ScriptingAnswers.com Online Training FAQ

In addition to answering your questions, this page will help you understand what's expected of you as a student. We also cover basics like system requirements and other participation requirements.

 

BASICS

How is this difference from self-paced training?
Our online training is a combination of instructor-led training and self-paced training. Although you'll learn much of the course material through self-guided study using the materials provided to you, you'll also reinforce that with instructor-led training and review during online meetings, and by having direct access to your instructors through Web-based discussion forums for the duration of the class. This combination allows you to learn without attending a class in person, and allows us to offer this training at a much lower cost than traditional classroom training.

Can I register for a class after it's started?
No. In order to keep everyone moving at the same pace, we cut off registration approximately one week before class is scheduled to begin. Please check the schedule for the next class, and register for that.

Why are shipping costs charged when I register?
At a minimum, we need to ship you the self-paced training video that forms part of the course. This video is extremely large and is not suitable for download. If you opted for printed course materials, you'll also receive those in your shipment.

What do the class materials consist of?
It depends upon the course, but typically you'll receive an eBook (such as Windows PowerShell: TFM) and a lab guide, along with self-study materials in video format.

Do I receive a completion certificate?
You can request that one be mailed to you upon completion of the course, provided you have attended each of the online meetings, completed your assigned self-study material, and in the instructor's opinion have grasped the primary concepts of the course.

How long are the self-study materials valid?
The self-study video that forms a part of your course is not an online video. It is shipped to you on disc and is yours to keep. You may view it any time you like, and may continue viewing it after your class is completed. You may loan it to toehrs, although you may not copy it.

Is the self-study video available for download?
Not at this time. The video files are several gigabytes in size and are not practical for electronic delivery. We will ship your disc(s) to you when you register for class.

Can I obtain a refund?
Online training registration fees are nonrefundable. Prior to registering, please check your system to make sure it meets the minimum system requirements necessary to participate - click here to do so.

What if my course materials are defective?
We will replace or repair defective items as required. However, if your computer fails to meet the minimum requirements needed to utilize your course materials, then we cannot provide a refund or replacement. Please review our system requirements page before registering to ensure your system has the necessary capabilities.

Are classes available in a different language?
All classes are held in US English only. Self-paced materials are also in US English only.

 

ATTENDANCE

Are online sessions available for later review?
Yes. Online sessions are recorded and students have access to the recordings for the duration of the class. You can download and save the recordings for your own personal use, if you wish.

What times does the class meet?
See the class schedule for exact meeting times. On each meeting day, a meeting is offered earlier in the day as well as later. You may attend either (but not both) of the meetings on your designated meeting days.

What if I miss an online meeting?
You can download and review the recording of the meeting at any time through the completion date of the class. It is important that you attend these meetings, however, as there are no make-up opportunities, and you will be expected to "catch up" on your own.

Will you offer other meeting times than those listed on the schedule?
To try and accommdate as many students as possible, we do vary the scheduled meeting times from class to class as noted on the schedule. However, please understand that pretty much every student has a different time that's "perfect" for them, and we unfortunately can't accommodate everyone. We're very sorry if the current offerings don't include a time that's convenient for you, and we hope you'll find a future offering that is more convenient.

Meeting times are listed in US Pacific time zone. What time is that where I live?
Class times on the schedule are given in US Pacific (GMT -8:00) times. Please note that most of the US observes Daylight Savigs Time; class times are UTC -9:00 during standard time and are UTC -8:00 during Daylight Savings time.

 

EXPECTATIONS

How much of the material am I expected to study on my own?
About 70% of what you'll learn comes first through self-study, and is then reinforced in the online meetings. About 30% of what you learn comes directly from your instructors in the online meetings. Self-study primarily consists of disc-based video training and hands-on labs, supplemented by other course materials.

How much time will self-study take each week?
Classes meet online twice a week for an hour each time. Prior to the online meeting, you're expected to complete about 2-3 hours of self-study, including completing labs.

Can I ask questions when the class is between online meetings?
Yes, using Web-based discussion forums. Instructors are not available via e-mail, online chat, or phone.

How important are the Web-based discussion forums?
You should consider these forums to be an integral part of your class. Just as you woudl pay attention to other students' questions in a live classroom, you should review the Web discussion forums daily during your class to see what other students are asking, to review instructors' responses, and to learn more about the topic you're studying.

 

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

What are the basic system requirements?

• You need a computer capable of running Microsoft Virtual PC, and running a virtual machine that uses Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008. Typically, you'll need a modern processor and at least 1GB of memory.
• You'll need a screen resolution that can accommodate a training video having a resolution of 1280x720.
• You will need built-in audio equipment, and will either need a computer headset or telephone headset, depending on how you elect to join the online meetings.
• You will need a high-speed Internet connection - a DSL, T1, or cable modem connect usually suffices.
  

How are the online class meetings conducted?
Meetings are conducted using WebEx software. There is no instructor video; instead, you'll see slides, the instructor's screen (for demonstrations and explanations), and other elements. Audio is provided via a call-in to a traditional phone line (which may be a toll call for you) - we are hoping to also offer a VoIP call-in option by the time the class runs, but can't guarantee it at this point. You're welcome to use VoIP technology such as Skype to access the toll call-in line.

How do I hear the audio from the online meetings?
We hope to offer both voice-over-IP (VoIP) and land-line call-in options, although we can only commit to the land-line at this point. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the proper equipment, such as a sound card, computer headset, or telephone headset. We do not provide technical support for your sound hardware or configuration. The land-line option is a toll number, meaning additional phone charges (which are not included in the price of your class) may apply.

Is there a toll-free call-in option?
Not at this time. You can use free software such as Skype to call the traditional phone line for a very low cost (which is not included in the price of your class).

How do I complete the labs?
You can either install the necessary software (usually, just Windows PowerShell) on your computer, or on a virtual machine. Our labs are generally "non-destructive," meaning that if you run them on your own computer you won't cause any damage. If a virtual machine is required, you will need to download and install a free virtual machine, including virtual machine software, from Microsoft - we provide directions for doing so. If the virtual machine requires any pre-configuration, your lab guide will provide step-by-step instructions for completing that configuration. We do not provide pre-configured virtual machines nor do we provide technical support for running virtual machines - if you are not comfortable doing so yourself, please do not register for the class.

Are the self-study materials available for offline viewing?
The self-study video that forms a part of your course is not an online video. It is shipped to you on disc and is yours to keep. You may view it any time you like, and may continue viewing it after your class is completed.

How can I make sure my system meets the requirements?
Review our system requirements page and follow the instructions listed there.