Determining how we learn

There is a widely adopted learning and retention concept representation known as either the learning pyramid or the cone of experience. This is depicted in the following diagram:

Figure 1.8 – Learning and retention4

Not everyone agrees with the exact quantification of the results, but there is no denying that the more of these activities and mediums of learning you are exposed to, the better the outcome.

The comprehension of concepts from reading the material varies depending on how well it is written. If the book or guide is well illustrated, it makes it easier to tie the concepts to real-world applications. Watching someone doing it in a video affirms the validity of the printed or static material. When you are working on a subject in your own lab environment, your confidence in being able to reproduce the results and your level of comfort with expanding your knowledge of the subject grow even further.

Follow the instructions in the book and its complementary online materials to get the most out of it. Choose your own names, emails, and fictional or real company names for registration on portals and access to the products we will be using in the lab.

Some of you may not have the necessary computing capabilities at your disposal to replicate the lab. For them, and those who may be reading this book during your commute, the included screenshots should provide a close approximation of the experience.

We now understand the learning methodologies that impact our comprehension and retention. In the next section, we will familiarize ourselves with the Check Point User Center and configure credentials required for access to resources used in the labs.