Microsoft Virtual Instructor Led Classes - Experiences?

[Cinder]

Does anyone have any experience with training from Microsoft with Virtual Instructor Led classes? What are the advantages or disadvantages based on your experience?

Typically, I do not excel in online courses with glorified PowerPoint presentations. Since this type of training is held in a classroom at a training facility, I'm not sure what to expect from this type of course.

 

[Cinder]

bump

 

[Imaginer]

It looks like they present a curriculum and perhaps have an interactive chat alongside an instructer who moderates and takes part in the discussion and answers questions. So I think it maybe more than just a simple online class of viewing presentation lectures and submitting assignments.

But that is after a glance from searching. Hopefully one who experienced a course can give you a first hand.

 

[Cinder]

Thanks for your response Imaginer. Thanks for the information. I haven't been able to find many details in regards to specific class format details. I tried searching for testimonials with no luck as well.

 

[takeru]

took 2 so far. they use a presentation app. one used iLink, another used Adobe Connect. you have buttons representing your status, such as raising your hand, afk, agree, not agree, etc. there is a shared screen/presentation window, chat, student list with status. there are other pieces like a live video link but weren't used. basically the guy showed his slides, took questions from chat or mic when requested. the presentation window acts as a whiteboard also, so the instructor scribbles notes and such on there also. course is split into 14 modules(chapters) with 2-3 labs in each module. you are given time after each module to do the labs and have your questions answered and such. the lab environment is a separate log in to pre-made hyper-v environment, with set snapshots designed for each specific module's labs to work on. class recordings are available a day or two after each session for 2 months. virtual labs are available up to 6 months after class start.

 

[Cinder]

Takeru, thanks for sharing your experience. In your opinion, did the courses really help you with your certification exams, enough that they were worth the money spent?

 

[takeru]

one of the instructors clearly stated that the course was not meant to be a cram course, a boot camp style course, or course geared towards the exam, and is meant to be a supplement towards it and more for real world use. the courses WERE helpful though nevertheless, just don't expect to solely rely on them alone for the exam.

 

[Cinder]

Thanks again for the information. You have been extremely helpful!!