The State News
Students, faculty and staff at MSU who want to learn more about computers can clear up their confusion with access to more than 700 free online courses.
MSU is just one of Michigan’s educational institutions that can utilize the Information Technology Training Initiative - a state-funded program intended to make computer training more widely available.
Gov. John Engler announced the initiative March 12, saying the program will increase technological skills of member of Michigan’s education community.
Michigan is paying Netg, an online educational company, to provide the courses. They can be accessed through Michigan Virtual University, a private nonprofit agency set up to bring online learning opportunities to Michigan.
“The MVU announcement is exciting because it appears to increase the number of titles available to education faculty and students across the state,” said Paul Hunt, vice provost for Libraries, Computing and Technology at MSU.
Up to 850,000 full- or part-time students, faculty and staff who are enrolled or employed by a Michigan K-12 school, college or university will be eligible to access the programs.
Thomas Schumann, vice president of academic affairs for Michigan Virtual University, said research shows universities like MSU will benefit from the initiative.
“The recruitment, retention and development of workers with these skills has been identified as the most critical need on campuses right now,” he said. “Hopefully, all the universities will be using them in productive and creative ways.”
But free computer training offered online is not a new opportunity at MSU.
More than 200 technology training modules are available through MSU’s Web-based Technology Training program called Smart Force offerings.
“There is some similarity between the Netg offerings now available from MVU and Smart Force offerings which MSU has made available to faculty, staff and students through the Web for the last two years,” Hunt said.
“We will be evaluating the similarities and differences between the two sets of short courses to optimize their use for on-campus technology training.”
Both MSU and Netg courses train users in a variety of programs ranging from Microsoft Office to Internet programming and database design.
Shumann said the Netg courses can be used as self-paced tutorials, instructor-led courses, or supplements to regular college courses.
“They are built as independent learning objects, which means a faculty member can grab one or more modules from the course to supplement and complement regular coursework,” Shumann said.
Shumann said there are many ways for people to learn how to use various software, but Michigan’s initiative is an unprecedented measure.
“This is the first time this number of courses has been available to this large of an audience,” he said. “It really is a pioneering step that our governor foresaw as a way to make sure Michigan workers are as competitive as anyone else.”
Users can also become certified in various programs by following specified training paths and taking an examination.
Melanie Grooms, a general management sophomore, said she thinks many students could use the free courses, especially those who are seeking jobs.
“We have a lot more technology coming up, so it’s good to have these skills,” she said. “And (the online courses) probably wouldn’t get in the way of your regular schedule.”
George Stockman, acting chairperson of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said MSU courses like CSE 101, Computing Concept and Competencies, are still very valuable for basic computer training but he is glad the initiative will make training available outside colleges.
“If we can deliver it to people all over the state of Michigan and anyone with a home computer can use them, then you have a tremendous advantage,” he said.
To learn more about the courses or to register to use them, visit the Michigan Virtual University Web site, http://www.mivu.org.Information about MSU’s Smart Force courses can be assessed at http://cbtraining.com.
