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CMD Training Institute is a young, dynamic, modern and progressive Training Provider established in 1994 by Chris Mc Donagh. CMD Training offer a full range of training programmes and services. The CMD training approach is entirely client focused and service orientated. We aim to provide our customers with advice and services tailored to meet their specific needs and requirements!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

E Learning: Not The Next Big Thing, It's Here Now!

E-Learning: Not The Next Big Thing, It’s Here Now

Author Bio [join me: www.facebook.com/olivia.cmd]


Olivia Moran is a training specialist with CMD Training Institute. She is one of Ireland’s leading experts in Moodle and E-Learning and has been developing E-Learning courses for CMD for the past two years.

Olivia has a business and information systems management background having obtained a Masters in Computing and Information Systems Management.



When I am asked what I do for a living, I tell people that I work in E-learning. Sometimes eyes glaze over, but most times my answer is met with curiosity and a follow up question. What’s that all about? So I have decided to write this article to fill you in, on the world of E-Learning and to encourage you to consider studying online.

With the increasing availability of the Internet and computer technologies we are now able to change what and how we deliver training and instruction to learners. Learners are no longer bound by constraints of time and space and can learn from practically anywhere and at a time that suits them. E-Learning includes text, video, audio, animation and virtual learning environments that mimic the classroom. It can be a very rich learning experience that can even surpass the level of training you might experience in a crowded classroom. It's self paced, hands on learning at its best.

E-Learning is revolutionizing learning. It’s like being in a classroom but not boring and way more fun. E-Learning is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional methods among individuals and employers. E-Learning can incorporate many elements that make learning new material, a new process or a new program much simpler. Making learning more fun or interesting is what makes it more effective. Unfortunately, every type of training can not be done through E-Learning, but many can with excellent results.

Of course with everything, there are challenges to be met head on. Like how do tutors simulate the traditional classroom environment? How do learners stay motivated when they are at home on their own surrounded by all the distractions of life? Overall great advances are being made and the online learning experience is being constantly improved by the introduction of new learning technologies.

E-Learning is quickly going social with many online courses integrating social tools like blogs, wiki’s, YouTube and even Twitter or Facebook. The learning conversion between classmates has moved online where learners can easily share their ideas through social media tools. The collective intelligence of learners is being gathered in a simple non intrusive way so that everyone can benefit. Whether it is comments on an online forum, tweets or status updates, everyone can stay informed and engaged and learn a little in the process.

Getting started is a lot simpler than you may think. For instance, at CMD Training Institute we have over 80 E-Learning courses on offer, so there is something for everyone. Whether you want to learn about Facebook, how to market your business online, manage your time or improve your customer service skills. At the CMD Training Institute we will help you every step of the way

Once you are registered you will be able to access your course online and start learning. Once registered you can simply begin learning. You can access all the course materials and resources that you need for you course. Our interactive animated course materials make learning enjoyable and easy, with manuals, videos and quizzes to give you that little bit of extra support should you need it.

You will be assigned a CMD Training Specialist who will be on hand to help you every step of the way with phone, email and instant messaging support. Your online training specialist will also help you to decide on a training plan and objectives and help you to determine which courses are more suited to you and your needs.

There are thousands of E-Learning courses available on the web. So start browsing and see what tickles your fancy. It may open a whole world of new opportunities to you or may even start you on an entirely new career path. E-Learning is not the next big thing; it’s here now so take advantage of the opportunities that it presents.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Challenging Times For Business

Challening Times

Changing environments affect everyone these days and there aren’t too many people or companies who haven’t been affected by the economic downturn. For some, the answer is easy they hit the problem head on and face the change positively. For others they are lost with no direction and not sure how to take the first step. The main focus for any individual or company in today’s economy is to remain “employable” and “marketable”. For this reason the focus must be on up-skilling – developing new and existing skills. Up-skilling is important for everyone, for those who are unemployed so that they may gain new skills to get back into the workforce, those who are in the workforce but fear that they could be next on the redundancy list and those companies who require more from their current staff in order to remain competitive and successful.

At CMD Training Institute we have the solutions. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals can assist you with your plans and goals. They will take each individual case and deal with it uniquely.

For the employee a successful track record is no longer enough to protect against the effects of the downturn. You must constantly strive towards improving on your current skills. Unemployment is one of the most stressful times in one’s life. The initial reaction is of shock and disbelief that this could actually happen to “me”. It becomes a source of grief and it takes time to adjust to this feeling and emotion. Why me? What did I do wrong? Why didn’t the company see this coming and protect me? How do I tell my family and friends? With positive focus on your future, determination and a little hard work you will become re-employable. All you need is a little help in the right direction. For all career planning help and guidance, CV essentials, interview preparation, CMD Training Institute is only one step away. You won’t look back but will you look forward with optimism.

Employers how much time an effort do you put into your talent management? Are you proactive in retaining your current talent? Do you know how? How much thought have you given to your current employees who could take on extra responsibility and be accountable for their actions so that you can grow and maintain a successful business in these economic times? Every employee is a valuable asset and investing in their development and up-skilling is an invaluable investment for any company no matter what size or turnover.” Skilled employees create successful organisations”. In our current times organisational change is inevitable. Change has a huge impact on employees and they must be encouraged to fully engage and adapt their behaviour and thinking for the future.

CMD Training Institute can guide you through your company’s change initiative so that you get it right. Relying on ad-hoc customer service won’t keep you ahead of the competition. Your service must be high quality, inside and out in order to keep your customers returning time and time again and promoting you. Long gone are the days where your employees only had to take orders because the customer approached them wanting to buy - nowadays they have to sell, sell, and sell. Do they know how? Are they equipped with the necessary and vital skills of converting that order into a sale?

At CMD Training Institute we understand the trials and tribulations of everyday tasks of running a company in today’s economy. Talk to our experts for a tailor made programme which is unique to your company, unique to your employees and unique to your future success. brenda.crowley@cmd.ie

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

IT Wizard Summer Camp






CMD Training Institute are delighted to announce that they will be running a IT Wizard Summer Camp for kids this coming August.

Location:

Classes will take place at our state of the art training facility in the Gateway Building, Northwest Business Park, Collooney, Co Sligo.

Age Groups:

Children will be grouped according to their age and ability.

7-9 year olds

10-13 year olds

Dates & Times: August: 8 – 12th
August: 15 – 19th

Morning Group- 9:30 – 12:30pm (7-9 year olds)
Afternoon Group- 1.30- 4.30pm (10-13 year olds)

** Supervision is available for those needing to drop off at children 9:00 and pick up at 1:00 pm and late pick up at 5.00pm for afternoon group.

Summer Camp Syllabus:

Children will be covering the following:

· Internet security

· Video editing

· Image editing

· Email

· Web Design

· Animation

· Skype

Light Snack Included:

A light snack will be provided each day. Please let us know of Any Special dietary requirements at time of registration.