Hi All,

I am looking for some new activities to use in teaching A+ classes. Is anyone willing to share favourite Kahoots or other activities we can use?

(You can share Kahoots for other certifications as well, they're all useful eventually!)


Thanks everyone!

I was asked by Dan (who owns a local Cybersecurity MSP called Rhyno Cybersecurity that employs our grads) if I'd be on his podcast.
It was last minute (the podcast was the same day as the request), and completely unprepared and unscripted.

May be worthwhile for students (my current students liked it at least) - there are a lot of CompTIA plugs in there

Login to view embedded media

With some new TTP, new CVEs in 2022, Blue team need to adapt on this TTP also. So would be fit with update training about. I know there is others platform this but we need to training our student for that in CySA+ class. Mates What your view point about?

Is there a book? If yes is there a way to get a paperback version of it?

If memory serves, Jason Eckert (2018) and Lee McWhorter (2019) won Instructor of the Year before the pandemic hit us. Do we know who won in 2020 and 2021?

I know a lot of you have been waiting for me to do a review of PC Builder Simulator. I also know that some of you have had the opportunity to fiddle around with the game, either the scaled-down freeware version or the full version. And I also know that there is a new version of PCBS on its way, but I wanted to get this in front of you, just in case you were curious.

PC Builder Simulator

Like so many sim style games, PCBS has some great features. It's funny, because this is, in all things, a game. But, it is a game that revolves around work, so I guess that's the great paradox here.

Like any simulator, the player has the option to be able to pull a computer in, do a 360° view of the machine, tearing it all down, putting all together, swapping out parts, that sort of thing. The only thing I did not see

The one thing I absolutely like about PCBS that we don't see in the training simulators (generally because it's out of scope with the exam), is the economy feature. With PCBS, the player has to be cognizant of their cash reserves, and their present inventory on the shelf. When an e-mail comes in requesting, for example, an upgrade to a graphics card, the player can't just swap in any new card that they will; they have to buy one that is within budget. So if they only have $200 for an upgrade, they're not going to be able to get a $400 graphics card.


As the player runs a shop within the game, there are external costs involved. A player can't just run their own CompuHut without paying the light bill or rent on the building, so if they don't have the appropriate cash reserves, they may find themselves not able to work because the power is turned off or paying a fine for late payment.

In order for the player to advance in the game, the shop have to be upgraded with additional benches, as well as upgrades to support software. The player has the option to build up a bench stock, but that's a gamble, because parts may end up getting bought that are needed, which can be sold back but significantly less than what were paid for them.

Another feature of the game is reputation. The player has to read the various e-mails and dissect within the request things that may be within the power of the player to do. E-mails come in from users that have a minimal reputation and if the player hasn't built up that reputation, they can't respond to the e-mail. If the reputation gets too low, the player may be consigned to malware scans and case cleanings until they can build up the brownie points to take on more trustworthy jobs.

There is also a small ethics component within the game. When a player sees the computer, there are little things on the desktop that may attract the interest of the player, within the game. If the player starts rummaging around a user's computer, that may end up costing the player reputation points for an ethics violation. Now, I haven't actually experienced this, because I am trying to grind the game up to where I can get the big jobs, so I'm kind of scared to take the risk. LOL. But then, isn't that the way real life is?

Finally, the last feature that I was able to experience in the game was what was called the IT Expansion, which basically takes the features of the game and put them into a semi professional corporate environment. The player will answer requests in a ticket format. Additionally, there is a copier in the office that will also require service.

CompTIA A+ Workbench Labs

Workbench Labs provide a guided tour and step-by-step process through hardware support. The software will provide a virtualized environment where the student is able to get a 360° look at a computer. There are step-by-step processes and procedures for doing certain things, such as installing a motherboard, graphics card, processor or RAM. These processes and procedures are designed so the student gets guided instructions on doing things step-by-step.


True to form with respect to the A+, part of the procedure always is safety. In other words, before you open up the case, you need to connect your antistatic wrist strap, and then remove it before powering the workstation. This is something that is not addressed in PCBS at all.

Additionally, where PCBS makes you hold down the mouse button in order to loosen or tighten every single screw that you may encounter, Workbench Labs at least cuts you a break, so all you have to do is click on the pilot screws and they will all magically find your way into their proper holes. This was apparent when installing a motherboard and having to install the motherboard riser screws (standoffs), as well as the other screws for mounting the motherboard onto the case.

At the very end of each Workbench Lab are about 3 to 4 questions that come out of the Lab just performed. Obviously, these are designed to reinforce the key skills that the lesson attempts to bring forth.

Final Thoughts

So when comparing these two packages, it's a lot like comparing a lemon with a lime; they are very similar, but have different characteristics that are germane to the style of play. Both I think are useful in an educational environment. CompTIA Workbench Labs are going to prepare the student with the necessary skills to pass the exam. PCBS provides a bit of realism in the form of entertainment. I do not think PCBS is a complete enough solution for a student to successfully be able to pass the A+ exam, but there are characteristics that are valid for real-life.

Have you had a chance to use either one or both of these packages? If so, put a comment below and tell me what your experiences might've been.

/r

Hoping someone can help me here.

I was able to received from CompTIA courseware for the A+ Core 1 1101 series class, but cannot get our sales rep to answer my emails, guessing he on vacation.
I am under a bit of a rush as my college wants my course plan ASAP.

Would someone have a copy of the A+ 1102 series 'Presentation Planner for A+ Core 2.xlsx' file you would be willing to share with me?

Hi everyone & Welcome to Friday!


Thank you to all who participated last week! We will be sharing some helpful links and future events centered around all of CompTIA's events. We are taking the feedback we received this week to develop a session around the CIN instructor toolbox in the background. We will NOT have a question on Monday this week in honor of the holiday. We will be celebrating Independence Day company-wide on July 4th, 2022; see you all back here on Tuesday this week!

CompTIA Events
As the technology industry evolves and innovates—and always is—it’s critical to stay on top of what’s happening. CompTIA events foster the collaboration, learning opportunities, and resources necessary to absorb, analyze and capitalize on trends and plan effectively for the future. We bring the tech community together through our executive forums, regional events, virtual meetings, and more—giving everyone the opportunity to contribute their own ideas and visions for the industry.

CompTIA Live Streaming Events
CompTIA frequently shares updates and new content on YouTube Live. Subscribe to the CompTIA Connect Channel now. Click the bell and never miss an episode, upload, or live broadcast. Help us spread the word about this new channel aimed at advancing the business of technology by liking and sharing this video!

CompTIA Meetings & Events​

Celebrating Technology and Innovation Today and Exploring What Lies Ahead​

Online
July 7, 2022, at 2:00 PM (EDT)

CompTIA Space Enterprise Council July Meeting​

July 12, 2022, at 1:00 PM (EST)

Ask the Executive Directors: NASCIO and CompTIA PTI to Discuss the State and Local Government Technology Landscape​

Online
July 14, 2022, at 3:00 PM (EDT)

On-Demand Webinars​

Preparing Students for a Successful Interview​

Online
June 2, 2022 at 2:30 PM (EDT)

How to use CompTIA ISAO Threat Intelligence in Splunk Intelligence Management? Part 2 in the Threat Intelligence series​

Online
May 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM (CDT)

CompTIA-PTI 2022 Local Government CIO & Tech Leader Summit - Part 1​

Online
April 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM (ET)

CompTIA Channel Training​

There are no events scheduled at this time, please check back soon.

Industry Events​

Build IT Live 2022​

Jersey City, NJ
July 27 - 29, 2022

ChannelPro SMB Forum 2022: Southeast​

Charlotte, South Carolina
August 8 - 9, 2022

Commercial UAV Expo 2022​

Las Vegas, Nevada
September 6 - 8, 2022


https://connect.comptia.org/events

This could be a fun extra to Network+ and/or Linux+/Server+/Cloud+ for sure!

Blank

During last month's Linux+ XKO-005 sneak peek it was mentioned that we will have a preview of Linux+ XKO-005 on the 23rd of June or thereabout. So, I wanted to know if plans are still underway or it has been shifted to a later date? @Stephen Schneiter @Rick Butler @Lee McWhorter

hiii

@Stephen Schneiter

anyone received Data + voucher
It's more than 9 weeks left.

Access key for the TtT attendee received with many thanks !
Working fine

It’s my birthday! Woot woot! ?

I don't have a cake to share but I got other treat for you – that is, to have my RIP & EIGRP course in LinkedIn Learning for FREE!
Check out my featured post in LinkedIn. ?
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6946955623372582912/

Also check the featured post from December, in case you missed the FREE access to my OSPF course.
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6876689580557402112/

NOTE: The course is FREE for 24 hours from when you first click through
Feel free to connect or follow me at LinkedIn (at your own risk, lol, just kidding)

The courses are Cisco-based. My apologies if they ain't CompTIA materials.

Happy Monday!

I hope you all enjoyed the last question of the week and thank you to all who participated!

This week we are going to continue; our discussion around A+ labs, building on the answer provided to you on Friday. As valued partners of CompTIA; We want to hear from YOU please provide feedback on what would be beneficial for you and your team when you are using the new A+ Workbench Labs!

Question: Would you be interested in future events or webinars around the A+ Workbench Labs? There is still time to request your sample, stay tuned Friday for some follow-up information about future events.


Enjoy the rest of your week and check back on Friday for our answer!

This is a tool that was recently released - I've been playing with it today and it's quite well done and fully-featured.
As a result, it'd be a great addition to a Pentest+ (or Security+/CySA+/CASP+) course.

Hey everyone, Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there! And Happy Juneteenth weekend! We will NOT have a question on Monday this week in honor of the holiday. We will be celebrating Juneteenth company-wide on June 20th, 2022; see you all back here on Tuesday this week!

Hey CIN'ers:

So, I was on the horn with Dell today to discuss options and ideas on how to license MSFT products. If you're like me, trying to make sense of MSFT licensing can be a real pain in the butt. So much to the fact that maybe MSFT should make a certification, just for that.

Well, today, a nice gal by the name of Emili shared this site with me:

www.m365maps.com​

So basically, there are cross sectional visuals that show what products go with what offering, A1, A3, A5 for academics, E3/E5 for business enterprise.

I poured all over MSFT looking for sites that would make life easier. Well, I feel a lot better trying to understand what packages go where.

Hope this is helpful to you all if you are presented with the licensing you need to get.

/r

Hello Talented Instructor Group,

ACI Learning has several open Instructor positions. Please look through postings here https://careers.acilearning.com/jobs or reach out to me directly my information is below. You can also respond to this thread with questions. We have an amazing work environment and benefits package.

Looking forward to expanding our Instructor team!

Be well,
Jennifer Strobl
ACI Learning
VP of Instruction and Support
[email protected]
720-999-3016

Happy Friday Everyone! We are back with another Answer for Question of the Week! Thank you to everyone who participated in this week's post about the NEW A+ Labs. As a reminder, I will put this Monday’s question below:


Question: How does the new A+ labs compare to our existing labs products?


CompTIA is committed to increasing competency through innovation, so we are constantly looking for new and engaging approaches to engross learners, maintain attention and retain knowledge through hands-on application.


Our new A+ course has expanded the number of labs offered and introduced new ways to practice job skills:

If you are wanting a sample of the new A+ labs reach out to your CompTIA representative today!

Hello Happy Friday!


Based on CompTIA's research and best practice recommendations, CompTIA A+ is the only industry-recognized credential with performance testing to prove professionals can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks.

Because performance is so essential to the A+ Certification, it is critical to set aside time in class for hands-on practice. Studies show learners only retain about 10% in a lecture format, but deeper learning and retention can increase by up to 75% when learners are given the ability to practice real-world tasks and skills in combination with other learning styles. The A+ course offers a comprehensive 50 hands-on labs, so even restructuring to a competency-first learning model could power considerable retention and engagement returns.

We still want to hear from you! If you have any feedback on how this has worked within your courses, please don't hesitate to share!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Tuesday!

I hope all of you enjoyed the last question of the week and thank you to all who participated!

We are starting on a Tuesday this week, but the answer will still be provided for you on Friday. Continuing our theme of A+ Labs. As valued partners of CompTIA; We want to hear from YOU please provide stories and examples of how you would utilize these amazing new A+ labs in your future trainings?

Please don't be hesitant to share!


Question: How would you utilize A+ labs in your future trainings?



Enjoy the rest of your week, and check back on Friday!

I will be teaching using Cetmaster learn & labs for Cloud+ in the Fall. In preparation, I am working on my syllabus and am required to have grade weights posted. Is there a spreadsheet breakdown of scoring for PBQ, assisted/applied labs, practice questions, and final assessment?

Hey everyone & Happy Friday

For this week's question, we hope you have all been enjoying the new refreshed version of the A+ labs. So for today, we will be sharing some helpful links and best practices should the need for any additional support or questions arise. So here you go:

CertMaster Labs for A+ Core 1 & Core 2 (220-1101 & 220-1102) enable hands-on practice and skills development using real equipment and software accessed through a remote, browser-based lab environment. Aligned with Official CompTIA courseware and the CompTIA A+ Core 1 & Core 2 exam objectives, CertMaster Labs make it easy for learners to practice and apply their skills in real workplace scenarios in preparation for the certification exam. All lab activities include gradable assessments, offer feedback and hints, and provide a score based on learner inputs, ultimately guiding learners to the most correct and efficient path through job tasks and, in a classroom environment, providing instructors with meaningful insight into student performance.


EXAM ACCREDITATION

The CompTIA A+ Core 1(220-1101) & Core 2 (220-1102) exam is accredited by ANSI to show compliance with the ISO 17024 standard and, as such, undergoes regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.


CompTIA A+ 1100 Core Series Exam Launch Partner Webinar: Each person will need to “register” to gain access to the link:

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3700192/B5DA301946D30D1844C1E51D3F445FE3

Penelope Johnson, The Director, Technical Product Management at CompTIA shares around the 44-minute mark some very helpful and useful information about the new A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) exams that launched on April 20, 2022.


Click here for! The CompTIA CertMaster Labs Flyer

Virtual workbench labs- Only available right now for Core 1 only Virtual Workbench Labs provide learners with valuable hands-on practice installing, configuring and troubleshooting computer hardware in an immersive 3D environment. Workbench labs have a Tutorial, Explore, and Assisted mode available. This hands-on environment gives learners the ability to learn the tangible aspects of IT and gain real-world experience. Learners can explore how the different components of a desktop, laptop, and peripherals work together.

Dear Highly Respected Mr. Stephen Schneiter - CIN Director

Let me take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude and respect to you for all the awesome things you are doing for us the technology educators and for your always smiling face

The last few TTT webinars that you were organizing and managing for us gave us a boost to update our technical information and that will definitely help us to provide better and quality ComPTIA training courses to our students. On behave of all CIN community Million thanks for you and for our respected TTT trainers for all your efforts and every thing you are doing for us.

Warmest Regards