Greetings from the Microsoft IT Academy team! We’re excited to provide a variety of training resources to help you prepare for Imagine Cup 2009. While these resources do not cover every competition topic, they provide a wide variety of learning support for many of the Microsoft technologies featured in this year's competitions. Access to these resources is provided at no charge to registered Imagine Cup 2009 participants, compliments of Microsoft Learning, Microsoft IT Academy Program, MSDN, TechNet, and Ramp Up.
Live Sessions with Microsoft Experts Begin November 24
Join us for the first IT Challenge Live Session on Monday, November 24 (Tuesday, November 25 in some regions)! In this hour-long, interactive session, Joseph Mayes will discuss November’s quiz on Infrastructure Technologies. This session will help you review the answers to November’s quiz and prepare for Round 2. Joseph Mayes is an instructor in the Computer Programs department at Bellevue Community College in Bellevue, Washington (USA).
Each Live Session will be held twice, with the same material presented both times. Select the time below that is most convenient for you, and follow the directions to register with your Windows Live ID. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with information on how to download the free software you’ll need to access Live Sessions. We recommend you download this software in advance to avoid technical difficulties during the session.
Live Session times:
EXPANDED OFFER! E-Reference Libraries from Microsoft Press now available for additional tracks
The Microsoft IT Academy Program is pleased to sponsor a limited number of 6-month subscriptions to the IT Professional and Developer E-Reference Libraries. These subscriptions are now offered free of charge to registered participants in IT Challenge, Software Design, Embedded Development, Game Development, and Robotics & Algorithm. Subscriptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are a registered student in any of these invitationals, visit the learning page for your competition for offer details and information on how to access your subscription. Click on each of the links below to learn more about our training:
About the Microsoft IT Academy Program
The Microsoft IT Academy Program enables academic learning institutions to connect the world of education to the world of work by enabling faculty and students to acquire new technology skills in an academic setting.
Microsoft IT Academies provide students with a rich and resonant learning experience, using not only the best available textbooks, but also e-learning and software so that students garner hands-on experience with Microsoft industry-leading products.
Learning Plans
We've designed a variety of free Learning Plans to help you start preparing for Imagine Cup 2009. Learning Plans pull together the relevant training content that you need to get started—links to Microsoft official E-Learning, articles, and other resources—into one convenient location.
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Microsoft E-Learning
If you learn best independently, Official Microsoft E-Learning courses provide a simple and effective way for you to learn. E-Learning on Microsoft products is available from Microsoft IT Academy Student Pass, Microsoft Learning, and MSDN Ramp Up.
E-Learning from Microsoft IT Academy Student Pass
IT Academy Student Pass provides hours of e-learning courses to help you extend your IT or developer skills on Microsoft technologies. The Microsoft IT Academy Program offers free access to this program to registered Imagine Cup 2009 competitors with verified university identification.
IT Academy Student Pass courses are aligned with five Microsoft certification paths:
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Windows Developer (.NET Framework 2.0)
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Web Developer (Visual Studio 2005, Mobile)
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Database Developer (SQL Server 2005)
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Windows Server Administration (Windows Server 2003)
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Windows Client Administrator (Windows Vista)
As indicated in the table below, these courses will help you prepare for several Imagine Cup competitions. They also provide a solid foundation for pursuing a Microsoft certification, and each path is aligned to the topics you need to master the first certification exam within the track.
Microsoft Learning Official E-Learning
Microsoft Learning offers e-learning courses on a wide variety of Microsoft technologies, ranging from introductory clinics to more advanced courses. Take e-learning courses to improve your skills, prepare for a project or an exam, or earn certifications.
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Certification Path
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Technology
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Imagine Cup Invitational
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Windows Developer
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.NET Framework 2.0
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Software Design Robotics
Embedded Development
Game Development
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Web Developer
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Visual Studio
Windows Mobile
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Software Design
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Database Developer
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SQL Server 2005
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IT Challenge
Software Design
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Windows Server Administration
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Windows Server 2003
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IT Challenge
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Windows Client Administrator
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Windows Vista
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IT Challenge
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E-Learning from MSDN Ramp Up
Ramp Up is a program written by expert developers for developers. Use the free Ramp Up learning plans to develop and hone your skills on Microsoft .NET. Ramp Up offers guidance for multiple levels of development experience, so use the wizard to determine your skill level and get started!
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Live Sessions
Live Sessions with Microsoft Experts Begin November 24
Join us for the first IT Challenge Live Session on Monday, November 24 (Tuesday, November 25 in some regions)! In this hour-long, interactive session, Joseph Mayes will discuss November’s quiz on Infrastructure Technologies. This session will help you review the answers to November’s quiz and prepare for Round 2. Joseph Mayes is an instructor in the Computer Programs department at Bellevue Community College in Bellevue, Washington (USA).
Each Live Session will be held twice, with the same material presented both times. Select the time below that is most convenient for you, and follow the directions to register with your Windows Live ID. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with information on how to download the free software you’ll need to access Live Sessions. We recommend you download this software in advance to avoid technical difficulties during the session.
Live Session times:
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E-Reference Libraries from Microsoft Press
E-Reference Libraries from Microsoft Press give you electronic access to read and search a large number of Microsoft Press books to help you find the information you need. The Microsoft IT Academy Program is pleased to sponsor a limited number of 6-month subscriptions to the IT Professional and Developer E-Reference Libraries. These subscriptions are offered free of charge to registered IT Challenge and Software Design participants, and they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you are a registered student in one of these two competitions, visit the IT Challenge or Software Design learning page for offer details on how to access your subscription. Current IT Academy Program student and faculty members: You are eligible to receive a special discounted 12-month subscription to the full E-Reference Library, including new publications as they are added.
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