IT for All! Bringing Online Computer Classes Statewide
- Conference Year
- Online Northwest 2015
- Session
- 4
- Type
- Breakout Session
- Presenters
- Elizabeth Iaukea, Washington State Library
- Abstract
More than 50% of today’s jobs require some technology skills, and experts expect that percentage will increase to 77% in the next decade. Through online courses, The Microsoft IT Academy (ITA) provides industry-leading technology skills to help bridge the skills gap. In partnership with Microsoft, the Washington State Library has provided the Microsoft ITA to state residents through local community and technical college, public, and tribal libraries. In addition to online courses and other digital self-study resources, the second year of their deployment saw a push to increase supply and demand for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications statewide. Project Managers from both sides of the aisle – vendor and customer share information about what the program consists of, how it can be deployed, and lessons learned and best practices for states or communities considering jumping on the Microsoft ITA bandwagon to bring IT training to local communities.