GREENBELT, Md., Jan. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cybrary.IT, the world's first and only free massive open online course (MOOC) for IT and cyber security professionals, today announced the availability of classes to the general public. More than 3,500 students from around the globe have already joined Cybrary, whose mission is to provide tuition-free access to high-quality technical training.
"We are focused on providing comprehensive IT and cyber security training options for the underserved, underprivileged, and disadvantaged - people seeking to break into the IT field or advance in their current jobs," said Ryan Corey, co-founder of Cybrary. "Providing free online education eliminates financial barriers, allowing anyone to learn from and engage with the IT community. We're confident our approach will ultimately reshape IT and cyber security training, welcome new minds into the profession, and lead to a brighter future for the industry as a whole."
Cybrary currently offers more than 20 of the most in-demand and cutting-edge certification courses in systems administration, network administration, and cyber security, with several more in production. Initial courses focus on skills that lead to entry-level jobs, such as A+, Network+ and CCNA, and advanced skill sets, such as Microsoft's MCSA, CISSP and Advanced Penetration Testing. Cybrary will introduce more classes in response to updates and technological advances.
"Cybrary has given me what I need to not only get ahead in my career, but do it at my own pace. And better yet, it's free," said Asaad Morman, Cybrary student and systems engineer at Jacobs Technology. "Many other online courses have monthly costs or a huge one-time fee, which many cannot afford. Cybrary allows students like me to not only gain knowledge, but also to look at and test the different career paths in IT."
The courses will be taught by subject matter experts (SMEs) who have deep, real-world experience and teaching backgrounds. Course completion ranges from five to 30 hours and requires individual study outside of course work, instructional lectures, and even interactive lab demonstrations. Students will have access to study guides, white papers, case studies, and other materials through the website.
"Collaborative learning is critical in this type of environment. Once logged in, students can post to class forums, which are moderated by Cybrary user support staff, as well as SMEs," said Corey. "The support staff members facilitate peer-to-peer collaboration, as well as instructor-led discussions. SMEs interact with students through public and private messages, and participate in the discussion forums and groups. Cybrary students literally will be surrounded by multiple layers of support, and given all the tools they need to succeed in class, acquire skill sets, and achieve certification."
According to Corey, IT and cyber security professionals are naturals at sharing accomplishments and knowledge. Likewise, IT professionals are accustomed to networking digitally and sharing with others. Cybrary features participation from users of all levels, and answers to questions can come from anywhere on virtually any related subject.
The site has several unique features such as the ability to see the community grow in real time, as well as forums, topic groups, social sharing, robust profiles, and more. Cybrary is designed to instigate engagement, and much of the learning activity is visible to everyone. Students, whether they are enrolled in a course or not, are encouraged to contribute insights to the community and even become SMEs themselves.
Cybrary courses prepare students for certification. And while course completion alone won't lead to employment, the content is designed to provide students with the skills required to do so. Typically, a student begins with CompTIA A+ and Network+. These courses provide fundamental knowledge about IT and cyber security. Employers hiring for entry level IT jobs typically look for candidates with those certifications. After completing A+ and Network+, for example, students will be far more knowledgeable about what type of IT career or advancement is right for them.
"In the current IT training world, the barrier to entry is often too high, eliminating good minds from the start. People looking to enter the field may have the technical capability, but the cost to take a class and get the certification is too high or the financial risk is too big. Similarly, if an employer is unwilling to pay for training, an IT professional may be stuck in a job without opportunity for career advancement," said Corey. "Now, with Cybrary, people from all over the world can make big decisions and take real action in support of their IT careers without the fear of losing money."
To create an account or register for a course on Cybrary, visit www.cybrary.it/register.
About Cybrary.IT
Founded in 2015, Cybrary.IT gives aspiring and practicing IT professionals what they have long deserved and been denied: access to free, high-quality, open-source and results-focused IT and cyber security training that will help start and advance their careers. A MOOC provider whose top managers have nearly 15 years of experience in IT training, Cybrary.IT offers free online training to anyone, anywhere and at every skill level in systems administration, network administration and cyber security. For more information on how Cybrary.IT is liberating IT knowledge by liberating training, visit http://www.cybrary.it.