Virtual Office Assistant Classes Debut Spring 2011 at College of DuPage Using Book Released by Chief Virtual Officer

Glen Ellyn, IL, December 30, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Beginning Spring 2011, the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, will be offering Office Technology Information (OFTI) 1300, Virtual Office Assistant, a 3 semester credit hour online course exploring the fundamentals of providing administrative support remotely through technology. Virtual Office Assistant (VOA) topics include role of a virtual assistant, skill assessment and niche identification, technology evaluation, time management, workspace design and organization, client relations and networking, communication, ethics and technology etiquette, recordkeeping basics, and professional organizations.

Course objectives include:
Define the concept of a virtual assistant and how it relates to careers in a virtual environment.
Review telecommuting and the history of the virtual office.
Identify and select career opportunities appropriate for virtual environments.
Identify the types of personalities that would be effective in a virtual environment.
Assess the skills and work habits necessary to be successful in a virtual environment.
Design a virtual office for efficiency and comfort.
Identify effective communication tools and techniques.
Discuss business ethics and technology etiquette as they apply to the virtual environment.
Introduce basic recordkeeping needs for entrepreneurs.
Introduce resources available to virtual assistants.

Professor Gerken will be teaching this course. Professor Gerken states, "The trend is growing for virtual support and many different industries are picking up on this trend. Virtual administrative assistance is growing and can save small businesses countless dollars. At a time when many businesses are downsizing, there is a growing inclination toward the home-based businesses for self-employed administrative support professionals."

Course materials will include The Commonsense Virtual Assistant, by Sue and Joel Canfield of Chief Virtual Officer; and Virtual Assistant, The Series, by Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker. "The Commonsense Virtual Assistant provided some valuable information on running a business as well as certain qualities that a successful virtual assistant needs to possess," states Professor Gerken. "Being a successful Virtual Assistant requires that you know how to run a business. Virtual Assistant, The Series, offered some great detailed information on day-to-day operations and advice from experienced VOAs."

Students can register for the course at: http://home.cod.edu/registration. The class name and number are OFTI 1300 NET01 Virtual Office Assistant.

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