Training Masters is a training and consulting company specializing in helping schools, businesses, and organizations reach their full growth potential.
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Q: Do I need any special server or computer equipment
to run STARS?
A: STARS is hosted on our IBM AS/400 mainframe in Pennsylvania.
You connect to it via the Internet. All you need is a PC connected
to the Internet via a DSL or better connection.
Q: Do I need any special software to connect to STARS?
A: As long as you have Microsoft Internet Explorer
or Netscape Navigator, you are set. STARS requires no additional
software, other than a thin-client java application that is
automatically downloaded from the Internet when you access
STARS.
Q: Is running my administrative records over the Internet
secure?
A: You are connected to STARS via a Jacada server,
which maintains 128 bit encryption. This is the same security
that banks and many guarantee agencies use over the web. In
fact, Jacada is used at many large web-enabled companies such
as Bank of America, Citibank, Chase Manhattan Bank—see
a partial list at www.jacada.com/customers/.
Q: How secure is the IBM AS/400 mainframe over the
Internet?
A: There are several reasons why AS/400 security is
so robust. First, IBM recognizes that security is important
to AS/400 customers. AS/400 security isn't an add-on package.
Rather, it's integrated throughout the system—from the
hardware up through every component of the operating system.
Second, we provide tools that help you control and measure
security, such as built-in auditing for security violations
and different security levels for customers with different
requirements. Third, we realize that new technologies, such
as TCP/IP, change the security exposures for AS/400, and we
examine these exposures and provide solutions before we add
new functions to the system. (Excerpt taken from an
IBM security whitepaper.)
Q: How many schools can be integrated via STARS?
A: STARS can currently accommodate an unlimited number
of corporate clients with up to 99 schools each.
Q: How much will this cost me?
A: STARS pricing is based on matriculating students
and inactive students. You are charged monthly for its use.
Your only up-front costs are:
1) Conversion (only if necessary)
2) Training.
Included in your monthly fee is system access, system enhancements and technical support. Customization is charged on a per-job basis, unless we determine that the enhancement will benefit our whole user community.
Q: How reliable is the server on which STARS resides?
A: STARS resides on an enterprise level IBM iSeries
that boasts a 99.94% uptime history—the highest uptime rating
of any server according to a 1998 Gartner Group study and
it still remains the leader.
Q: How about the database platform that STARS uses?
A: DB2 is IBM's flagship database language, which is
the foundation of STARS. DB2 runs on more systems than any
other file language including Microsoft SQL Server.
Q: How secure is the server platform for STARS?
A: Go to CERT.ORG, an organization maintained by Carnegie
Mellon University to monitor server vulnerabilities, break
ins and virus intrusions. Search for IBM iSeries. You will
not find anything. There is no recorded virus intrusion on
an iSeries system. Furthermore, there was only one recorded
vulnerability recorded on an iSeries platform that was related
to application software, not the operating system. In other
words, the IBM iSeries platform that STARS uses has been bullet-proof
for over 18 years! PC servers can't touch this record.
ISeries servers operate at the C2 level of trust as defined by the U.S. Government. Refer to publication DOD 5200.28-STD, "Department of Defense Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria."
Q: How can STARS impact my bottom line?
A: The features that STARS offers and the reports
that STARS produces for you help you and your manages keep all
eyes on the financial impact areas. The financial improvements
and benefits can exceed the cost of STARS!
STARS can:
Q: How do I get started?
A: Give us a call/email and we will arrange an on-line
demo, provide a sample reports packet, and prepare your quote.
Q: What is PIE?
A: Training Masters' Pursuing Instructional Excellence Series provides instructors from rookies
through seasoned pros with the principles, practices, and ideas they need to increase their instructional
effectiveness. Topics include motivational techniques, classroom management, active learning, adult
learning, and more.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for PIE?
A: PIE runs on most popular types of Mac and Windows systems and does not require a significant
amount of processor speed. This is one of PIE's many advantages. The minimum system requirements for
PIE are as follows.
Q: Do I have to install PIE on my computer to run it?
A: No. PIE is designed to run directly from the CD ROM.
Q: Must I use QuickTime to Run PIE?
A: QuickTime is needed to properly view the first three modules that Training Masters produced,
which are "Active Learning," "Managing the Adult Classroom," and "Motivation in the Adult Classroom."
Q: Why is PIE important in career schools?
A: The Training Masters PIE program is developed specifically for career school instructors who are
experts in their career areas, but usually have little or no experience teaching. It is imperative that they receive
training and coaching in instructional skills, that they are aware of their role in the "big picture" of the schools'
goals, and that they are prepared everyday to offer dynamic classroom instruction.
Q: Can PIE impact the school's bottom line?
A: PIE can most definitely impact the school's financial performance. While retention is a Total School
Effort®, without a doubt, the greatest opportunity to impact student persistence is in the classroom. The behavior
of the instructor influences the learning environment more than any other factor. PIE helps instructors build the
skills to deliver daily dynamic instruction so that students want to stay in school.
Q: What do I do if I have a problem running the PIE software?
A: Training Masters has developed a full technical support plan for the PIE series. We will be happy to
assist you with any technical difficulties through email and telephone support. If you cannot find the answer to
your technical questions on this page, please contact Fred Girondi
or call us toll-free at 1-877-885-3276.
Q: Where do I download the software?
A: Go to trainingmastersforum.com.
Q: Is there a user's manual for KlickerZ?
A: Yes. You can learn how to use KlickerZ by following the
simulations
available at trainingmastersforum.com.
Q: What is the cost of the KlickerZ software?
A: The software is free.
Q: Can the software be used without the hand-held remotes?
A: No, because the purpose of the software is to create interactive presentations and the remotes
make that interaction possible.
Q: How far from the receiver can the remotes be used?
A: The remotes will work at least 75 feet.