What is the Best Course to Learn Photoshop?

Photoshop courses vary depending on the training center and teaching style that the instructor follows. Plus, the course delivery method plays a large factor in whether students gain the most of their experience. Most Photoshop courses provide some level of interaction, but others can be fairly hands-off. Additionally, most positions and fields that use Photoshop require a blend of creative and technical skills, so learners often benefit most from a course that offers more immersion. Students can generally choose from asynchronous options or more traditional methods such as live online or in-person classes. The course you enroll in could directly correlate with your ability to perform professional Photoshop edits in a future career or project, which is why it is essential to consider how comfortable you already are with the software, your budget, and your reason for learning Photoshop in the first place before choosing a class.

General Factors to Consider

You should ask yourself a few key questions before you choose a training course. First, consider your current skill level. Consider how comfortable you feel using Photoshop. If you are already at a fairly skilled level and just need supplemental instruction or updated knowledge, you could take a shorter, less demanding course. However, if you have never used Photoshop before, you may need a course that fosters an interactive environment. Next, you will have to check your budget. If you don’t have the funds or simply don’t want to enroll in an expensive training program, your options could dwindle. Students who want professional, career-building experience will need to spend a little more. On the plus side, education pays off in the end once you have your newly acquired skills. Lastly, consider your purpose for learning Photoshop in the first place. If you already have a career you are happy with but need to learn basic Photoshop skills, it would make less sense to choose an incredibly demanding course. On the other hand, if you need Photoshop in your regular work tasks or in order to enter a particular field, it’s well worth your while to find a course that focuses on realistic projects and job expectations. In essence, it’s best to ask yourself: how much am I willing to pay to advance my skills based on my reason for learning? Once you have all the answers, you will likely feel more confident in choosing a particular learning method and course.

On-Demand/Asynchronous Options

On-demand classes are essentially self-paced and allow students to learn at their own pace. They occur asynchronously, meaning students don’t have to sign onto the computer for class or show up to a training center. Instead, they are given their learning materials ahead of time which mostly consist of pre-recorded lectures, video tutorials, reading materials, and other resources. They follow along with the course guidelines but can learn from different sections of the course as they see fit. Some on-demand classes have a set schedule and require students to complete course material at a certain time, but others allow students to return to the material as needed. Despite what some may think, there are benefits to on-demand classes. Learning from a comfortable space, having flexibility, and learning in a low-stress manner makes some students feel more at ease.

However, on-demand classes aren’t suited for everyone. This course method is mainly useful for professionals who need to update or refresh their skills rather than someone learning Photoshop for the first time. The lack of interaction isn’t suitable for beginners or those with minimal experience. While some on-demand classes offer support for their enrollees, students will still have to answer questions and research troubleshooting techniques on their own. Additionally, anyone hoping to become a Photoshop master will need more than an on-demand class. Most notably, students in an on-demand class need one key quality: motivation. If you feel unmotivated to pick up the laptop and learn, it is unlikely you will gain the skills you need.

Live Online Classes

In contrast, live online classes provide a more interactive, hands-on approach than asynchronous classes. These classes occur in a live format, meaning students are learning in real time. The instructor flips on the video camera and gets to work lecturing on different Photoshop techniques, features, and tools. In addition, they will guide students through their projects and provide feedback as needed. Students can interact with one another via the chat function or by chatting over video during downtime. Some may feel hesitant to enroll in an in-person course due to the commute, their schedule, or simply social anxiety, which makes live online classes an easy medium. Through projects, discussions, and activities, students will leave feeling more confident in their Photoshop skills.

Even though live online courses are convenient and accessible, there are some downsides. For instance, live online courses require students to have a strong internet connection and a quiet space to work. This may be difficult depending on a person’s living situation. If you lose time trying to work your router or moving from room to room, you may miss out on important information. Although live online classes provide as much interaction as possible, it’s impossible to be fully immersive over a computer screen. Students can chat with one another and ask their instructor questions, but it doesn’t exactly compare to an in-person course that fosters a fully educationally driven environment. Live online classes are a great alternative to in-person classes, however, and should be considered a strong contender for those interested in Photoshop courses.

In-Person Classes

Generally, in-person classes are considered one of the most effective ways to learn a new skill. This learning method provides interaction between the students and the material as much as it does with instructors and peers. In addition, in-person classes offer hands-on projects and activities and most find themselves retaining the material quicker as a result. In-person classes work because they fully immerse the student in the learning experience. Plus, the instructor can help students with troubleshooting techniques, provide ample feedback on their work, and explain more complex subjects in a clear, understandable way. In addition, many in-person classes give students the course materials, whether that’s print material or software. This isn’t always the case for live online or asynchronous classes, so that’s another added benefit. Overall, in-person classes are ideal for learning acquisition, socialization, networking, and gaining the full experience.

Of course, in-person classes require students to have ample time to get to and from the class as well as reliable transportation. For some, this will be no problem, particularly for people who live in cities and can easily walk, drive, or take public transportation to the education center. For people who live in more rural areas, it may be challenging to make it to class every time. However, in really big cities, traffic can be a bit of an issue. Missing class can, of course, make the learning experience less effective. However, in-person classes are generally worth the time and effort since they offer so many benefits.