Programming has changed a lot over the years, from having to write programmes on paper and punch in the holes yourself to hundreds of lines of app coding. For many the step from basic software development to creating your own product can be a hard step forward.
Seeing this gap in the way that programming is both taught and built upon, David Ringsell created Talk-It, giving people a diverse choice of courses that are customisable for their exact requirements. Giving them the chance to learn what they want where they want, whether that be onsite or in a TalkIt training room.
David’s dream came from many years of personal experience as an IT trainer, leading him to believe that there should be a way to create better training experiences than were available at the time. He wanted to make sure that people could learn what they needed to without the hassle of long courses and re-learning the basics, this meant that when an individual attended a course, it was the right course for them.
TalkIT provides an e-learning platform for software developers. This is aimed at developers who have some experience but want to deepen and extend their skills. David’s tutorials will show you step-by-step how to build business applications and databases.
“Many developers start to build something, and may even get it to work, without really knowing what exactly they are doing, or why. That is why having a good understanding is important”
David (pictured left) explained to us his philosophy when it comes to training:
“New technology can be very confusing at first. My advice is to learn the theory and then do the practical. First gain an understanding of some of the principles, purpose and limits of a new technology.
“Next, start to build an application using the technology. Many developers start to build something, and may even get it to work, without really knowing what exactly they are doing, or why. That is why having a good understanding is important. With software development, theory and practice go hand in hand.
“For the practical bit, it is fine to start by just copying small bits of code. Alternatively learn by following step-by-step written instructions. But then try, by yourself, building a program from scratch. That is when you really get a sense of achievement.”
Talk-IT is based in Bath and in addition to now providing the the traditional ‘classroom’ environment, provides online tutorials that help people acquire new IT skills that they can pick up where and when they want, which has led to many of Talk-It’s users being based overseas, some in places as far away as India and South Africa.
“What today’s entrepreneurs need more than capital is information and connections. These are widely available in Bath”
We asked David if there was any advantage to being based in Bath: “Bath provides a rich ecosystem for start-up and growing businesses, he explained. “This includes talks, training and networking events. What today’s entrepreneurs need more than capital is information and connections. These are widely available in Bath.”
We also wondered if there was anything he wish he knew when he was starting out: “It is important to make plans and set goals, but once you have done this, you need to take action. Opportunities present themselves. This is often from surprising places.”
You can keep up to date with TalkIT from its blogs, check out the courses offered on the Talk-IT website, or even do a free online course!
