Can’t find time for a computer workshop? Explore the world of on-line, interactive computer based training, right from your browser on your desktop. Computer based training is all about getting exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. Many UCI Faculty, staff and students have already discovered CBT@UCI, a valuable training resource funded by cooperation among UCI’s major academic schools, A&BS, and NACS.

There are topics for everyone, from Beginning Word to Advanced PowerPoint 2000. Technical subjects, such as application development and programming as well as the popular Microsoft’s MCSE certification path are current and available 24 hours a day.

CBT is interactive. Pre-test assessment, discovery questions embedded in the text of a course, and simulation exercises all help to keep you, the learner engaged. CBT courses are also organized into curricula — groups of courses on related technologies.

Taking a CBT course requires that you download a plug-in or “helper application” to your hard drive. In several computer labs around campus the plug-ins have already been put on the PC’s for you.

Visit UCI’s CBT site http://cbt.uci.edu and take a course today, or stop by NACS’ Response Center to purchase a $10 introductory CD with a selection of introductory courses for use from home. For more information about CBT, call NACS’ help desk at 824-6116.

Do you find it difficult to keep up with new and updated computing software as it comes out? If so, you are among the majority on campus who are always on the lookout for ways to learn new software features and usage.

When it comes to computer skills learning, one size does not fit all. “Online learning”, the delivery of training via network or CD-ROM, is one apprnacsh that is gaining support. Online learning programs require no travel, and are less expensive than traditional classes. Online lessons are interactive; the computer tailors material and responds according to learners’ requests and needs.

We are pleased to announce that Computer Based Training courses from CBT Systems are now available to the majority of the campus. Over 250 courses are accessible from your on-campus Windows computer. Popular titles include Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems, Web authoring and publishing, basic UNIX, Sybase Powersoft, and more. Before or after taking a course, you may take a quiz to determine your knowledge level.

CBT courses are available from the NACS CBT Web server: http://cbt.nacs.uci.edu

You get started by downloading a plugin and player, and installing them on your Windows computer. You may then proceed to the list for courses on the Web site to take a class.

Some campus departments have deployed CBT in the local network environment, so please to consult local support staff for advice. NACS will be working with campus supporters to make CBT available in campus computing labs. We will also look into making it available on CDs for home learning.

Your feedback on CBT is invited, please send it to NACS@UCI.EDU.