Partnership puts free IT lessons on the web

By ADAM GIFFORD

Training system wholesaler Technocatz Web Training has teamed up with Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) to put the polytechnic's programme of short IT courses to the web.

Technocatz managing director Dennis Murray said his company, whose investors include The Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall and former Coca-Cola marketing manager Richard Warren, offered a blend of classroom or group learning and self-study over the internet.

"Attendees receive initial instructions from expert trainers on how to get the most out of the web-based materials and exercises and then take control of their own training, working at their own pace, with 0800 phone and free online email support," he said.

The seven WintecActive courses take about 20 hours each to complete and cover basic concepts of information technology, managing computers and operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, managing files, building databases, presentation techniques and use of internet and email.

Technocatz adapts courses from Software Education Resources' print material, which it has exclusive rights to use on the web.

Wintec is offering the courses for free to New Zealand residents, with the polytechnic and its business partners sharing the government funding that comes with the students.

Murray said the administration elements of the Technocatz package meant the model could be managed cost-effectively.

At the end of the courses students should be ready to sit an entry-level qualification called the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), administered by the Computer Society.

Wintec head of commercial development Peter Hodder said the partnership with Technocatz would allow the polytechnic to take WintecActive into any community.

"We can now provide the vehicle for the ICDL qualification to anyone, regardless of the demands on their time or difficulties they might have in attending classes."

Murray said Technocatz was seeking other high-quality training material to deliver through its systems.

Technocatz