Since its launch early this year, ALISON, Advance Learning Interactive Systems Online ( www.alison.com) has become one of the popular free learning online communities. Presently, it has registered Learners from 171 countries. And, by the end of the year the number of users is expected to reach one million.
ALISON's mission is to provide access to anyone, anywhere to educate themselves via high quality certification-based interactive multimedia courseware. All the courses on ALISON are accessible free of charge to individual learners. The courses currently available on ALISON include - ICDL/ECDL (Win XP/Office 2003): This course on Microsoft Office 2003 on Windows XP version is based on the European/ International Computer Driving License (ECDL/ICDL) Syllabus 4, the world's largest and fastest-growing qualification in basic IT skills. The ECDL/ICDL certification is regarded amongst industry and commerce as the benchmark of IT competency and an essential part of an employee's CV/Resume; ICDL/ECDL (Win 2000/Office 2000) - The Microsoft Office 2000 on Windows 2000 version, based on ECDL/ICDL Syllabus 4; BCS Unit E - Unit E is an additional module of IT Desktop Application training added to ECDL/ICDL curriculum within the UK by the British Computer Society (BCS) to bring the ECDL/ICDL syllabus into line with the UK Level 1 and Level 2 National Qualification Framework (NQF). It provides IT training outside of the ECDL/ICDL curriculum; e-Citizen: The e-Citizen course is a fun and easy way to learn how to use both e-mail and surf the Web. It features simulated websites so that people can familiarise themselves with how a website operates and also learn how to use the Internet safely and securely. The e-Citizen IT user certification is offered by the British Computer Society in partnership with the ECDL Foundation worldwide; Microsoft Excel - Microsoft Excel 2003 combines a powerful spreadsheet application with the user-friendly atmosphere of Windows. This course can help learn the basics of creating, editing, and saving worksheets; Microsoft Word - This course introduces the fundamental principles of using Word 2003 and also help understand the power of the Word 2003 word-processing system; The Microsoft Access course can help learn to use and create a database using Access 2003, to an intermediate level; The Microsoft PowerPoint course provides the user the ability to produce their own PowerPoint 2003 presentations; The course on Financial Literacy is the first edition (US-focused) of a Level One introductory course. It encompasses a broad range of information about personal financial management. The course is the first of a three-part International Financial Literacy Certification (IFLC) and has been funded in part by the Heinz Endowments of Pittsburgh and developed by Advance Learning in partnership with the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board of Pittsburgh (TRWIB Inc.), Pennsylvania. And lastly, the two Psychometric Tests - SHAPESTM and VIEWSTM psychometric tests. The former, can help understand your personal strengths for employment with respect to personality and competency. And, the latter can help to evaluate your personal strengths relating to employment with respect to your values, motives and interests. The results can be saved in your personal ALISON account in a PDF format. Please note that these tests are indicative only. The Psychometric Assessments are offered in partnership with the Cut-e Group, the international experts in psychometric test development.
ALISON aims to provide a comprehensive learning platform for all basic and essential skills for the workplace. It is able to provide commercial quality interactive learning for FREE thanks to the revenue generated from advertisements displayed as you study and learn. ALISON invites learners of all ages to become members of its community and begin developing their skills with the help of this exceptional online resource. As Mike Feerick, CEO & Founder of ALISON explains, "With ALISON, the barrier of cost in accessing quality education and training is overcome once a willing learner can access the Internet. Through ALISON anyone who wishes to enhance his or her skills at their own pace and prepare themselves to work or to continue to work in a modern competitive workplace." He further says "With ALISON, no one need be low-paid or under-skilled in the competitive job marketplace."