 Smart classroom training (SCT) is a fully interactive training experience delivered over the internet, with a live instructor and the latest in teleconferencing technology. It allows you to receive the training you need and want in the most time-effective and cost-effective manner as possible. The following information will outline the details of this program and how it benefits both you and your company.
SCT is growing in popularity
Unitek trains thousands of students each year. Our technology is rapidly growing in popularity with our clients because it offers them 100% live, instructor-led training without travel. Because we are able to combine enrollments from multiple locations in the same class, we've been able to dramatically reduce our class cancellation rate!!
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SCT is unlike any other training solution you've ever experienced. We've created this special section of our web site so you can better understand SCT and determine if it is right for you.
SCT connects multiple locations
The greatest advantage of SCT is that it combines the best features from traditional face-to-face instructor-led training with the latest in video and teleconferencing technology, allowing us to deliver live training to multiple locations at one time. SCT is based on our experience as trainers and the general premise that the classroom is the foundation of a great training experience.
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We schedule each class in every location
To understand the logistics of this training solution we need to explain our master schedule of classes. When we schedule a class, we make it available at all of our training locations on the same date. For example, you may find an Exchange Administration 2005 course listed in many different locations on our website all on the same date.
Low-enrollment sites are delivered through SCT
For select sites that have only a few students, you have the option of joining the live class via Unitek's Smart-Classroom Instruction. On the day of the class, these students would go to their preferred training facility and connect to the traditional class using SCT.
Can also attend from your home and office:
Most students decide to take advantage of the added convenience of attending their training from the comfort of their home or office. In these situations, it's a simple matter of connecting to the class via the internet and calling in to the conference line for full access to both audio and video components.
All locations receive live, instructor-led training
Students attending their training from home or work, or those attending in a Unitek "Smart-Classroom" will have a learning experience that is very similar to traditional face-to-face instruction. They will see the same instructor presentations. They hear both the instructor as well as questions other students. They will receive the same course book and they will work on the same hands-on labs. The only difference being that the instructor isn't in the same room with them.
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Using Internet conferencing and a phone bridge, students are able to attend and participate in our instructor-led training without being in the same location as the instructor.
Here's how the technology works that allows us to connect your classroom to the instructor's classroom.
- Audio
Students hear the instructor and other students as well as participate in class discussions. The classroom audio is delivered over a phone via a conference call. It's highly recommended that students have a phone head-set or a speaker feature on their phone to allow the students full participation in the training experience.
- Instructor Presentation
Students will see the instructor's presentation on your monitor. The instructor's presentation is delivered over the Internet and you will be able to toggle between the instructors computer screen, the white board and the web-cam..
- Student Workstation
At the student workstation, the students have full ability to perform all of the class labs and exercises. The workstation is connected to the instructor's classroom, so the instructor can oversee your lab progress and assist students if they get stuck..
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You'll will be able to view the instructor's presentation.
Though our remote "Smart" connection, you will be able to see everything that the instructor sees on his monitor in the traditional classroom. Instructors use this technology to present information in the same way they would use a projector in a traditional class, either through PowerPoint slides or using an interactive white-board.
SCT's Interactive Whiteboard.
One of the key-differentiators between the Unitek "Smart-Classroom" and traditional web-based training solutions is the interactive whiteboard. With this technology, the instructors also can share what they are writing on their whiteboard. Using a special whiteboard capture device, the instructor can share these illustrations just as they would in a traditional classroom.
Webcam images.
YES, you will have the ability to see the instructor during your class when the webcam is turned on; however, In most cases, instructors use the webcam intermittently through the day as it makes it easier to fully comprehend the material by focusing your attention to the instructor screen, PPT slides, software and hardware presentations and white-board .
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During SCT events you WILL have the ability to complete hands-on labs.
Through your remote classroom, you will have the ability to work on hands-on labs and exercises. In addition, you can easily toggle back and forth from the instructor-screen or whiteboard and your desktop during these lab exercises.
Linked to the instructor's computer.
Through the SCT connection, the instructor also has the ability to see what you are doing. Everything on the screen in front of you will also be displayed on your screen in the instructor's room. Instructors typically have all of the remote student's monitors facing them. This way they can see if you are following along with the rest of the class. In addition, if you get lost or need help, the instructor can easily take over your mouse and keyboard of the computer and walk you through the exercises.
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One of the key advantages to SCT compared to traditional classroom training is the advantage of eliminating all of the time and cost associated with travel. Whether you decide to train from your home, or office, there are a few things needed to make this possible:
- Dual computers running Windows.
 Many students opt to set up a laptop computer next to their desktop system. One computer is used to view the instructor presentation while the other is used for the student hands-on labs. It is also possible to only use a single computer if they toggle back and forth between windows showing the instructor presentation and the student lab computer. Two computers are not required, but they are recommended.
- A speaker phone or hands-free headset for your telephone.
This class is VERY interactive so you will constantly be using the keyboard and mouse throughout the class. As such you will need a speakerphone or headset by your computer so that you can hear the instructor and interact with the class while completing the labs and exercises. A headset is preferred if you work in an open-cubicle environment.
- A high-speed Internet connection.
It is a requirement that all students have approximately 75KB of bandwidth during the class. The average home DSL or cable connection will provide more than enough bandwidth, so this is seldom an issue. It is also possible that there might be a firewalls used for internet security prevent those connections from being made.
- Unlimited long-distance phone service.
The conference call connection you will be listening to during your training is a long-distance call for which toll charges apply. Unlimited long-distance service is commonly available in homes and most businesses have phone lines that permit unlimited long-distance calls with no additional charge. Check with your organization to see if your company has such a line.
- RDP Ports
In order to access the lab equipment, you will need to use a Remote Desktop connection. Occasionally,
organizational firewalls may block access to certain remote desktop ports. To access the Unitek labs,
you will need to connect via ports 5000 through 5040. Check with your organization if you have access to
these ports.
The set up is easy.
Because the application software for your course, such as Microsoft Excel, will already be installed on a computer designated for your use in the instructor's classroom, you won't need to install that software on your home or office computer. (This is especially important for technical classes that rely on complex software installations that require up to 8 gig of RAM!)
Just install conferencing software.
However, you will need to install the conferencing software that connects you to the classroom. GotoMeeting will be installed on your "instructor" computer. (If you've ever attended a web seminar, you've installed similar software.) GotoMyPC will be installed on your "student" computer. That's easy to do too. You'll just click on a link and fill in a few prompts and you'll be connected.
But start 20 minutes before the class.
Before the class we will send the course materials directly to your home or office. In addition, you'll get an email with all of the directions you'll need for the classroom connection software and phone bridge. Be sure to allow about 20 minutes of set up time before the start of the class.
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While many people prefer the convenience of remote training and feel comfortable with conferencing technology that brings that classroom experience to their desk at work or home, we also understand that others prefer a live (face to face)training environment with the instructor and other students in the same classroom. At Unitek we provide the best of both worlds.
All Unitek courses deliver via out Smart Classroom Training solution can also be attended live!!
Unitek has three world-class training campuses located in Northern California and students can come to us, to receive the in-classroom experience that you may find more comfortable. For those students who opt to be guests of Unitek, we provide fantastic travel packages that can in most cases off-set the majority of your travel-costs.
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Money-Back Guarantee.
If you are not satisfied with the quality of an SCT class, you can receive a full refund for your class. You only need to notify the instructor during the first day of class, return the courseware, (unmarked) and you will receive a full refund.
SCT retake at NO COST!!.
Any training that you attend at Unitek through the SCT format can be re-attended at NO-Cost at any point within 12-months from the date of your class. (Phone charges not applicable). Please note that you will need to re-use the courseware and that you can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the start of your class if maximum enrollment is reached.
Reduced class cancellations.
In addition to Unitek's commitment to saving our students the travel expense of traditional instructor-led training, we have also been able to significantly reduce the number of class cancellations by moving a number of our courses to this format. This reduction of NOT having to re-organize their busy schedule following a class reschedule has been the benefit most often mentioned by our clients.
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Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our Smart-Classroom Training Instruction.
- Will I be able to see the instructor?
YES!: Every instructor will have a webcam that most will use during introductions and briefly when coming back from breaks. Please note that typically, this webcam is not running throughout the course so that you will able to see the instructor's screen and the whiteboard work.
- What if I have a question?
You can ask a question at any time during an SCT event. The phone bridge connected at all times and questions can be asked either verbally, or they can also be typed into a chat screen. Some instructors may recommend the latter as it will not disrupt the flow of the class and will allow other students to see your question and add follow-up questions which allows the instructor to provide more comprehensive answers.
- What happens if I get stuck in a lab?
As with a traditional classroom course, just ask for help. The instructor is able to see your screen and with your permission, can take over your mouse and keyboard to help you troubleshoot the issue if necessary.
- Will I need to install software?
For every SCT class enrollment, Unitek will e-mail you a simple 5-minute installation process which will make sure that you have everything needed to have a great training experience.
- What if I don't like the class?
Unitek offers a money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the training experience, let us know on the first day of class. You will be able to leave with no cancellation penalty.
- How is this different from a web seminar?
Unlike a web seminar where you only listen and watch an instructor presentation, SCT courses include hands-on access to software for labs and the ability to ask questions and interact with both the teacher and other students. You'll also be able to hear questions posed by other students regardless of their location.
- How is SCT different from other web-delivered computer classes?
Most traditional "live" web-based training solutions consist of an instructor presenting to a group of students in a web seminar fashion. These sessions usually involve lecture for up to 3 hours or more with minimal interaction on your part.
- Is SCT right for me?
The best candidates for an SCT class are those people with basic knowledge with Microsoft Windows and applications. You can also call our toll free number to speak with one of our Educational Advisors to answer any questions that you may have.
- Is there a price difference for an SCT class?
Even though the technologies required to deliver an SCT class are higher than a traditional instructor-led class, we do not charge a premium for SCT events.
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