RampUp – Learn Microsoft Technology Online

I just found out about the RampUp program. Briefly this is a program that lets people sign up for and take online training on various Microsoft developer technology such as web development and Visual Studio. There are special tracks for Java developers and for developers who want to upgrade their skills from Visual Basic 6.0 to Visual Basic .NET.

Speaking of the later, the description is:

Microsoft Visual Basic 2005 is the ideal environment for a Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 developer to extend existing Microsoft Windows–based desktop applications as well as build new Web, Microsoft Office application, and mobile device functionality. This track has been designed to help you extend your existing skills and become proficient in Visual Basic 2005 and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

I know there are a lot of teachers who are getting ready to move from VB 6.0 to Visual Basic .NET. There are also a lot of Java teachers out there who are getting ready to expand their curriculum either to Visual Basic or perhaps to C# so they can teach XNA Game Studio Express. These may just be the summer learning and professional development program for them. And of course for professional developers (or even students who want to be professionals) these educational programs may also be of great benefit.