Learning Tree International
| Public (OTCQX: LTRE) | |
| Industry | Training |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Founders |
David C. Collins Eric R. Garen |
| Headquarters | Herndon, Virginia, United States |
Area served | Global |
Key people |
Richard Spires (CEO) Magnus Nyland (COO) David Asai (CFO) |
| Services | IT and Business Training, Workforce Optimization Solutions, Acceleration Workshops |
Number of employees | 325 (Oct 2016) |
| Website |
www |
Learning Tree International Inc. (OTCQX: LTRE), is an American multinational training company that has provided skills-enhancement training to over 2.4 million information technology and business professionals since 1974.
Learning Tree was founded in 1974 by David C. Collins, Ph.D. , and Eric R. Garen under the original name of Integrated Computer Systems, which was changed in 1989.
The company offers instructor-led, classroom-based training courses that vary in length from one to five days and can be taken in class or online via AnyWare®. Learning Tree also offers On-Site Delivery and Custom Courses.
Learning Tree is based in Herndon, Virginia, U.S.; Ottawa, Canada; and London, United Kingdom, with Education Centers throughout the U.S. east coast, Canada, Europe, and Japan. It currently services more than 60,000 organizations worldwide.
Former Department of Homeland Security executive Richard Spires[1] became its CEO in November 2015.
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[2] 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[3] 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 [4] 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,[5] 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[6] of Vice Chairman. Another leadership change was Max Shevitz, who worked for Learning Tree from 1988, appointed to President.[7]
In 2013, Learning Tree opened 34 new learning centers[8] 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,[9] a comprehensive suite of services designed to help align business needs, human capital, and performance.
In 2016, the company launched Acceleration Workshops,[10] 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[11] 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® [12] 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[13] 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,[14] 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.
Locations
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- France (Location Sold)
- Sweden
- Canada
- Japan
References
- ↑ "Learning Tree Announces New Chief Executive Officer – Richard A. Spires | Business Wire". www.businesswire.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ↑ "History of Learning Tree International Inc. – FundingUniverse". www.fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
- ↑ "History of Learning Tree International Inc. – FundingUniverse". www.fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved 2016-11-02.
- ↑ "Learning Tree Announces Leadership Changes". www5.learningtree.com. Retrieved 2016-11-02.
- ↑ "LEARNING TREE ANYWARE Trademark of Learning Tree International, Inc. - Registration Number 3829287 - Serial Number 77726354 :: Justia Trademarks". trademarks.justia.com. Retrieved 2016-11-02.
- ↑ "Learning Tree Announces Leadership Changes". www5.learningtree.com. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
- ↑ "Learning Tree Appoints President". www5.learningtree.com. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
- ↑ "Learning Tree Opens 34 New Learning Centers". www5.learningtree.com. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
- ↑ "Learning Tree Launches IT Workforce Optimization Solutions". Retrieved 2016-11-07.
- ↑ "Achieve Project Success and Drive Sustained Organizational Change with Learning Tree Acceleration Workshops™". Retrieved 2016-11-07.
- ↑ "Cultivate a Culture of Learning: How Blended Learning Can Strengthen Your Organization's Performance | Learning Tree Blog". Learning Tree Blog. 2016-01-28. Retrieved 2016-11-30.
- ↑ Wire, Business (2010-09-27). "Learning Tree AnyWare(TM) Connects Online Participants To An Actual Classroom. View This Image Which Describes The Training Delivery Solution Features. (Graphic: Learning Tree International)". TheStreet. Retrieved 2016-11-30.
- ↑ "Intellectual Property Rights for Learning_Tree_International (LTRE)". www.wikinvest.com. Retrieved 2016-11-30.
- ↑ "ADAPTALEARN Trademark of Learning Tree International, Inc. - Registration Number 5013363 - Serial Number 86265588 :: Justia Trademarks". trademarks.justia.com. Retrieved 2016-11-30.