Selecting Information Technology Course Offerings

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“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” —William Yates

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Options for Online Training

My page on Technical Support lists message boards where others are willing to reply to your questions.

Also consider:

• Adult University
• eHow.com
• The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC.ORG) has a directory of 70+ accredited institutions.
• Subscribe to GetEducated.com'sa free newsletter, the Virtual University Gazette, and browse their catalog of online programs, including
• UC Berkeley's Extension program for high school, project management, E-Commerce, and other certificates. Their Statistics program received the 2001 Helen Williams Award for Excellence in Collegiate Independent Study from the American Association for Collegiate Independent Study.
• Infoworld offers
• MentorU.com features experts such as Terry Paulson

Evaluating Online Training

Here are the considerations when using Computer-Based Training (CBT):

Audio

If you're an auditory learner, check out the audio-based courses (requires a special plug-in) from Tutorials.com. They're an off-shoot of the very useful and colorful lessons on everything at Learn2.com. KeystoneLearning offers talking-head video presentations on their CD's.

Real Teachers

If you want instructor-led sessions (usually based on books you buy $), consider SmartPlanet.com (formerly zdu.com). The site offers more than just technical training.  eHow.com

Spoon-Feeding

If you want to end up mastering a subject rather than just “knowing about it”, consider tutorials.

Unlike books, these on-line courses won't let you skim past material (and quickly forget the material). They were designed by professional teachers (oh, excuse me, "curriculum developers") who have done the most difficult aspect of training -- the time to break down what needs to be learned into “modules” which can be easily digested.

Did you get that?

I no longer have to be embarrassed when I nod off during a class and the trainers ask "did you get that?" 

Computer-based training (CBT) has the patience to make sure that each of us can respond correctly before it moves on to the next topic. CBT asks you pointed questions at every little step along the way. (Educational research has shown that answering questions helps us remember better.)

Learning Tools

A full set of proven learning tools include: Skill Assessments to see how well you really know the material before and after the course, a Glossary of terms, a searchable list of Course Topics so you know where you're going, summary of topics covered, downloable examples you can use to get a quick start on doing something useful.

Comparison of IT Certification Product Offerings

There are many publishers:
• Microsoft Training offers MBOC -- the Official Curriculum used by live MCT's (Microsoft Certified Trainers) in CTEC's (Certified Technical Education Centers). This is the most expensive route, good for people with more money than time.
• Transcender test simulator are the most expensive. They have the exact look and feel of the real Prometric tests.
• Microsoft Press offers in several books what others offer in a single purchase.
• Osborne red and blue
• Coriolis small red Exam Cram books are amazingly thorough for their size. So they're good for knowledeable pros. Some books include practice test questions and interactive learning exercises. Their LabSim
• New Riders (Macmillan) yacht-themed covers 0735709688
• Sybex include EdgeTests and Electronic Flashcards. But their E-Trainer software is cumbersome: It establishes itself as a localhost web server. But still, text in explainations -- in a separate pop up screen -- cannot be copied. References to source materails are all text to chapters -- no clicking to retrieve the specific material. The number of test items are not shown on the screen, so you have to guess. You cannot go backward to a previous question. In practice mode,
• McGraw Hill books offers video by Global Knowledge instructors. But some complain about the sound being too low.
• PRENTICE HALL
• VIAGRAFIX videos
• Sam's White Books for advanced pros. 0072129484 Windows 2000 Group Policy Survival Guide for System Administrators Complete Idiot's Guide to Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional 0789721295 and Server 0789721864 0735609950 DESIGNING SECURE WEB-BASED APPLICATIONS FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS 2000 by Howard, Michael O'REILLY 1565928385 DHCP FOR WINDOWS 2000 by Alcott, Neall

Content Creation Companies

• SmartForce is, as of mid 2001, the biggest of the e-learning content companies -- and also the only one making money.
• DigitalThink focuses on customized courses, so it has the highest expected growth.
• SkillSoft focuses on training in the "soft skills," such as leadership and communication, so it has the highest gross margins.
• MindLeaders develops text-based internet accessible courseware. They created the dubious Institute of Certified E-Commerce Consultants (ICECC) and the $350 Certified E-Commerce Consultant (CEC) designation.
• Indeliq is Accenture (Anderson Consulting)'s venture offering learning simulations. with CEO Daniel Hamburger
• Maxit's DazzlerMax earned TMReview's highest rating of 4 stars — the only tool to earn that distinction for e-learning.
• Intellinex is Cap Gemini Ernest & Young's eLearning venture after acquiring Teach.com.
• GeoLearning
• KnowledgeOne Learning Manager
• Knowledge Linx
• LearnFrame
• Librix
• Plateau
• TEDS
• Brainshark
• DigitalThink
• ePath Learning
• ADAM from First Creative
• Vitalect
• WebTrain
• Thinq Learning Manager is sold by CompUSA
• Primedia Workplace Learning developed SAP's LMS.
• Isopia purchased by Sun.
• International Engineering Consortium on-line courses Technologies include ATM, DSL

instructional design methodologies / models: ADDIE, Dick & Cary, Smith & Ragan

Learning Content Management Systems Tool companies

Services that launches learning content, keeps track of learner progress, figures out in what order (sequence) learning objects are to be delivered, and reports student mastery through a learning experience.
• GlobalLiteracy provides Open Source LMS and WBT.

• Maxit's LearnerWeb
• QuestNet+
• Asymetrix Librarian
• WebCT
• Lotus Virtual Classroom, formerly Lotus LearningSpace
• TopClass
• Saba is partened with PrincewaterhouseCoopers, who won the Army University Access Online Program
• OnTrack from DK Systems
• Cornerstone On Demand

  Consultants

  Samantha Chapnick, founder of Research Dog eLearning consultancy in New York City.

  Daryl Capuano, Brandon-Hall.com consultant in Sunnyvale.

SCORM (Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model) defines a common LMS Run Time Environment.

SCORM was developed by Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative of the US DoD in 1997, which adopted standards from ARIADNE.eu-org, AICC.org, IMSglobal.org and IEEE.

SCORM also defines a model for Content Aggregation using industry-wide metadata XML tags to ensure content is reusable, searchable, durable, and accessible (shareable).

Degree Programs

Masters Level Distance Learning Programs

School	Degree	Format	Cost	Features
Regis U. in Denver, Colorado 800-677-9270	MSCIT (formerly MSCIS)	12 8-week on-line or on-site classes & capstone project. No waivers.	$13,115 ($1080 per 3-unit class) + materials	Focuses on Oracle, but not using Oracle official curriculum.
Capella, Minneapolis	MSIT has specializations in System Design and Programming, Network Architecture, plus certificates in Info. Security.	12 10-week Self-Study + 2 week residency	$32,940 ($1,475 per 4-unit class). Max. 5 classes can be waived for $300 each.	-
Columbus State U. of Georgia(csuonline.edu powered by ecollege.com)	MS in Applied Computer Science	12 semester-length on-line classes (on your own) or on-site ( 8 core and 4 electives)	$12,960 ($1,116 per 3-unit class, which includes technology fees) for 36 credits) 3 classes can be transferred in.	Microsoft's Authorized Academic Training Program: Object-Oriented GUI Client-Server Database Distributed Web Site Enterprise Development
Norwich U. in Vermont 800-677-9270	MS Information Assurance	6 on-line seminars over 3 semesters. No waivers.	$19,290 at $3,090 per 6-unit seminar (inlcudes materials) + $750 residency fee	Features well-known experts in security.
Friends U. (powered by ecollege.com)	Electronic Commerce Management (ECM)	on-line one night a week for 75-weeks with the same cohort	$14,611 + materials (12 semester-length classes	.
U of Maryland, Baltimore County and the US branch of the famed Open University Distance Learning in the UK	MS Computing	On-line	$19,800 (40*$495/unit) includes materials	8 week classes (8 classes in fixed curriculum, 4 unit ea. for 32 units) and a 8 unit research project plus dissertation
	MSIS	On-line	$15,840 (32*$495/unit) includes materials	8 week classes (8 classes in fixed curriculum, 4 unit ea. for 32 units, which includes a 2 unit capstone project)
ISIM	MSIT, MSIM	On-line Interactive or Self-Study	$16,640 (36 units x $415) includes exam fees and materials	11 classes plus a project less 9 units for PMP
Pepperdine	MSTM	on-site plus 2 week
U. Of Phoenix 800.765-4922	MBA/TM	on-site or on-line	$23,310 for 45 $518 credits (15 8-week classes) + materials (4.6% incr/yr.)	The largest school and most flexible.
U. Of Phoenix 800.765-4922	MSCIS	on-site or on-line	47 credits over 30 months	Fixed curriculum of 13 classes. The largest school.
U. Of Phoenix 800.765-4922	MCSE certificate	on-line	$2,000 7 courses	no computers
American Intercontinental U.	MIT	on-site only	$23,250 for 10-week classes	Global & Oracle
Southern Methodist University	MS Software Engineering	videotape& on-site in Dallas	$18,750 ($625 per credit for 30 credits)	has telecom. concentrations
Natl Technological U. 800-582-9976 consortium of universities, incl. USC, UC Davis	MSSE Jerry Johnson x404	TV, online, CD ROM	$660-1294/unit before materials (33 semester credits, depending on the University)	11 classes, 3 units each on Software Metrics and Quality Engineering, Performance Modeling, Info Warfare, Cryptography 1689 grads since '84
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 518-276-8351	MIT	on-line	48 credits	several concentrations
Rochester	MIT	on-line	48 credits	several concentrations
CSU Long Beach	certificates	campus	xx	...
U.S.C. LA Distance Education Network	MSIS	on-line from Los Angeles	$2601 per semester class	webcasts and colloquia for aerospace companies. 4 core courses: Software Management and Economics, Software Engineering I & II, Software Architectures 3 electives from among Advanced Operating Systems, Database Systems, Specification and Design of User Interface Software, Computer Systems Architecture
Strayer U.	MSIS	on-line from Wash. DC	$14,580 54 qtr. unit @$270 ea. ($1323 per class)	Microsoft, Oracle
National U.	certificates	campus	xx	...

American Military University offers a range of courses on homeland security.

Bachelors Level Program Choices

School	Degree	Format	Cost	Features
University of Advancing Technology (UAT) in Tempe, Arizona	AA, BS, MS in Multimedia, Technology Commerce, and Software Engineering and Game Design	on-line one night a week for 75-weeks	$14,611 + materials (12 semester-length classes at $402 per credit hour (as of 1/1/02)

College-Level Examination Program

PhD Degrees Online PhD degrees typically require the proposal and oral presentation of a written dissertation that analyzes existing research and makes a contribution to that field. Institution PhD Degree Residency Cost Nova Southeastern U. Computer & Info Science - created the first electronic classroom in 1985 Uses WebCT. Participates in DANTES and eArmyU. itstudyguide.com four weekends or two weeks per year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida $475 per credit hour, $5,100 per dissertation term Walden 866-492-5336 (866-4WALDEN) started in Psychology Applied Management and Decision Sciences (AMDS) in Information Systems Management requires a 30-unit dissertation. After 14 units of classes on research, there are 84 units of classes, (42 can be transferred in). Each class is 4-5 credits each. 32 units: 4 unit New Student Orientation 8 units over two-weeks in June and July at Indiana University (Bloomington) within first two years of enrollment: 13 units over 2 weeks 20 units over 3 weeks $39,210 minimum for 10 quarters at $3,355 each tuition plus $3,995 for Residencies $1,665 other fees Capella.edu ( Mind Edge.com) started in Organizational Behavior Business and Technology Their 120 quarter unit PhD degree requires a Thesis and 24 classes (at 4 units per class). They offer the degree on-line, but their policy of charging discourages part-time study. xxx $39,000 if you take 2 classes per quarter for 12 quarters at $3,250 each, regardless of the number of classes Ph.D. Stevens Institute of Technology George Mason University in Fairfax, VA

Capella's PhD The 10 Core classes: OM8320 E-Business - Technical Infrastructure of E-Commerce OM843 Managing Information and Communications Technology OM819 Information Systems Management OM721 Global Financial Management OM868 Managerial Accounting OM815 Accounting and Financial Management OM8226 International Business Management OM855 Operations Management Capella's 14 Elective classes, which include: OM874 Redefining the Workplace: The New Revolution OM8355 E-Business - The New Operations Model for E-Commerce OM8315 E-Business - Management in the E-Business Organization OM8325 E-Business - Community-Building Through Virtual Community OM834 Power and Politics in Organizations OM836 Decision-Making Under Risk and Uncertainty OM8370 E-Business - Software Solutions-Comparative Study OM8375 E-Business - Virtual Teams OM8395 E-Business - The Wired Nonprofit Organization OM8360 E-Business - Consulting Practices OM833 Grantsmanship OM867 International Marketing Management OM8390 E-Business - Brand Management OM8283 Entrepreneurial Management Walden's Prerequisite Course (4 total credits) MMBA 6110 Management Information Systems (4 cr.) Foundation Research Sequence (14 total credits) SBSF 8417 Human Inquiry and Science (4 cr.) AMDS 8427 Research Design (5 cr.) AMDS 8437 Data Analysis (5 cr.) Core Curriculum (42 total credits) Technology Management (14 credits) AMDS 8115 Management of Technology (5 cr.) AMDS 8125 Organizational Performance Improvement: Business Process Reengineering (4 cr.) AMDS 8135 Project Management (5 cr.) Information Technology (14 total credits) AMDS 8215 Systems Analysis and Design & Implementation (4 cr.) AMDS 8225 Database Concepts (5 cr.) AMDS 8235 Communications and Networking (5 cr.) Managing Emerging Technologies (9 total credits) AMDS 8315 Emerging Technology Assessment & Risk Management (5 cr.) AMDS 8325 eCommerce Strategies (4 cr.) Core Capstone (5 total credits) AMDS 8335 Knowledge Management (5 credits) -Or- AMDS 8300 Advanced Individual Studies (5 credits) 42 credits from specialized Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs) in specializations: V. Organizational Dynamics and Development or Quality Issues in Engineering Management VI. Decision Sciences or Human Factors Issues or VII. Case Analysis

More Among Forbes' Top 20 Cyber Universities CSU Dominguez Hills, part of www.california.edu/ Brevard Community College, Cocoa, Fla., USA, "www.brevard.cc.fl.us". Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Penn., USA. "www.gsia.cmu.edu". Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., USA. "www.colostate.edu/Depts/CE/". Education Network of Maine, Augusta, Maine, USA. "http://www.enm.maine.edu". Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., USA. "www.msu.edu". New School for Social Research, New York City, USA. "www.dialnsa.edu". Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA. "www.nova.edu". Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, N.J., USA. "www.tesc.edu".

geteducated.com's Best Distance Learning Graduate Schools [registration required] Earn Your Degree in Cyberspace, Inc.com article about UOP xdApril 22, 1999 produced by Los Angeles-based University Access, one of a batch of start-ups that use such things as the Internet, television, videoconferencing, and CD-ROMs to create sophisticated yet inexpensive distance-learning curricula for universities and corporations. The advances have "created a lot of business opportunities" for entrepreneurs, says Bernie Luskin, a distance-learning consultant in Los Angeles. Is an online degree worth anything? Jennifer Mulrean 's 10/02 article on CNBC. collegedegrees.com World Wide Learn Degreeinfo.com has a student forum! Beware of sites that are really an advertising traps to pop-up ads when you visit. online-college.info online-degrees-today.com Virtual University Gazette

How to Succeed at Online Courses Do You Have What It Takes? Students who get the most from online classes have a plan for how they spend their time -- and they follow it. They have a list and enjoy the satisfaction of getting things done. If you frequently need to enjoy the sense of having nothing to do, then you probably need someone else to help you over procrastination. Introductions Usually the first posting requested of students in an online class is an introduction of themselves. The great thing about online classes is that you will likely have a much greater diversity of people in your class than you would have on campus. So begin your introduction with what is most unique about you. Some examples: I live on a small Japanese island, teaching English A downside of diversity is that it is less likely everyone will understand each other's jokes. So avoid puns, especially jokes with double meanings. Use emoticons. When you describe yourself, think about how others can benefit from your experience. Tell the class what you can offer -- how you can best contribute to your temporary group. I enjoy writing, so I would be happy to take notes and write emails for our group. Be sure to provide your contact information (email address, phone, etc.). If you provide a phone number, also note when you want to receive calls. Because other students can be anywhere in the world, include the timezone code anytime you specify a time. Provide an informal picture of yourself, but first find out the width and height that pictures will be displayed, then crop your photo to that size. Don't just download a hugh file straight from your megapixel camera. Chats and Group Projects Unless your school forces everyone to use the same chat program, install the most popular chat client programs (AOL, Microsoft) or one that communicates with them all. Students in an online chat tend to get down to business more quickly than in a classroom or social situation. Those who cannnot type fast have a disadvantage and can become frustrated when the conversation moves to another topic as he/she hunts for letters on the keyboard. An investment learning to "touch type" without needing to look at the keyboard will allow you to enjoy the interaction more. Tactfully Comment on Others' Work I think that the internet provides a false sense of annonymity. What you write (and especially what images you upload to a server) can haunt you for a long time. Your name is your "brand". What kind of reputation do you want?

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