There has been a lot of excitement about the use of 3D printers in education, but educators can have trouble both getting started with the technology and figuring out what to do with it. This two-class certificate covers both aspects, starting with how the technology works and then moving on to how to use it effectively. If participants already have 3D printers, the instructors will customize the class as much as possible so participants can follow along on the hardware they have. If a participant does not yet have access to a 3D printer, the instructors can help with helping participants define criteria to make decisions about appropriate hardware to buy.  

The intro class (recommended to be taken first) covers the entire 3D printing workflow with a focus on open source and free software. The market is somewhat fractured and different 3D printers vary somewhat in their operations there are not a lot of standards in the industry yet, but the instructors will guide participants through what the options are and where to learn the details of operation of their particular existing or planned hardware.  

The second class then builds on this knowledge to think about how to help students create their own exploratory models, or how to create models that a teacher can create to help students visualize an abstract concept. Participants will use some of the software covered in the Intro to 3D Printing class to create several different types of 3D printable models, and will discuss the details of how to print their design on the 3D printer they already have or plan to acquire in the future.

Individual Courses:

Introduction to 3D Printing

3D Printed Science and Math: Visualizations and Experiments

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

 Develop the mindset of Lean Operational Excellence, an advanced problem solving approach that facilitates continuous improvement within the organization through the identification and elimination of waste. Lean principles can also be used to streamline processes in the human resource functions such as recruiting, hiring, training, compensating and managing performance.  Find out about Lean concepts, tools, and methods with which you can benchmark and assess problems, and lead continuous improvement efforts to resolve them.  After taking this course you will have an expanded capacity to facilitate small groups and teams using Lean Process Improvement principles and methodologies to create change within your organization.One month course, Sally Schmall, SPHR   AgendaUnit 1Overview of LEAN Principles and ApplicationsAn overview of lean history and philosophyUnderstanding the universal application of lean to Human Resource functions regardless of industryToyota Practical Problem Solving and A3 ToolsA3 problem solving reporting processesUnit 2LEAN Tools for Lean Human ResourcesVisual management, 5S, standardized workOther lean tools for HR functionsIntroduction to value stream mapping (VSM) processesA value stream mapping exercise to apply what you have learnedUnit 3Creating an Effective Business Case for LEAN Initiatives within Your OrganizationCreating the A3 report or storyboardUsing the A3 report as a way to present a logical business case for proposed changes, decisions, and improvements within your organizationDeveloping an A3 report to share with other class membersReceiving feedback from peers and instructorUnit 4Lean Leadership for Human ResourcesLean leadership and culture change strategiesSuccessfully implementing lean tools and concepts in your organizationPlanning to prepare for taking the next stepMoving forward with Lean Leadership for HRAbout online learningOnline learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. How the Course WorksIt is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.Participate when you wantYou can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.What you will doFor each Unit, you will:Read the print readings (about 20 pages a week)Have the option of accessing the online readingsListen to the audio presentation for the Unit and view the slidesHave the option of taking a self-quiz to see how much you have learnedEngage in written online discussion with your instructor and other participantsFor best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each week.The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.DiscussionThe Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each week to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.It’s easy. It’s fun.

Workplace Mentoring & Coaching—Level 1

Mentoring and coaching have come to be used more frequently in organizations to improve leadership competencies. It has benefits for the employer and employee. The knowledge you gather will change the way you see yourself in the workplace. Through this knowledge, you can find helpful strategies to navigate through work and life.

Workplace Mentoring & Coaching—Level 2

Building on Coaching and Mentoring in the Workplace Course I, C/M II take a further in-depth look at variables involved in employee support. Additionally, in this course you will develop skills in the development, implementation, and support of coaching and mentoring programs in your workplace. Critical analysis and improvement of your programs alongside group dynamics and innovative strategies will also be examined in terms of coaching and mentoring programs. This course offers the much-awaited toolkit you have been searching for to improve your employees’ performance and create the working environment that your employees will find truly rewarding. 

About online learning

Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. 

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

Participate when you want

You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

What you will do

For each Unit, you will:

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each day.

The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

Discussion

The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each day to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

It’s easy. It’s fun.

Discover the specific knowledge needed to succeed in researching and utilizing the best and most appropriate data for decision making for your work organization.  Get the skills needed to effectively communicate research results to a specific audience for maximum impact and effective decision making.  For business professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who needs specific information about a business; or who is in business and needs specific information about a particular topic such as market potential, competitive intelligence, standard industry practice, productivity improvement, etc.  This course will give you the specific knowledge you need to succeed in your research quest. 

Individual Courses:

Introduction to Business Research

Business Statistics

Qualitative Business Research

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Every successful person in the workplace utilizes financial information to aid effective decision making. The Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers explains the financial concepts and accounting processes used in most businesses and will provide practical techniques that will increase your effectiveness and career.  First, get a foundation to understand the seven steps in the accounting cycle and use financial information in decision making. Come away with the knowledge to analyze resource allocation and evaluate financial performance.  

Then find out what you need to know about cash.  Cash is the non-financial manager who really makes a difference in the day-to-day cash activities. Discover how to maximize cash flow, learn the importance of cash and find out your role in cash flow success.  

Finally, acquire advanced knowledge on the financial information that drives your organization. See how business reports are assessed and analyzed.  An understanding of this information will help you make smart decisions when it comes to budgeting, setting goals, and assessing performance within your own area of influence. Individual Courses:

Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers

Cash is King

Financial Analysis and Planning for Non-Financial Managers 

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Games are increasingly recognized as a tool that can serve many business purposes beyond entertainment. This Certificate provides you with a general introduction to what goes into the design and development of both video and analog games, with a particular focus on the use of games outside of consumer entertainment.  

In the first course, you will discover resources for developing game design, identify the mechanics and verbs used in different games. You will come away with knowing the different activities that are part of game design, being able to flesh out a game idea in order to increase the chances to having a successful game design experience, and have a basic understanding of how to work with game developers. In the second course, you will you will learn the basics of video game design process, learn about the main video game genres, and use a game development application to begin your journey of making games.    

By successfully completing this Certificate in Basic Game Design, you will have taken the first steps into understanding game design, and being able to create your own games.

Individual Courses:

Introduction to Game Design

Intermediate Video Game Design

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Discover the keys to successful writing for the workplace.  Whether you are writing a report, memo, letter or publicity notice, business writing has some defined characteristics for success. Successful communicators in the workplace move forward, others move back. Enhance your career by improving this critical communication skill.

Begin with understanding the format, construction, and successful techniques of writing good business reports and proposals.  Then improve your skills with editing and proofreading.  Finally, discover what good journalists know. Learn how to write a news story, press release or other publicity notice that zings.  

Help your organization stand out with your new skills in business writing. This certificate will take you to the next level where business writing is a skill for personal and organizational success.

Three one month courses; Dionne Felix, Kathryn Will, and Jeff Kart instructors. 

Individual Courses

Business Writing

Take away the key practices you need to develop and hone your business writing communication effectively and successfully.  Get the best practices for crafting effective, professional business documents. Find out how to avoid grammatical pitfalls. And acquire business writing principles that will be good for years to come.

One month, Dionne Felix, instructor.

Effective Copywriting

Whether you are sending out a press release, communicating internally with a memo or promoting your own skills on LinkedIn, strong writing skills are the key to success.  Come away with the tools and techniques you need to improve your copywriting skills and learn how to avoid the common writing mistakes that can hold you back.

One month course, Kathryn Will, instructor.

Writing News and Press Releases 

Being able to write a good news story, press release or publicity notice is a skill that can set you apart in the workplace. Getting the word out is an essential activity for every organization. Acquire the skills good journalists have and learn how to craft a news story, press release or publicity notice that will get attention. 

One month, Jeff Kart, instructor.

About online learning

Online learning is a fun, enjoyable and very productive way to learn. Millions of people are learning online each year. You will engage with the instructor and other participants. You will get to know your instructor and other participants. You may make friends.  It’s easy. It’s fun. 

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.

Once inside the online classroom, here’s what you can expect.

Participate when you want

You can participate any time of day or evening. The online classroom is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.There are no live real-time requirements or meetings. You decide when you participate.For the best learning, participants should log into the course on 2-3 different days of the week.

What you will do

For each Unit, you will:

For best learning, you should make one or more comments at 2-3 different times each day.

The content (readings, audio lectures, slides) and self quizzes are accessible for the entire course, so you can work ahead, or go back and review again, at your convenience.

Discussion

The Discussion for each Unit lasts one week. All comments are made in writing and can be made at any time of the day or night.

Your instructor will log into the Discussion area at least once a day and answer questions, make comments, and respond to comments by you and the other participants.

We encourage you to make 2-3 comments each day to maximize your learning and enjoyment of the course.

It’s easy. It’s fun.

Customer service is now essential for business and all work organizations.  With the increase of technology, human interaction with customers becomes all the more important.  Whether it relates to retaining customers, serving your audience, or turning inquiries from potential customers into sales, good customer service is now one of the central factors in organizational success. 

Learn to improve your customer service skills to enhance your career skill set, improve productivity, and increase your organization’s success. You will also take away some extraordinary customer service techniques you won’t find anywhere else. 

Individual Courses:

Keys to Customer Service

Extraordinary Customer Service

How the Course Works

It is easy to participate in your online course. After you register, you will be given a web address to go to get into your online classroom.  You will have a password and use your email address and password to gain access.