Just-in-time training at the desktop

There’s a new way to learn BI skills — from the desktop. eLearningCurve launched May 15. Former TDWI education director Dave Wells directs the program.

He’s excited. “We’re trying to fill a space that no one else has filled,” he says. No one else has done a good job of training over the Internet, which requires […]

There’s a new way to learn BI skills — from the desktop. eLearningCurve launched May 15. Former TDWI education director Dave Wells directs the program.

He’s excited. “We’re trying to fill a space that no one else has filled,” he says. No one else has done a good job of training over the Internet, which requires a different set of skills than training in conferences.

“Just in time training” has a solid place in this economy, he says. With smaller teams trying to do more with less, fewer companies can afford to send people away or wait for the right course at the right event. “You need to get really relevant education when you need it. ”

The out-of-pocket funded company launched with five courses in data quality. “Sale” prices for each course range from $266 to $356.

By the end of the year, Dave hopes to have 60 courses in four curricula, including data modeling, data governance and master data management. Then they’ll move into business intelligence and data warehousing, agile development, enterprise architecture, and IT governance.

He emphasizes that he does not want to compete with TDWI or anyone else. In fact, he hopes that eventually eLearningCurve can offer courses in partnership with others.

It all started, says Dave, when he was approached by Arkady Maydanchik, now managing director. They’ve spent nine months developing the business. Also on the team: operations director John Toepfer, director of engineering Noah Mentakoff, and director of marketing Erik Kavanagh.

“The stars were aligned,” Dave says. “I’m never going to be very good at retirement.”

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