DirectionsOnlIne professional Development
For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page
Administrative Assistant Fundamentals
Administrative Assistant Applications
Big Ideas in Little Books (PLU Approved)
The Creative Classroom (PLU Approved)
Enhancing Language Development in Childhood (PLU Approved)
Guiding Kids on the Internet (PLU Approved)
PowerPoint in the Classroom (PLU Approved)
Solving Classroom Discipline Problems (PLU Approved)
The Classroom Computer (PLU Approved)
Using the Internet in the Classroom (PLU Approved)
Introduction to Criminal Law
Evidence Law
Employment Law Fundamentals
Introduction to Nonprofit Management
PMP I (Project Management Pro) Certification Prep
PMP II (Project Management Pro) Certification Prep
Administrative Assistant Fundamentals
Rapid growth in the health, legal services, data processing, management, public relations, and other industries have created many new job opportunities for administrative assistants. This course will help you discover and master the essentials of managerial and staff support, information and records management, communications technology, travel and meeting coordination, space planning, and office ergonomics.
You'll become an indispensable member of your team by identifying opportunities and implementing solutions to turn your office into a high productivity machine. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: The student must have Internet Access, e-mail, and a Netscape, AOL, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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Administrative Assistant Applications
Discover how economics, accounting, business law, organizational behavior, and management affect administrative assistant responsibilities and activities. Determine how economic forecasting and the world economy affect an enterprise; understand the basics of accounting including the general ledger, the accounting equation, key accounting terms, and the types of accounting; and learn how balance sheets, income statements, cash flow management, and financial controls help keep your organization moving in a positive direction.
Understand the fundamentals of business law, contracts, and the principal-agency relationship; discover the forms of business organization and learn about ethics and organizational politics; and understand the basics of international business. Find out how you can successfully plan and exercise control, discover how problem solving and decision making can increase your efficiency and effectiveness, and explore various organizing principles. See the difference between motivation and leadership, discover how to increase creativity, find out how marketing differs from sales, and learn of the finer points of operations management. Understand why effective change management is so vital, and determine how to recruit, evaluate, select, and train team members.
This course will help you prepare for the internationally-recognized Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS®) and the Certified Administrative Professional® (CAP®) exam offered by the International Association of Administrative Professionals® (IAAP®).
(2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Completion of Becky and Tony Swaim's Administrative Assistant Fundamentals course (or equivalent experience). Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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Big Ideas in Little Books (2 PLUs)
Do you have an idea for an instructional aid? The instructor--a former K-12 teacher who is also the author and developer of over 50 products for the educational market, will help you develop instructional aids that align with standards important to your district.
This exciting program will show you how how to create and self-publish work books, lab manuals, booklets, activity kits, visual aids, manipulatives, and other powerful instructional aids. You'll also learn how to profit from your ideas by offering the products you develop for sale through catalogs, stores, and trade shows. (2.4 CEUs, 2 PLUs)
Requirements: The student must have Internet Access, e-mail, and a Netscape, AOL, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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The Creative Classroom (2 PLUs)
Creativity will abound in your classroom as you tap your students' hidden talents. Learn how to use creativity to teach reading, writing, visual arts, performing arts, social studies, science, mathematics, and physical and health education. Develop creative new approaches to field trips, learning labs, activities, exercises, assignments, and evaluation methods. Think beyond the textbook and challenge your students by making your classroom a creative classroom! (2.4 CEUs, 2 PLUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Firefox or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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Enhancing Language Development in Childhood (2 PLUs)
Follow your child's lead and have fun while enhancing language development! In this fun and user-friendly course for parents, teachers, and caregivers, you will discover how children learn to process language and how they become proficient speakers and thinkers. This
course will help you enrich your child's life by stimulating his or her continued speech, brain, and language development in an enjoyable, age-appropriate, and natural way.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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Guiding Kids on the Internet
Work the Web with your kids! This essential course for teachers, leaders, and parents will give you the confidence you need for helping children get the best from Internet access. Step-by-step instructions will lead you in discovering various kid-friendly Internet features. These include web page creation with easy-to-use templates and examples, kid-safe searches, fun resources for kids; and the many communication possibilities for schools, clubs, teacher networks, and even extended families. This course includes lessons for you, the adult, but also features printable instruction sheets that can be used directly with the young people you work with. The activities are informative, interactive, and fun; and, most importantly, will help you and your kids use the Internet to its fullest potential.
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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PowerPoint in the Classroom
Need help motivating students and boosting interest in your lessons? This course will help you create captivating and attention-grabbing classroom presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. You'll learn basic PowerPoint skills such as creating slides, using templates, inserting text, changing background colors, creating WordArt titles, and adding slide transitions. You'll also develop advanced skills such as inserting graphics, sound, and video, custom animations, timed transitions, and hyperlinks.
You'll be able to publish your presentation on a school Web site or even take your PowerPoint shows on the road. You'll also be able to create presentations filled with scanned drawings created by your students or digital photograph slide shows. This class will assist you in learning these skills.
Your instructor will walk you step-by-step through several different types of classroom presentations. You'll be able to create lectures, interactive presentations that viewers can use independently, and impressive presentations complete with narration for your students' independent use on computer stations or enrichment activities.
Each lesson also includes a wealth of ideas and suggestions you can apply in the classroom--as well as ideas you can use to help your students develop their PowerPoint and presentation skills.
Using PowerPoint in the classroom addresses different learning styles, heightens student interest, and engages learners. PowerPoint is a fun and motivational tool for teachers as well as students. This class will give you the knowledge you need to add appeal to any classroom subject! (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser, and Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows version 97, 2000, or XP. Macintosh PowerPoint 98 will also be supported.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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Solving Classroom Discipline Problems
Why do some teachers enjoy peaceful, orderly classrooms while others face daily discipline battles? The answer is that some teachers know the secrets to solving discipline problems. This course reveals those secrets and presents a step-by-step approach to effective, positive classroom discipline. (2.4 CEUs; 2 PLUs)
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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The Classroom Computer
If you're a teacher, this course will show you how to create an exciting and enriching experience for your students. You'll learn a wide variety of simple, field-tested, and easy to apply techniques that will make the most of the computer in your classroom.
In this course, your instructor will work with you to assess your knowledge of computer use and to help you set goals for yourself so that you achieve the highest level of personal benefit from this course.
Simple classroom management ideas will help you maximize your classroom time for learning. You'll also discover powerful ideas and interesting web sites that you can immediately use to enhance your language arts, math, science, and social studies curriculum. You will discover pointers on using email and the Internet effectively to increase your students' understanding and learning in all content areas. (2.4 CEUs)
This course has been approved for PLU 2 credits for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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Using the Internet in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Harness the power of the Internet to make your textbooks and lessons come alive! Teach your students how to locate and evaluate Internet resources. Improve the caliber and amount of discussion through the use of e-mail and discussion boards. Learn how to safeguard your students and their personal information while they are using the Internet. The Internet can make teaching easier--this course will show you how.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$95
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Introduction to Criminal Law
Criminal law is one of the most fascinating areas of legal practice. This course gives an in-depth look at criminal law by examining the world of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the paralegals who work closely with them. You will examine all major areas of crime: from theft to murder, conspiracy to sexual assault. The trial of a criminal case will be
dissected and explained for you. You'll also explore the various types of criminal defenses, sentencing, and appeals procedures. A variety of exercises based on the lessons will give you a hands-on experience. Each lesson will also feature "A View from the Inside" -- compelling information about the criminal justice system, in the words of actual people who experience it every day. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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Evidence Law
As courts get more crowded, busy attorneys are relying more and more on paralegals, legal secretaries, and law clerks to help them gather and evaluate evidence and prepare cases for trial. If you're interested in working in one of the most important and exciting areas of law, this course will provide you with the background information you'll need to get started. You'll learn basic principles of the law as it deals with the
gathering, preparation, and presentation of evidence in both civil and criminal cases.
You will learn what evidence is and how its use has changed and evolved over the years into an intricate system which tries to protect everyone's rights while still searching for the proper and fair outcome in each case. The course will deal with the methods of gathering evidence for use in a trial, including the use of investigators, depositions, subpoenas, and interrogatories. It will also deal with the preparation of
this evidence for use in trial by making sure it is relevant to the case at hand and admissible under such rules as the hearsay rule and the provisions of the Constitution.
The final aspect of the course deals with how the evidence is actually presented to a judge or a jury. This includes the order of calling witnesses, the use of experts, the making of opening and closing arguments, and the various other trial strategies involved in winning a trial. The differences between civil and criminal law cases are emphasized, and numerous examples are given from actual cases tried by the instructor and others. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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Employment Law Fundamentals
Learn the basics of employment law so you can legally hire, evaluate, and manage employees. Learn the difference between an employee and an independent contractor; the basic types of employee benefits; effective hiring, evaluation, and termination procedures; methods to resolve employment disputes in and out of court; discrimination and union laws; and workplace safety rules. This course is a must for anyone who is (or aspires to be) a supervisor, manager, or human resources professional.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, the student will:
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(2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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Introduction to Nonprofit Management
Develop the skills and strategies you need to become an integral part of one of America’s fastest growing service sectors. In this course, a seasoned veteran in the nonprofit management field will show you how to transform your good intentions into a professional plan of action. You'll understand the unique characteristics of nonprofit organizations while mastering the core knowledge necessary to become an effective leader in the nonprofit arena. (2.4 CEUs)
Objectives:
By the end of this course, the student will:
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Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$85
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PMP Certification Preparation 1
Learn how to prepare for Project Management Institute's prestigious PMP certification exam. Master the first six chapters of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), the most essential resource for the PMP certification exam. Learn all about the nine Project Management Knowledge Areas, five Process Groups, and 39 project management processes. Raise your project management IQ by discovering tips and techniques related to the questions you'll encounter on the PMP exam. Use proven learning techniques to help you absorb key terminology, concepts, and formulas.
This course, the first part of a two-course series will demystify the toughest sections of the PMBOK Guide, including relationships between inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs. The course will also bring clarity to such topics as precedence diagramming, estimating, and scope management.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Required text: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) -- 2000 Edition
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
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PMP Certification Preparation 2
Prepare to take--and pass--the Project Management Institute's PMP certification exam. Master chapters seven through twelve of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, the most essential resource for the PMP certification exam. Learn all about the nine Project Management Knowledge Areas, five Process Groups, and 39 project management processes. Raise your project management IQ by discovering tips and techniques related to the questions you'll encounter on the PMP exam. Use proven learning techniques to help you absorb key terminology, concepts, and formulas.
In this, the second part of our two-part certification preparation series, your instructor will demystify the most challenging sections of the PMBOK guide, including relationships between inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs. You'll also gain a strong understanding of such topics as earned value management, risk management, simulation, sensitivity analysis, and make-or-buy analysis. In addition to learning about the PMBOK Guide, you'll gain insight into PMI's code of professional responsibility and discover powerful techniques you can use to continue preparing for the PMP exam after this course is over.
Requirements: Completion of Tony Swaim's PMP Certification Prep 1 online course (or equivalent experience). Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Required text: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) -- 2000 Edition.
Dates:Click here for schedule
Time: At your convenience at home or by appointment at the VSU Continuing Education Computer Lab
Location:Online
Fee:$99
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