Esri started offering instructor-led Virtual Classroom training way back in 2004 with a single course (trivia question: what was the first Esri Virtual Classroom course?). At that time, it wasn’t common to use Web and phone conferencing technology to deliver real-time instructor-led training.
- Editor’s update: The Virtual Classroom has been renamed to the Esri Instructor-Led Online Classroom.
Over the last few years, the popularity of webinars, online meetings, and virtual classrooms has exploded. Private companies, government agencies, and educational institutions are all using the technology because the business benefits of bringing people in different physical locations together for a shared online experience are powerful. What are the benefits? Cost savings, time savings, reduced footprints—just to name three. The ability to reach more staff and customers is another oft-cited benefit.
Over the last six years, we did add to our Virtual Classroom offerings—slightly. This time last year six Esri Virtual Classroom courses were available. But this week, the format has finally reached parity with our traditional brick and mortar instructor-led classroom training. All Esri instructor-led courses (with just a few exceptions due to technical limitations) are now available in the Virtual Classroom.
We’ve expanded our Virtual Classroom offerings because many of you have told us traveling to attend training is, well, virtually impossible. As the recession drags on, organizations that haven’t cut training from their budgets have cut travel. Virtual Classroom training is a solution for “can’t-travel” professionals who need to keep up to date with technology, develop their skills, and increase their value to their employer.
Your Questions, Answered
Judging from the number of calls we’re getting, our expanded schedule has generated a lot of interest…and questions. Such as:
- Are the materials used in class the same as in a traditional class?
- Will I get hands-on training like I do in a traditional class?
- Will I still get an Esri certificate of completion?
Yes, yes, and yes. The same instructor-led course materials that are used in a traditional classroom are used in the Virtual Classroom because the course being taught is exactly the same. Like in a traditional class, hands-on course exercises are an essential component of Virtual Classroom training. You get to practice with the latest version of Esri software, which is hosted on a remote server you connect to during class. And since you’re taking the same course, it’s only fair you get the same credit for it—the Esri certificate of completion looks exactly the same as the one given to traditional classroom students.
Another question we’ve heard quite a bit is whether a cubicle “office” is conducive to Virtual Classroom training. The answer to that one is yes, but…
Being able to focus during class is important for learning. If you’re working in a loud, open environment, using a telephone headset is a must. Class participation is encouraged in an online class just like it is in a traditional class. If you’re in a cube, you can easily communicate with the instructor and other students using the integrated chat window instead of the phone. But it’s worth checking to see if you can borrow an empty office or conference room to attend class. Or even attend from home if you have the required setup.
Virtual Classroom training may not work for everyone. Some people just prefer to learn in a physical classroom (and if that classroom happens to be in Palm Beach, hey, even better). If you don’t have a broadband Internet connection or the ability to get outside your company’s firewall, the Virtual Classroom is not the training solution for you. Traditional instructor-led classroom courses aren’t going away. And when those travel dollars free up, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen.
Trivia answer: Advanced Techniques for Labels and Annotation
