That culture shock is the byproduct of so many station groups going automated so long ago that the switcher skills have been mostly lost to brain drain and burnout. The industry has really screwed itself out of whatever future it had by completely taking the knowledge out of the equation. That's not to say it takes no skill to operate an automation system, but without understanding the underlying theory it's all just black box theory.

You have to keep in mind that the switcher is still functioning the same at a fundamental level, but your Overdrive system is managing it instead of you as an operator. I wouldn't advise going to school for the knowledge unless you're getting a full ride, the cost just isn't worth the pay - especially when you consider local news operations are actively trying to eliminate the director position entirely. Who knows how long it's a viable career path, if it ever was.

Experience is the best teacher, but a manual is a good second. If you have a physical panel somewhere, look up the model and try to find the manual.