Recently, New York Institute of Technology was approached to develop an online HR-certification course that would combine the best of practical knowledge with state-of-the-art technology to offer the same experience and high quality education as the NYIT on campus classes.
The goal was for students to acquire extra knowledge and to upgrade and strengthen their skills without ever leaving their own desks, no matter what their location.
Always striving toward excellence, New York Institute of Technology took the standard and comprehensive course prepared by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and, through the use of a web service operated by PlaceWare, Inc., created a live online program where students can actively participate in the instructional process.
Richard Dibble, Ph.D., who chairs NYIT's School of Management, said students (who are represented as little squares on a screen) are called by name, ask and are asked questions, are quizzed, tested and surveyed. Users see a video of the classroom, together with PowerPoint slides. A separate window shows an electronic whiteboard, which an instructor can use like a classroom chalkboard.
For audio, each student must enter a conference call using a telephone; future versions of the software will allow calls to be made over computers.
"Online training also eliminates travel and lodging expenses, and there is no need to pull employees out from their offices," he said.
The online course is taught by NYIT instructor Daniel Panessa who is also an HR director for Slomins, Inc. in Long Island NY. Panessa is also certified as an SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Relations.
"Our instructors are all practicing professionals in their industries, and that's what makes us stand out in all our courses,," he said. "We know how to talk the talk and bring the reality of business to the forefront.
Panessa continued: "For example, many times--especially with the larger global corporations-- employees will stay with that company and work their way up." said Panessa. "When that happens, the employees don't have much, if any, exposure to the outside. We bring a standardization of the HR teaching process; and we use each students' businesses as an example so they can see the practicality from the beginning."
The 35-hour course covers six topics ranging from strategic management to employee and labor relations to compensation and benefits. When the course is completed, students are prepared for the national certification exams.
"As HR professionals, just attending conferences isn't good enough anymore," said one former student of NYIT's HR prep course, herself certified as a PHR (Professional in Human Resources). "Every HR professional must know all facets/updates of HR law. A PHR/SPHR certification is a must in this day and age. Knowledge is power; it helps us better serve our employers (customers).
The HR-prep (SHRM) course is approximately $1000-$1100. "This is a fairly competitive price, especially when you consider NYIT's high pass rate" said Richard Dibble. It is also offered on the NYIT campuses in Manhattan and in Old Westbury, New York.
NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) is an independent, comprehensive college that offers, through eight schools, more than 100 courses of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. NYIT currently educates more than 10,000 students on three physical campuses-in Old Westbury and Central Islip, Long Island, and Manhattan, near Lincoln Center-and one virtual campus via the Internet. More than 59,000 alumni have received degrees from NYIT.
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