Human Resources' Pilot Program Offers Online Computer Training to UO Faculty, Staff, Students

This web-based training program can be used as a 'virtual classroom' or simply as a handy reference tool

Joyce Winslow
jwins@uoregon.edu

The program, which is being offered as a pilot project for twelve months beginning April 8, includes instruction in such mainstays as Microsoft Office (all versions) and Windows, as well as fundamental grounding in computer literacy and technical concepts.

This pilot program offers great flexibility in its course structure. Once you're enrolled, you can access the course site from any computer with an Internet connection, and you can learn at your own pace. You can stop a lesson at any time, and when you return to it the lesson will continue from where you left off.

All courses include graphics, animation, optional audio narration, and real-world examples. Throughout the training you are presented with hands-on exercises that let you practice new skills as you learn them. The lessons are interactive, so you get instant feedback on errors and have as many chances as you need to correct them. You may also assess your skills and progress by taking a test on any course either before or after training, including a "prescriptive" test that shows you only those lessons you need to learn. The program keeps track of all your work and test results, so you may document your progress if you need to.

You can repeat any course, test, lesson, or page within a lesson as often as you like, and you may jump to any lesson topic at any time. This makes this web-based training system a valuable reference tool.

Another feature of the program is that you're not required to own the software you're studying or have it installed on your computer in order to learn to use it. The training module precisely simulates the use of all course software, freeing you to access the training from any computer connected to the Internet ( see the system requirements at http://www.raatraining.com/setupinfo.htm ).

Registering for Courses

When you register, you sign up for a training "library," or collection of online courses. There are three libraries to choose from (PC & Business Skills, which is approved as preparation for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification; IC3 Internet and Computing Core Certification; and A+ 2003, which offers A+ computer technician certification).

All of these course libraries are described in more detail on the UO Human Resources training page at http://hr.uoregon.edu/training/raa.html You'll also find a list of course fees and an online registration form at this site.

Faculty and Staff: Faculty and staff may register individually or through their departments. Eligible employees may also have a portion of the fee for one library paid for by the Employee Benefit Fund.

Students: If you're a currently enrolled UO student, you may use the online registration application at http://hr.uoregon.edu/training/raa.html Submit your UO email address and enter "student" in the affiliation box of the form. A representative of RAA Training will contact you regarding payment.

Note: UO faculty, staff, and students may register individually at any time during the 12-month contract period of the pilot program (April 8, 2005, through April 7, 2006). Allow 5-7 days for activation.