School of Hard Knocks - IT Certification Bootcamps Go Bust As E-learning Advances

In December 2009, thousands of IT students received a nasty holiday surprise as leading IT certification bootcamp providers ComputerTraining.edu and Vigilar's Intense School suddenly announced they were going out of business, effective immediately.

Online IT forums flooded with panicked posters desperate to determine whether they would be able to continue their coursework and obtain refunds for training they'd never receive. Many posts took on a tragic tone as concerned colleagues and other training firms lamented the fate of the victims. "The worst are the clients who have bought classes that will not be delivered or clients who have bought a large quantity of vouchers worth absolutely nothing, some of them losing their yearly training budget. This is the tragedy in all of this," stated Sondra J. Schneider, the founder and CEO of Security University. It appears both training firms may have fallen victim to the ongoing credit crunch.

Although the suddenness of the announcements came as a shock, industry insiders were not surprised that investors and banks abandoned training programs based on antiquated business models. Many noted that although expensive classroom instruction was once the primary option for IT certification, elearning has replaced it as firms focus on cost-efficiency and increased ROI. For organizations struggling to do more with less for the foreseeable future, e-learning advancements may even represent the difference between potential growth and stagnation.

Are Classroom Bootcamps Worth the Risk?

There's no denying the value classroom training bootcamps have provided the IT industry. Courses are usually led by highly qualified subject experts. Students receive attention in small to moderate sized groups. Ideally, their focus is not diverted from the subject by outside distractions and competing job duties. Although some executives continue to view classroom training bootcamps favorably, the exorbitant cost is unfortunately becoming a luxury few organizations can now justify. Training firms that continue to count on luxury spending in 2010 will undoubtedly struggle and fail.

Although companies still rely on quality IT certification training, only 48% of the IT certification courses conducted in 2009 occurred via traditional instructor-led classroom-based training. (1) In 1999, that figure was 71%. In 2010, only the training firms that offer a variety of affordable e-learning alternatives can be expected to survive.

Vetting IT Certification Bootcamp Providers

In the wake of the closings of bootcamp providers ComputerTraining.edu and Vigilar, IT bootcamps may pose a significant investment risk. Since courses are often paid for weeks or even months in advance, and the training firm's financial records are not common knowledge, there's no way to anticipate where the ax could fall next. Even training institutions that appear to be thriving could be in trouble.

For example, Vigilar's Intense School advertised a 95% pass rate on exams. The company's website continued to post news of awards and achievements during the months before the school's closing, including an appearance by school representatives on the Today Show. News that the school had been named a finalist in the 2010 SC Awards for outstanding achievement in IT security came mere days before the Intense School closed its doors for good.

Statistics like these prove that there is no foolproof way to vet IT certification bootcamp providers in today's economic climate. Unlike e-learning products that can be provided immediately upon payment, bootcamp courses are usually scheduled in advance, increasing the risk of loss if the company's fortunes fade quickly. In a statement posted on the company's website, ComputerTraining.edu representatives claimed to have been shut down by BB&T Bank "with no forewarning or notice.

Several training providers have offered to provide similar courses for free or at a reduced cost to Vigilar and ComputerTraining.edu students. Clients can also contact their state educational regulators to try to recoup some of their lost investment. Many remain hopeful, but these limited and often inconvenient options just aren't good enough. IT executives are wary of becoming overly dependent on training programs wedded to outdated business models and fearful of bootcamp failures derailing their own training objectives.

Relying on Bootcamp Guarantees?

Before bootcamps began closing, the principal risk associated with purchasing the courses involved paying significant upfront fees only to have poorly prepared students later fail the exams. Of course, classroom bootcamp vendors offer satisfaction guarantees to help you mitigate your investment risk. But how often are those guarantees actually implemented? Take this example: Employee A fails to pass the PMPcertification exam after you've paid $1900* (plus travel expenses) for the 4-day classroom test prep course. You request a refund from the vendor, but you are only eligible for an initial refund of $275, and your employee must take the exam again within the next 30 days to be eligible for any additional funds.

In fact, IT training vendor PMStudy maintains a refund policy that requires students to fail the PMP exam three times before the company will refund the entire course price - and that refund only applies if the student took the first exam within 30 days after the bootcamp and makes each subsequent attempt within the next 30 days, and the next 30 days, and so on...

So although you could potentially recoup your entire investment in this scenario, the process won't exactly be painless. And, of course, you won't be able to recoup lost travel fees, the price of accommodations, or the employee's lost time away from work while he was attending the bootcamp.

What's the E-Learning Cost Comparison?

Using our previous example, suppose that Employee A decides to forego the $1900 bootcamp and instead selects a comprehensive PMP exam prep package** from the same vendor, only this time in an e-learning format. The cost savings? At least $1500, and possibly more, since many e-learning vendors provide a variety of packages that allow employees to receive only the materials they actually need. Add in fees for travel, accommodations, and lost work hours, and the numbers can change from red to black in a hurry.

How Much Time Can You Save with E-Learning?

Since e-learning programs allow students to study at their own pace, employers control the amount of time lost during the workweek. Some employees are permitted to study solely during non-working hours, while others enjoy study periods during any downtime that occurs throughout the workday. Unlike classroom training, e-learning is flexible, so employees and employers have the power to determine when studying should occur. Unfortunately, many employers are now short-staffed due to the recession, so they can't often spare key employees for offsite bootcamp courses.

E-learning affords businesses the opportunity to enhance the skills of their core workforce without sacrificing employee productivity. Contrary to popular belief, computer-based training also actually requires less time than instructor-led training. The time required to complete an e-learning course ranges by an average of 40-60%, with some students spending up to 80% less time on coursework. (2)

How Easy Are E-Learning Courses to Use?

Many e-learning vendors provide courses that appeal to several senses by integrating text, graphics, and audio features. This inclusion is critical, since most educators believe that students what they hear and see.

IT employees often prefer e-learning formats since they allow them to experience course materials in the format in which they are already most comfortable. Ask any IT worker whether he'd prefer to sit in a classroom with other students listening to a lecture or participate in a self-paced computer-based course.
You probably won't be surprised by his answer.

What's the Value of a Self-Assessment?

Self-assessments are one of the most unique features of any quality e-learning program. Students can take a pre-test before they even begin studying in order to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. This feature enables students to proceed with a program customized to meet their needs. Many are often surprised by the results, unaware of how much or how little they actually know about certain subject areas. By obtaining this information ahead of time, the student can then tailor his program to focus on the areas in which he needs the most assistance instead of wasting it on areas he may have already mastered. Self-assessments were created specifically to address the frustration many students experience by one-size-fits-all classroom or self-study courses that give equal weight to all course material regardless of the skill level or experience of the individual student.

How Does E-Learning Reduce Test Anxiety?

One of the most common obstacles experienced by potential test-takers in any field is classic test anxiety. Forcing an anxious employee to participate in a classroom setting can only exacerbate this problem.

Allowing students to study alone and take practice tests in the format they'll actually use for the examination can go a long way toward reducing their anxiety. Taking advantage of e-learning products that offer self assessment features are also helpful, since they give students immediate feedback on their progress.

Computer-based pre-tests can reassure students who are unsure of their abilities. Many are pleasantly surprised to learn they have already mastered certain areas of the exam. Even providing guidance on the areas in which they should focus can have a calming effect. Most importantly, e-learning affords test anxiety sufferers the comfort of studying and learning in private, and based on their own schedule.

Using E-learning to Standardize Staff Skill Levels

One of the most popular features of e-learning is the ability to use the medium across a large and diverse group of employees. In the past, the prohibitive cost of classroom bootcamps and accompanying travel requirements often led employers to select only a few choice staff members for IT certification training. Unfortunately, those decisions also meant that large numbers of IT staff remained uncertified and unfairly dependent on the lucky few who had received formal training. Since untrained staff members tend to underutilize existing technology, additional technical resources were routinely wasted, something no organization needs, especially in the midst of a struggling
economy.

Industry studies show that Microsoft certified teams are 28% more productive, and teams in which more than half of the team members are Microsoft certified demonstrate a 15-17% improvement in job capabilities.(3)

What Types of E-Learning Formats Are Available?

One of the strengths of the e-learning industry has been its acknowledgment that no two students learn in the same way. Elearning vendors know that Employee A prefers CBT training, but Employee B learns best by listening to audio courses during his commute, and Employee C just wants to take as many practice tests as humanly possible. Video, audio, and CBT options abound, as do more traditional workbook and textbook alternatives. Students can choose individual products or select a combination of tools in order to maximize their learning potential and improve their chances of passing certification exams on the first attempt. Computer based reporting features and constant feedback further validate their progress.

Conclusion

The sudden insolvency of two reputable and respected IT certification training firms has given the entire industry a reason to re-evaluate its training methods. As classroom bootcamp training becomes less of a standard and more of a luxury, e-learning presents a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to do less with more, and do it quickly. Utilizing e-learning programs enables a global workforce to enhance skill sets without expensive travel and inconvenient scheduling headaches. Staff productivity levels are preserved, and learning becomes more individualized as students choose from a variety of video, audio, and CBT learning formats. Employees prefer the adaptability of e-learning. It reduces test anxiety and provides invaluable and immediate, student-specific feedback that can't often be duplicated in a classroom setting. Paid certification opportunities can certainly help you lure and retain the best and brightest technical minds, but providing these benefits to your workforce doesn't have to fracture your firm's bottom line. Utilize e-learning alternatives to strengthen your workforce while enjoying increased productivity and elevated employee morale.

Notes

*Actual 12/09 online cost of PM Study's 4-day PMP Bootcamp
**Actual 12/09 online cost of PMP Training: 40 PMI contact hours,* 4 Simulated Practice Tests,
Guides and Chapter Tests on all Knowledge Areas
(1) "Learning's Reinvention Jumpstarted by Tough Economy," Catherine Upton, Group Publisher
of Elearning! and Government Elearning! magazines, January 2010
(2) Hall, B., Web-Based Training Cookbook
(3) "Value of Certification: Team Certification and Organizational Performance," IDCWhite
Paper, November 2006.

How to Choose Your Bathroom Accessories Furnishings for Your Home

Cleaning Floors : Cleaning Laminate Flooring

Cleaning laminate flooring can be done in a variety of ways, including with a vacuum cleaner, with vinegar and water or with Windex and water. Dry up freshly cleaned laminate flooring to avoid warp with cleaning tips from the owner of a housekeeping service in this free video on cleaning...

How to Choose Your Bathroom Accessories Furnishings for Your Home

Which 'Green' Cleaning Products Work Best?

Good Housekeeping tested many environmentally-friendly cleaning products to see which ones are the best.

Furnishings for Your Home How to Choose Your Bathroom Accessories

Bathroom Shower Tile Deeply Impacts People's Perception Of Your House

Your new house will never be complete until you can proudly claim that it is well furnished. Who would want a lavish house without a living room or bathroom that matches its elegance? Lovers of interior decoration and housekeeping magazines can relate to the importance attached to a well furnished bathroom. At this stage, I must make it clear that you don't need to spend a fortune on a bathroom, but you certainly need to focus your mind on designing one and choose carefully from the mind boggling variety of accessories.

One of the most vital components of a luxurious bathroom is bathroom shower tile, however, we seldom realize its significance. Bathroom shower tile often takes up the most surface area of your bathroom, which makes it a major criterion for determining the look and aesthetics of your bathroom.

There are different types of shower tiles available at all hardware stores. That is a good thing as it provides you with options to choose from. This ensures that you can pick a bathroom shower tile that conforms to your individual taste. The drawback is that too many options can also end up confusing you. To make shopping easier, it is a good idea to write your ideas on a piece of paper before you actually visit a hardware store to look at shower tile.

Bathroom tiles made of ceramics can last many decades and retain their sheen for many years. So, ceramic tiles are definitely a good option for your bathroom. Moreover, these tiles are much cheaper than granite or marble tiles.

It is important to understand that the size of the bathroom tile is critical. If the tile is too small, it will spoil the beauty. However, large tiles are much more expensive and the cost of their replacement is also much higher. Your choice of tile size will depend in part on your budget and what is available in the colors you want.

It is equally important to employ the services of a professional mason for installing bathroom shower tiles. These tiles should not be laid completely flat. Tiles that act as tub surround or tiles that are located in corners need to be placed at a gradient to ensure that water is allowed to run-off into the drain. The gradient is best understood by a mason. Unless you are experienced at installing ceramic tile, it's usually best to hire a professional, otherwise your bathroom renovating could turn out to be more expensive that you had planned.

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Good Housekeeping Magazine Subscription: Secret Behind Elegant Home Decor

You are careful about the beauty of your house. You have seen some elegantly decorated houses of your friends and have wondered the secret behind it. Though you have tried different methods, you could not bring that unmatched beauty to your home. Recently, you have checked an issue of a housekeeping magazine and have found it useful for your purpose. The decoration tips that you have received in this magazine have really impressed you and you have decided to purchase the issue regularly. Though the magazine is really good and you like it truly, you are hesitating to purchase every issue of it for its price. Your expenses will increase significantly if you take the magazine issue regularly and so you are hesitating to purchase it.

Well, each new issue of the good housekeeping magazines will give you new ideas to improve the décor theme of the house. Therefore, it will become easier for you to get the desired look of the house. However, if you feel that purchasing the issue of the magazine regularly from the newsstand will increase your expenses significantly, you can check out for the subscription offers. Many people who are fond of reading this housekeeping magazine prefer to opt for the good housekeeping magazine subscription. There are several factors for which the readers now opt for the subscription offers of magazines and newspapers.

As you do not want to increase your expenses in a significant manner, it is better for you to go for the subscription. By opting for these offers, you will have to pay the price of the magazine issues for a few months. As you pay the price of the magazine issues for a few months in advance, you will be entitled to get a discount on the price of the magazines. Therefore, you will be able to make some savings without compromising your interest of reading the magazine.

The discounts and deals of the subscription offers are generally based on the time period for which you have selected the offer. Therefore, before selecting any subscription package, you should check out which one is offering you the best deal. If you can find the best deal on the magazine package, it will become easier for you to get the best value of your money. When you are making subscription to good housekeeping magazine or any other housekeeping magazine, you should ensure to fill the form correctly. Check out the postal address that you are providing in the form. Always remember a little mistake in filling up the form can create huge problems later. So, be careful when you are entering the information in the subscription forms.

By selecting a subscription package of a magazine, you will be able to avoid the hassles of visiting the newspaper stands to purchase your issue. The magazine will be delivered to your doorstep on the address you have provided in the form. Therefore, you will not have to remember the date of publication and rush to the newsstands to get hold of the copy before it becomes unavailable in the newsstands.

Furnishings for Your Home How to Choose Your Bathroom Accessories

Information About No-Fault Car Accident Benefits

1. I was injured in a car accident. Am I entitled to compensation?

In addition to the possibility of a lawsuit to recover a money award or settlement for injuries, pain and suffering and other losses, Ontario's government requires automobile insurers to provide certain mandatory benefits to most people who are injured or killed in car accidents. These benefits are called "statutory accident benefits". The statutory accident benefits system operates on a "no-fault" basis. This means that, subject to some limited restrictions, you may be entitled to compensation even if you are the one that caused the accident.

As an injured party, you may well be entitled to receive benefits regardless of whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian. You, as well as your family members and dependants, can often receive benefits even if you did not have car insurance at the time of the accident.

There are often disputes about what benefits you are entitled to and what insurance assessments you are required to attend. It is often a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine what you are entitled to and what steps you need to take to protect your interests.

2. What kind of benefits can I receive?

Income Replacement Benefits - these benefits are designed to reimburse you for some of the money you lose as a result of being unable to work due to an injury suffered in a car accident. Benefits are not payable for the first week and you must meet a disability test to qualify for the benefits. The disability test becomes more difficult to meet after more than two years have passed since the accident.

You can receive income replacement benefits whether you are an employee or a self-employed individual. The maximum that you can receive is generally $400 per week, unless other optional increased benefits are purchased.

If you are self-employed, your income calculation will be more complicated and insurers often hire accountants to assist them with these calculations.

Non-earner Benefits - you may receive these benefits if you are 16 years of age or older and have suffered a complete inability to carry on a normal life as a result of the accident within 104 weeks after the accident. A lawyer can assist in explaining what "complete inability to carry on a normal life" means and how that term has been interpreted by the cases. The benefits are only available to certain classes of people, ie: unemployed but enrolled in school on a full-time basis, or have completed your education less than one year before the accident and not be employed in a job that reflects your education and training.

The amount of the non-earner benefit is generally $185 per week, although nothing will be payable for the first 26 weeks of the disability. However, if your disability has lasted for more than 104 weeks, you will be entitled to receive $320 per week following the initial 104 week period.

Caregiver Benefits - these benefits may be payable if you (the injured person) were living with a person in need of care (such as a young child or an elderly parent) prior to the accident and were not being paid for these services. You may be able to recover reasonable and necessary expenses up to a maximum of $250 per week for the first person in need of care and $50 per week for each additional person. You should note that when it comes to the income replacement, non-earner and caregiver benefits, only one of these three benefits can be paid at any given period of time.

Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits - this benefit deals with reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses such as medical, surgical, dental, optometric, hospital, nursing, ambulance, audio metric, speech-language pathology, chiropractic, psychological, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medication, prescription eyewear, dentures, hearing aids, wheelchairs, prostheses, orthotics, transportation to and from treatment sessions (excluding the first 50 kilometers of the trip in the injured person's vehicle), workplace/home/vehicle modifications, life skills training, counseling, and vocational assessments.

Subject to some exceptions set out in the pre-approved framework guidelines, you must submit a treatment plan to the insurance company prior to beginning treatment. If you do not submit a treatment plan, the insurance company could refuse to compensate you for treatment. The treatment plan must be prepared by a health professional and signed by one of the following - physician, psychologist, physiotherapist, dentist, or optometrist.

You can receive a maximum reimbursement of $100,000 for "reasonable and necessary" expenses acquired in the period of 10 years following the accident. If you suffered "catastrophic impairment", you may be entitled to receive up to $1,000,000 incurred over your lifetime.

Attendant Care Benefits - this benefit may provide compensation for services of an aide or an attendant who is assisting you due to your injury. This could include services of a family member or other aide looking after you at home, or services provided by a long-term care facility including a nursing home, home for the aged or chronic care hospital.

You may be entitled to a maximum of $3,000 per month for two years following the accident. If you suffered "catastrophic impairment", you may receive up to $6,000 per month up to a maximum of $1,000,000 without a time limit. The insurer may ask you to provide it with a certificate from a health professional confirming that you require attendant care services.

Funeral and Death Benefits - when a person dies due to a car accident, his or her estate may be entitled to reimbursement of funeral expenses to a maximum of $6,000.

The deceased's spouse, dependants and caregivers may also be entitled to death benefits. Death benefits are usually only payable if the deceased died within 180 days after the accident, or, if the deceased was continuously disabled as a result of the accident, within 156 weeks after the accident. No benefits will be payable to a person who dies before the deceased or within 30 days after the deceased.

A spouse may receive $25,000 if the deceased was married. If the deceased was not married, but had dependents, the $25,000 would be divided equally among the dependents. On top of the $25,000, each of the dependents and former spouses of the deceased (to whom the deceased had an obligation to pay spousal support) will be entitled to $10,000.

If the deceased was himself or herself a dependent at the time of the accident (ex. if the deceased was a minor child), $10,000 would be payable to the person upon whom the deceased was dependent (ex. parent or grandparent) or, if that person is dead, to that person's surviving spouse or dependents.

Visiting Expenses - if you sustained injury in a car accident, your family members and individuals who were living with you at the time of the accident may be entitled to reimbursement for all of their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred as a result of coming to visit you during your treatment or recovery. The visitors will only be reimbursed for expenses incurred within 104 weeks after your accident, unless your injury is catastrophic.

Lost Education Expenses - if, due to your injuries, you are unable to continue in the education program in which you were enrolled at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to claim for your lost education expenses up to the maximum amount of $15,000. You may get reimbursed for expenses incurred before the accident including tuition, books, equipment or room and board.

Housekeeping and Home Maintenance Expenses - you may receive compensation for reasonable and necessary housekeeping and home maintenance expenses, if your injury resulted in a substantial inability to do your housekeeping and home maintenance and you normally performed home maintenance services before your accident. Your housekeeping and home maintenance expenses may be paid for 104 weeks to a maximum of $100, unless the injury is catastrophic, in which case the time-limit does not apply.

Psychological and Mental Injuries - your family members and dependents (whether related or not) may be entitled to receive benefits if they have suffered psychological injuries as a result of your accident.

Cost of Examinations - you may be reimbursed for reasonable fees charged by health care providers in preparing disability certificates, reviewing and approving treatment plans, preparing applications for approval of assessments or examinations, preparing assessments of attendant care needs, and preparing applications for determinations of catastrophic impairment. You are normally required to obtain consent of the insurer before incurring examination expenses. However, there are certain exceptions. Your treatment providers may well be able to assist you in applying for these benefits

Other Expenses - you may be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses you incurred in repairing or replacing clothing, prescription eye wear, dentures, hearing aids, prostheses and other medical or dental devices that were lost or damaged as a result of the accident.

3. How can I claim my benefits?

Compensation will not be paid to you automatically following your accident. In order to receive benefits, you should notify your insurer within seven days of the date of the accident that you wish to submit an application. Late applications are made in many cases and you could discuss this with a lawyer. The insurer will then be required to send you the application forms as soon as possible. You will have to complete the forms and send them back to your insurer within 30 days. If you will not be able to meet the 30-day deadline because of the severity of your injuries, it is probably a good idea for you to advise your insurance company (but you may well wish to seek legal advice from a lawyer).

4. Which insurance company will provide my statutory accident benefits?

If you have car insurance or if you are a listed driver on someone else's auto insurance policy, your own insurer will likely be responsible for providing you with benefits.

If you do not have auto insurance, and you were injured in a car accident as a pedestrian or a cyclist, you may be able to apply to the insurance company that insured the car that hit you. If you were a passenger, you may well be able to apply to the company that insured the car in which you were riding.

In some situations, no insured drivers are involved. In such cases, you may be able to claim compensation from a special government fund (the "Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund") set up to handle these type of scenarios.

It is important to remember that statutory accident benefits will generally only compensate you for losses that are not covered by some other private insurance policy or employment benefits plan. If these other policies or plans will cover only part of the losses incurred, the statutory accident benefits can be used to compensate you for the balance, subject to some limitations.

5. What can I do if the insurance company denied my claim for benefits?

If you are having problems recovering benefits to which you are entitled, you may be entitled to sue the insurer in court or try to enforce payment through arbitration. However, before you can proceed to court or to arbitration, you are required to mediate the dispute with the Financial Services Commission. It is extremely important to initiate mediation within two years from the date that the benefit was denied. An injury/car accident lawyer can provide further details with respect to this.

Furnishings for Your Home How to Choose Your Bathroom Accessories

5s Training Video - an aide for managers and trainers

want to have a 5s housekeeping campaign in your workplace. This video is great as an icebreaker to get the ball rolling. It's another lesson from aitch the lean improvement consultants

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