11/28/05

Contact: K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199; e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU JOINS NEW ON-LINE TRAINING CENTER

TO OFFER SOLUTIONS FOR TIME-STRAPPED INDIVIDUALS

     SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University’s division of lifelong learning has signed on to offer “rock.howtomaster.com,” a new on-line education center and course library designed to expand and enhance the university’s continuing education course offerings.

     This online center, available over the Internet at http://rock.howtomaster.com, not only provides courses that can help individuals succeed on the job and in their personal lives, but also allows the course to be taken on the student’s schedule.

      The self-paced and self-directed courses allow students to advance through the material at their own speed and from their own computers, using an Internet connection, says Dr. James Kushner, SRU dean of lifelong learning.

     The courses are offered through InfoSource, Inc., a Florida-based developer and provider of Web-based training, computer-based learning and instructor-led training for the K-12 education, corporate and government training markets.

       Available courses include training for various computer applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, FrontPage and Project, as well as Quicken, QuickBooks, Lotus Notes and others. Additional enrichment courses are offered on digital imaging, time management, presentation skills, business writing, personal digital assistants, the Internet and others. The courses also cover a number of “soft-skill” area.

     The award-winning, non-credit courses feature complete audio narration, graphics, animated tips, video clips, real-world examples, hands-on simulations and reinforcement exercises — all designed to aid in learning and retention. Once a course is purchased, students have online access to the material and may review the lessons in that course as often as they like for up to 90 days, Kushner explains. Completion certificates, where appropriate, are awarded by SRU.

      “The courses are available to anyone with a desire to learn — not just current SRU students,” Kushner adds. “If individuals want to test what they’ve learned or determine what they already know, they also have the option of purchasing corresponding assessment tests for a nominal fee.”

      Available job skills “soft-skills” course include training on supervision, leadership, team building, motivation, sales skills, performance management, communication, diversity, sexual harassment issues, customer service and more. Additional enrichment courses cover dealing with personal and family issues, such as managing stress, avoiding burnout, managing personal finances and areas that can have an impact on overall employee performance, Kushner explains.

      Soft-skill courses feature real-world examples, interactive exercises and printable templates for off-line reinforcement. The courses were developed by industry experts recognized for their knowledge of, and experience with, the course topic.

      Those interested in the program can enroll online for individual courses at http://rock.howtomaster.com or by calling 724-738-1601.

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