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Cisco Intros Virtual Classroom Instruction Specialist Certification
At the Training 2011 Conference and Expo in San Diego this week, Cisco announced its new Virtual Classroom Instruction Specialist certification. Cisco also introduced Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction (LVCI) training courses as preparation for the certification exams.
According to the American Society for Training and Development, 37 percent of training in 2009 involved electronic technology, up from 15 percent in 2002, while face-to-face instruction fell to 59 percent. Cisco's training course is intended to help instructors develop and improve their online teaching effectiveness, while the certification exams confirm and document their expertise. Cisco's training and certification program goes beyond simple tool usage and focuses on improving the teaching and learning experience through effective online communication and collaboration.
Topics covered in Cisco's Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction (LVCI) training include:
- Preparing and managing a virtual classroom session;
- Delivering educational material online effectively;
- Using interactive tools and activities for collaboration;
- Motivating and engaging learners;
- Judging student comprehension; and
- Evaluating the effectiveness of virtual training.
The two-part certification process involves a multiple-choice exam and a practical evaluation in which the candidate demonstrates the best practices of virtual classroom instruction.
The LVCI training does not require students to be Cisco WebEx subscribers. A computer with an Internet connection is all that is required. The certification is also vendor-neutral and does not depend on knowledge of any specific technology platform.
LVCI training is not a required prerequisite to the certification exams, although candidates who do not take the training are advised to review the list of exam topics before attempting the certification exams.
Further information about the training and certification is available here.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at leilameyer@gmail.com.