Learning Tree International

Early History

Learning Tree was founded by Stanford and USC graduate David C. Collins, Ph.D. and Caltech graduate Eric R. Garen in 1974. Both realized there was a need for engineers in business and government organizations who wished to actively remain on top of their professions and keep up with emerging technologies. Dr. Collins served as the CEO, while Garen served as the company’s first instructor. Garen continued to teach part-time until 1980, then was appointed to president in 1991.

In 1975, a new European headquarters was opened, followed by an expansion in the following year, opening subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and France.

In 1983, the company opened the first education center in Paris, France, which was equipped for hands-on training. Additional centers were opened in Stockholm, London, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Classes were offered at the education centers, public facilities, or in-house client sites.

In 1989, an education center was opened in Ottawa. In the same year, the company changed the name from Integrated Computer Systems to Learning Tree International, to be better associated as a worldwide organization.

In 1990, Learning Tree began operations in Japan and opened a seventh office and education center in Boston.

In 1993, a Toronto site was opened.

In 1994, the company created a Professional Certification Program to encourage students to test their knowledge and skills acquired after the course.

In 1995, Learning Tree created a Training Advantage Program, which offered discounts to companies who needed a large amount of training. The company launched its website in April, and at the end of the year, the company went public on NASDAQ.

In 1996, Learning Tree signed a contract with the General Services Administration Schedule, which ensured government-employed information technology professionals receive discounts on their course tuition.

In 1997, Learning Tree opened an education center in New York City. In the same year, the company launched their Learning Solutions Division, which provided custom training programs for clients to train large groups.

Recent History

Dr. Collins served as CEO from 1974-2005 and as Chairman from 1974-2007. Garen served as Executive Vice President from 1974-1992 and then as President through 2003. Garen served as Vice Chairman through 2007.

In 2009, Learning Tree launched AnyWare, an online training delivery solution that connects online participants to an actual classroom.

In January 2012, Dr. David Collins replaced Nick Schacht as Learning Tree’s Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Collins has also been appointed Chairman of the Board, and Eric Garen filled the position of Vice Chairman. Another leadership change was Max Shevitz, who worked for Learning Tree from 1988, appointed to President.

In 2013, Learning Tree opened 34 new learning centers across North America.

Later in 2015, Richard Spires was appointed as the new CEO of Learning Tree , and within a month, Learning Tree announced a new offering: Workforce Optimization Solutions, a comprehensive suite of services designed to help align business needs, human capital, and performance.

In 2016, the company launched Acceleration Workshops, a solution geared to helping organizations determine project outcomes and drive positive process changes.

Training

Learning Tree offers training in five separate topic categories: Data & Security, Networking, Application Operating Systems, Application Development, and Business & Service Management. The courses are offered in-class and remote, and range from one to five days.

Data & Security: Learning Tree offers training and courses in Activity-Based Intelligence, Big Data, Business Intelligence, Cyber Security, Oracle, and SQL Server.

Networking: Learning Tree offers training and courses in Cisco, Cloud Computing, Networking, and Virtualization.

Application Operating Systems: Learning Tree offers training and courses in UNIX, Linux, Windows Desktop, and Windows Systems.

Application Development: Learning Tree offers training and courses in Agile, Scrum, Apple Programming, Java Programming, Mobile App Development, .NET, Visual Studio, Python, Perl, C++, Software Development, and Web Development.

Business & Service Management: Learning Tree offers training and courses in Business Analysis, Communication Skills, ITIL^®, COBIT^®, SFIA, Leadership, Professional Development, Microsoft Office, Project Management, and SharePoint.

Training Methods

Learning Tree developed a blended learning, multimodal approach for their courses, which combines Learning Tree’s own PowerPoint presentations, individual and group exercises, AnyWare^® attendance platform, Computing Sandbox™, MagnaLearn^®, AdaptaLearn^®, and After-Course Instructor Coaching.

Blended learning: Blended learning melds traditional, classroom-based learning with virtual and technology-based learning opportunities, giving students more control over the time, place, path, or pace of learning. With the blended learning approach, participants gain an adaptive, personalized learning experience that provides a maximum understanding of knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world problems.

PowerPoint presentations: PowerPoint slides provide visual representation of the materials. Students have access to the materials in PDF format.

Individual and group exercises: Through real-world scenarios, exercises allow students to test what they have been learning, either by themselves or partnered with others. This gives them the opportunity to share feedback and ask the instructor questions if they need further explanation.

AnyWare: Learning Tree AnyWare^® is a feature that allows students to take training remotely, online from any place that provides a reliable internet connection. The AnyWare platform connects students into the classroom, using live video and audio communication, so that they can interact with the instructor and students in real-time.

Computing Sandbox: The Computing Sandbox is a preconfigured virtual machine that provides students with after-course remote access to the same software used in their course. This allows students to redo hands-on exercises, develop and test new code, and experiment with the system.

MagnaLearn: The MagnaLearn presentation platform provides Learning Tree instructors greater flexibility to customize and pace course content by allowing them to annotate, highlight, and manipulate course materials on two independent project screens.

AdaptaLearn: With AdaptaLearn, students can tailor their course's hands-on exercises, providing them with an individualized learning experience that best fits their current background and skill level. The AdaptaLearn software runs alongside the hands-on exercises of a course.

After-Course Instructor Coaching: This feature allows students to schedule a one-hour appointment with a Learning Tree instructor to ask questions, discuss any start-up hurdles, and offer guidance.

Training Solutions

Workforce Optimization Solutions: Learning Tree developed Workforce Optimization Solutions, which offers a holistic learning management. It is meant to provide organizations a framework to create alignment between people, process, and technology, and fill any skill gaps.

Acceleration Workshops: Learning Tree developed Acceleration Workshops to rapidly move an organization's projects forward, and implement performance and process improvements. They are used to quickly isolate and address impediments within critical programs that are negatively impacting the cost, schedule, performance, or customer satisfaction.

AnyTime Training: AnyTime is a flexible, on-demand eLearning platform that was developed by Learning Tree to better support major clients who are challenged with offering employees multiple modes of learning to address multiple learning styles and schedules.

Industry Trends

Organizations face time and budget constraints for training. To adapt to these changes, individuals are turning to transactional, do-it yourself approaches. Sites such as Lynda, SlideShare, and YouTube offer training that is readily available, and most are either free or cheap.

Training is also moving towards more of a holistic learning management. This involves approaches that assess and enhance knowledge, skills and abilities, create learning paths, and ensure processes are ready for implementation.

Awards

Axelos

AXELOS was formed to enhance delivery of the portfolio of Global Best Practice accreditation and publishing services, including those products related to service, portfolio, project, and program management.

In 2015, Learning Tree was selected as an AXELOS Strategic Training Partner; Strategic Partners are fully committed to Global Best Practice and continue to be passionate about collaboratively growing the accredited community.

TrainingIndustry.com

TrainingIndustry.com spotlights the latest news, articles, case studies and best practices within the training industry.

TrainingIndustry.com has recognized Learning Tree as a Top 20 IT Training Company in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014. Learning Tree was also recognized on the TrainingIndustry.com Outsourcing Watch List in 2010.

Institute of Excellence in Sales & Business Development

The Institute for Excellence in Sales (IES) was created to grow excellence throughout the Sales operational process to help selling professionals and their organizations maximize their efforts.

In 2013, Learning Tree received the Institute of Excellence in Sales & Business Development (IES&BD) Award for Customer Partnering.

In 2011, Learning Tree received the Institute of Excellence in Sales & Business Development (IES&BD) award in the Excellence in Team Building, Management and Development category for its innovative approach to integrating business development with sales.

Bersin & Associates

Bersin by Deloitte delivers research-based people strategies designed to help leaders drive exceptional business performance.

In 2011, Learning Tree was recognized by Bersin & Associates Learning Leaders^® Program as an Honorable Mention in Learning and Talent Management for the innovation of its live, online training delivery solution: Learning Tree AnyWare^®.

Network Products Guide – Hot Companies 2011

Network Products Guide keeps decision makers and end-users informed of the choices they can make in all areas of information technology.

During the 6th Annual 2011 Hot Companies and Best Products Awards, Learning Tree was awarded Best Deployment (Government Sector) for the Federal Acquisition Certification for Program/Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) training program, adopted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies.

CLO Learning In Practice Awards

Chief Learning Officer is a multimedia publication focused on the importance, benefits and advancements of a properly trained workforce.

In 2010, Learning Tree received the CLO Learning in Practice Bronze Excellence in Content award for the FAC/P-PM Training Program.

In 2009, Learning Tree received the CLO Learning in Practice Silver Excellence in E-Learning award for its work with global information infrastructure leader EMC² in pioneering the application of AnyWare^®, Learning Tree’s live, online training delivery solution.

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