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Distance Learning -
Cost Effective Education for
Maintenance Professionals
Presented by
Perry Cabrera
Infraspection Institute
Ultrasound World VI
May 12, 2010
What is Distance Learning?
• Distance learning or distance education can be defined as any situation
where the student and instructor are in physically separate locations
• Distance learning may be conducted via a live broadcast, recorded
presentations, or a combination of both
• Distance learning eliminates obstacles associated with scheduling and
travel costs, and allows training to be tailored to an individual’s specific
needs
Why Distance Learning?
• Education is a critical component for a qualified workforce
• Costs for training and associated travel have caused many companies to
reduce or eliminate employee training
• The past several years have seen an increased interest in distance
learning due to technological advances and greater public acceptance
• While distance learning can provide several distinct advantages, there
are several key issues that should be addressed in order to ensure that
selected training meets an organization’s needs
History of Distance Learning
• Distance education is NOT new- Correspondence courses in Short Hand available in US since 1782
- University of London began its distance learning degree program in 1858
• During 20th century, radio, television, and internet have all been used for
distance education
• The advent of the internet provided a whole new set of opportunities- First online degree programs appeared in late 1980’s
• At present, nearly every college and university and hundreds of private
companies offer distance learning courses- Dozens of courses available for maintenance professionals
Types of Distance Learning Delivery
• Synchronous – live online sessions where all
participants are present at the same time. Synchronous
training requires a set training schedule.
- Web & video conferencing
- Internet radio
- Telephone
• Asynchronous – instruction where participants access
recorded training materials
- Audio cassette
- Video/DVD
- Web-based recordings
Distance Learning Courses for Maintenance
Available courses include:
- Infrared thermography
- Ultrasound
- Vibration
- Lubrication
- Alignment
- Motor Testing
- Reliability Centered Maintenance
- Root Cause Failure Analysis
- PM Optimization
Benefits of Distance Learning
• Convenient
– Train from home or office
• No travel costs
• Recorded training
– Students can train at their own pace
– Training never varies in content, accuracy, or delivery
• Most recorded sessions available 24/7
– May be viewed multiple times
» Reinforce learning experience
Challenges of Distance Learning
• Student must be committed to training
- Attend live sessions
- Dedicate quality time for recorded sessions
• Limited interaction with other students or instructor
- Can be offset with scheduled meeting time
» Phone or web meeting
- Questions may be addressed via email
• Hardware/software requirements for web-based courses
- Computer platform, bandwidth, browser, plugins, firewalls
Common Distance Learning Myths
Distance learning is not as good as a classroom setting
• Fact – distance learning can be better than live training
- Recorded training prevents errors or omissions
- Training can be scheduled to minimize distractions
- Large live audiences can inspire better discussions
- Recorded training can be viewed multiple times
- Self-directed learning activities reinforce student learning
Common Distance Learning Myths
You can’t learn a hands-on technology from an online course
• Fact – by choosing the right medium, recorded training can be
very effective
- How-to videos
- Home improvement shows
- Fishing / hunting / cooking / crafts / gardening / auto repair programs
Common Distance Learning Myths
Distance learning is a breeze
• Fact – Properly designed distance learning courses provide
quality education that’s convenient, not watered down
- Reputable educators publish quality material
- Content should equal that of a classroom setting
- Courses should be scripted and professionally produced
- Beware the informally recorded webinar
Web-based DL Course Types
• Live broadcast
- Single or multiple sessions
- May have audience participation
- 1 to 2 hours in length
- Cost varies with length
• Web-based recordings
- Single or multiple sessions
- 1 to 2 hours in length
- Cost varies with length
• Webinars
- Live or prerecorded
- 1 hour or less
- Free to < $100
- Quality can vary widely
What to Look for in a DL Course
• Core educational material
- Live lecture
- Recorded slides / videos / narrated PowerPoint
• Comprehensive student reference manual
- Often not included with inexpensive webinar
• Regular testing to ensure student comprehension
• Self-directed assignments to reinforce practical skill sets
• Acceptance by third parties
- CEUs, ASNT or ISO compliancy
• Written proof of completion
Choosing a Distance Learning Provider
All distance learning courses are not the same
• Currently are no standards for distance education
- Buyers must choose carefully
• Prior to selecting an education provider
- Carefully review curriculum of subject course(s)
- Consider experience of company and instructors
- For live courses, determine if delivery schedule is practical
- Qualify resulting CEUs or certifications
- Ascertain total cost before you begin
» Subscription fees
» Course fees
» Exam or certification fees
- Obtain references from program graduates
- Look for a money back guarantee
Things to be Aware of
• Distance learning is an accepted form of training
• Several courses are available for maintenance personnel
• Not all distance learning is created equal
– Choose supplier and courses carefully!
• Distance learning is a cost effective way to train your personnel
About Infraspection Institute
• Independent organization providing training, certification and
support for infrared thermographers
• Our Level I, II and III Certification courses meet the training
requirements for NDT personnel in accordance with the ASNT
document, SNT-TC-1A. Course options include open enrollment,
on-site or web-based distance learning.
• Since 1984, Infraspection Institute has trained nearly 10,000
Certified Infrared Thermographers® worldwide.
• Recognized by the US Office of Patents & Trademarks
only Infraspection Institute is authorized to issue the
Certified Infrared Thermographer® mark to qualifying
individuals.
How We Can Help You
• We support the practicing thermographer in order to help you get
the most from your infrared inspection program!
• We maintain a comprehensive website containing thermal images,
class schedules and information about thermography.
• For more information or to register for classes,
Call: 609-239-4788
Fax: 609-239-4766
Online: www.infraspection.com