TOTAL: Active Directory with Windows Server 2016

--- **Course Review for "Mastering Active Directory"** **Overview:** The "Mastering Active Directory" course has garnered a global rating of 4.55, with all recent reviews being positive in nature. The course is well-regarded for its ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner and for the expertise of its instructor, Barbara Andrews. It is designed to guide learners from novice to more advanced levels of understanding Active Directory (AD). **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Content:** The course covers a wide range of AD topics, including creating users, groups, Organizational Units (OUs), Group Policies (GPOs), and server roles. It provides both the theoretical background and practical application needed for mastering AD. - **Instructor Expertise:** Barbara Andrews is commended for her clear and engaging teaching style, making even the most difficult concepts easy to understand. - **Relevant Slides and Terms:** The slides are relevant and define key terms at the start, aiding in the comprehension of the course material. - **Good Introduction and Development of Concepts:** The course starts by keeping things simple and builds up, ensuring that students are not overwhelmed from the outset. - **Quality Information Presented Entertainingly and Informatively:** The course is not just educational; it is also engaging, making learning about AD an enjoyable experience. - **Useful for Both Beginners and as a Refresher:** Learners find the course beneficial whether they are new to AD or looking to refresh their knowledge. **Cons:** - **Limited Hands-On Value:** A few reviews suggest that while the course is informative, it lacks practical, hands-on exercises that would allow learners to follow along with real-world scenarios. - **Lack of Step-by-Step Guides:** Some learners feel that more detailed step-by-step instructions, especially in the later sections, would enhance the learning experience. - **Need for More Practical Demonstrations:** The absence of practical demonstrations and lab work is pointed out as a significant gap that could be filled to provide a more comprehensive understanding of AD. - **Theoretical Focus Without Practical Application:** The course leans heavily towards theory, with some learners expressing the need for more application-oriented content and fewer theoretical explanations. - **Desire for More Knowledge Checks:** A suggestion to include knowledge checks after key sections of the course would help reinforce learning and ensure that students are retaining the material covered. - **Missing Real-World Scenarios:** The absence of real-world scenarios and practical exercises is highlighted as an area where the course could be improved to provide learners with a better grasp of AD in a real-world context. **Recommendations for Improvement:** - **Incorporate Hands-On Labs:** To complement the theoretical aspects, it would be beneficial to include hands-on labs or exercises that allow students to apply what they've learned in a practical environment. - **Enhance Practical Demonstrations:** Ensuring that each topic is demonstrated in real-world scenarios can greatly improve the learning experience. - **Add Step-by-Step Instructions:** Providing detailed, step-by-step guides for complex tasks could enhance the value of the course for beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of AD. - **Introduce Practical Exercises and Knowledge Checks:** Incorporating practical exercises and regular knowledge checks can solidify the learners' grasp of the material and aid in retention. --- In summary, the "Mastering Active Directory" course is highly recommended for its comprehensive content, clear instruction, and expert guidance. However, to fully realize its potential, it would benefit from additional practical exercises and hands-on opportunities that align with real-world applications of Active Directory.