C.B. Learning

These Microsoft e-learning courses have clear and logically arranged content, and provide progress reports for managers to check on users progress.

Course tested: Complete MCITP Enterprise Administrator for Server 2008 Training
Price: £1150
Length: 193 hours

C.B. Learning, a subsidiary of Computer Bookshops, markets the official Microsoft Online Learning courses. Its Microsoft Learning IT Professional Catalogue Spring 2009 can be downloaded and lists all the relevant courses. There are hundreds of options on topics encompassing Windows Server 2008 and 2003, Exchange Server 2007 and 2003, SQL Server 2008 and Windows Vista. The choices include free two-hour clinics on Windows Server 2008 and on SQL Server 2008, while other 2-hour courses cost £22.12.

Collections of courses are priced accorded to how many hours are involved (for example, Collection 5237: Configuring and Managing Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Hosted Environments (20 hours) is £170.20 while Collection CBL20: Windows Server 2003 MCSE Core & Core Elective Certification Training (183 hours) is £995.

All Microsoft e-learning shares the same distinctive user interface and so you only need to listen once to the Navigation overview that gives details "the Microsoft e-learning experience".
For every course, the common format includes a tabbed dialog the presents an Overview with a brief introduction together with a clear list of its objectives; System Requirements and Course Details. This tab gives access to the content with launch buttons for each of the modules and its lessons. Module overviews are presented in audio with the photograph of the speaker to make it feel more immediate and a transcript for those who prefer to read than listen. Within the courses the navigation control can be toggled between an Icon view and a Text view.

What options appear depend on the content available but when present the Read button accesses text, tables and graphics, Watch leads to animations, demonstrations and videos, Play indicates games and Try has simulations and practices. The overview also points to the availability of Self Test material, Search/Advanced search and Bookmark facilities, the ability to use a Notes area to annotate as you proceed and to get Help when needed. There are also Forums tailored to some courses.

Your learning process in the lessons is a mix of reading screens and watching demonstrations which are narrated - although a transcript can be printed. The content is clear and its arrangement is logical - although the user has the freedom to decide how to progress through it. There are self tests, using a variety of multiple-choice methods, that can be used to ensure you have understood the material of each module.

With courses such as "Configuring Servers and Server Roles in Windows Server 2008" it's important not just to assimilate the theory but also to master the practical aspects. Microsoft therefore provides Virtual Labs where you can carry out exercises using a remote virtual environment without risking live systems. These exercises include step-by-step instructions if required and feedback so that you can gain confidence in your new skills.

These courses are characterised by interactivity throughout the learning process and the incorporation of quiz and test material at frequent intervals to ensure you have digested and understood what you've heard, read and watched.

One problem perceived with online training is that employees for whom it is provided might fail to use it. Not only can individual students see how they are performing on the course by percentage complete indicators and test score, training managers can access progress reports which can be mapped directly to an organisational structure to manage the learning programme of employees. C.B. Learning also offers a Learning Management System (LMS) or bespoke LMS integration to clients who have already implemented their own.

C.B. Learning

Check out more on online learning in labs