ESI International Launches Virtual Classroom

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31 January 2008

Team Learning, Delivered in Part-day Modules Keeps Staff On-the-Job

ARLINGTON, Va. – Jan. 31, 2008 – Today, ESI International announced the global launch of its virtual classroom which allows students to train together with an instructor in real time through an online environment. With microphones and instant messaging, students are able to hear the instructor’s explanations, ask questions, speak with one another, divide into virtual breakout rooms and benefit from instant instructor polling from anywhere in the world.

ESI’s Virtual Classroom enables consistent team learning across diverse geographic locations, without incurring travel costs. A key benefit for students and employers is the option to schedule courses for part of the day, allowing students to remain in the office while working to achieve professional development goals.

“ESI’s new Virtual Classroom has been designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients and students,” said Stephen Stilwell, Product Director Online Services, ESI. “Now, our clients can easily bring geographically dispersed groups together, to learn as a team, while ensuring they have time to focus on their day-to-day work activities, all without any travel.”

Every virtual classroom course is recorded so students can listen to recorded modules to review information. They also can download course reference materials and tools as well as access pre- and post-course surveys and assessments.

Managing Projects, ESI’s most popular course, is the first virtual classroom offering. It is currently available for ESI’s on-site clients and public course offerings are scheduled to begin in April.

The scope and content of virtual classroom courses is consistent with ESI’s classroom and asynchronous e-learning courses, allowing students to blend virtual classroom courses with other delivery methods for a consistent, integrated learning experience. Additionally, students can earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) and Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Students can also apply credit from ESI’s Virtual Classroom courses toward several certificates available from ESI and The George Washington University, Washington.

For more information on ESI’s Virtual Classroom or to register for a course, visit www.esi-intl.com/vcr. ESI also offers a wide range of traditional, asynchronous e-learning courses.

Media Contact
J. Scott Punk, APR
Senior Manager Global Public Relations
jspunk@esi-intl.com
+44 (0) 20 7071 5243

About ESI International
ESI, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LSE:INF) helps people around the world improve the way they manage projects, contracts, requirements and vendors. In addition to ESI’s more than 100 courses delivered in 18 languages at more than 75 locations worldwide, ESI offers ten certificate programs through our educational partner The George Washington University in Washington. Founded in 1981, ESI’s worldwide headquarters are in Arlington, VA, USA. To date, ESI’s programs have benefited more than 900,000 professionals worldwide. For more information visit www.esi-intl.com.