Microsoft Pilot Study Proves Effectiveness of Scholars.com's Online Training With Mentoring.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 1998--Following an in-depth pilot program on online training, Microsoft Corp. has concluded that live instructors or online mentors are a valuable complement in enhancing the learning process. In the pilot study, Microsoft Certified Solution Providers (MCSPs) received technical training on Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5. The MCSP program comprises organizations that meet specific requirements of competency, and is regarded as the primary channel in providing services for designing, implementing and supporting Microsoft technologies.

The study showed strong acceptance for self-paced computer-based training, with respondents giving high marks to the Scholars.com program. Microsoft attributed this result to the effectiveness of combining quality interactive technology training content from CBT Systems, a subsidiary of CBT Group, with Scholars.com's mentoring services by certified Learning Advisors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Scholars.com, a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC), is the first online learning company to offer 24-hour mentoring, with years of experience providing personalized technical training support round the clock. The company's proactive mentoring, coupled with CBT Systems' comprehensive library of award-winning Microsoft-approved interactive courseware, features daily e-mails, online chats, discussion groups, help desk scenarios and online lab exercises to help build student knowledge and prepare them for Microsoft Certified Professional certification exams.

"Scholars.com's combination of interactive learning with mentoring is an effective solution, combining instructor-led training and learning at the desktop," said Sam Jadallah, vice president of Organizational Customer Unit at Microsoft. "The Scholars.com program gives MCSPs personalized assistance and the flexibility of online training that lets them learn anywhere, anytime, at their own pace."

Scholars.com focuses on integrating Internet technologies with proven learning methodologies to deliver Internet-based mentoring services to students worldwide. "Microsoft Certified Solution Providers can choose interactive training at the desktop with the support they need from Scholars.com," said Ben Watson, Scholars.com general manager. "They'll have access to Microsoft-certified Learning Advisors day and night, giving them top-flight training, while maintaining control over their schedules and reducing time off the job. Solution Providers will receive the support they need, at about a third the cost of instructor-led training."

Results of the pilot study showed that 83 percent of respondents would recommend self-paced online training to a colleague who knows little or nothing about Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5. A majority of the users surveyed think that self-paced technical training will be used to a greater extent in the future.

Free Trial Course

Scholars.com offers free courses for potential students to try online learning with mentoring. Enroll by visiting the Scholars.com website at www.scholars.com or e-mail the Registrar's Office ([e-mail]). For additional information on Microsoft product training and other Scholars.com programs, see the Scholars.com website or contact Carole-Jayne Marsden at 506/457-1285 or send e-mail to [e-mail].

About Scholars.com

Scholars.com, a subsidiary of CBT Group PLC (Nasdaq:CBTSY), offers 24-hour active mentoring by certified Learning Advisors with courses from CBT Systems' comprehensive library of award-winning interactive courseware. Scholars.com is the largest Microsoft Online Authorized Technical Education Center (ATEC) for Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification. Many Scholars.com certification courses qualify for college credits. The company's mentoring services are also available for Microsoft Authorized Academic Training Programs (AATPs) and ATECs.

Note to Editors: CBT Systems and Scholars.com are trademarks of CBT Group PLC. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies.