCENT learning guide
Tip 1: Start with the Preface and In This Guide
The Preface explains the overall goals of the learning guide and the topics that it will cover. This is where you confirm the skills that you can expect to develop and review the prerequisites needed to get the most out of the guide.
In This Guide lists the standard sections that are in each chapter and whether there are appendices with additional instructional content. This page also contains the link to the guide’s errata sheet, where you’ll find any updates or corrections that have been made to the guide since publication.
Tip 2: Read the learning objectives before each chapter
Each chapter opens with detailed learning objectives that you can use as a roadmap for what you should know once you’ve completed the chapter. After you’ve finished the practices, return to these objectives and test yourself by thinking through how you would approach the tasks described.
As you progress through the chapters in a guide, you can easily track the skills you’ve acquired by referring to these learning objectives.
Tip 3: Download and use the practice files
The Practice Files page appears after In This Guide. Completing the practices is the key to retaining what you learn in each chapter. Go to the URL listed on the page and download the zip file that contains all the files you’ll need to complete the practices.
Follow the instructions on the page to extract the file’s contents and save them in the recommended folder location. You’ll use these files for each practice as you proceed through the learning guide.
Tip 4: Do the practices—don’t just read them
Reading the steps isn’t the same as doing them. Hands-on practice improves your ability to recall the information later and boosts your confidence in your new skills.
Each practice lists its objectives, so you know exactly how you’re going to apply what you’ve learned. Use the practices to test your understanding and see the value of what you’re learning.
Tip 5: Check your knowledge with the Chapter Review Questions
Here’s your chance to test yourself! ASCENT learning guides include carefully curated review questions at the end of each chapter to reinforce key concepts. These will help you identify knowledge gaps, so you’ll know what content you need to review.
Stumped on a question? Simply review the chapter and you’ll find the answer.
Tip 6: Use the Command Summary as a quick reference
The Command Summary lists the software commands that you use throughout each chapter in an easy-to-read table, with a picture of the button and where to find them in the interface.
This summary provides you with an at-a-glance view of the commands, so you can quickly find the one you need. No hunting through the chapter to find it.
Tip 7: Don’t skip the Appendices
Appendices are included in many of our ASCENT learning guides and cover optional but valuable topics. They keep the main instructional content focused so you can tackle the basics while also having access to helpful supplementary content.
Even if your training class doesn't cover them, they’re a great self-study bonus. An appendix is generally structured just like a chapter with instructional content, practices, and a command summary.
Happy learning!
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