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 Previous: Noted Amateur Radio Author Joe Carr, K4IPV, SK |  Next: In Brief |
NEWINGTON, CT, Dec 13, 2000--Registration now is open for the ARRL's first-ever on-line continuing education course. Signups for the introductory component of the ARRL's Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course will be limited to the first 40 individuals. The course, Level I: Introduction to Emergency Communications, initially will be offered on-line. On-site, in-person courses will be offered starting next year.
Earlier this year, ARRL members offered comments and suggestions on what the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program should develop as its initial offering. Responses showed a need and desire for emergency communications to be the very first--and most important--topic for further study and learning.
ARRL Certification Program Coordinator Dan Miller, K3UFG, attends to some last-minute details prior to the registration rollout for the initial Amateur Radio emergency communications course. [ARRL Photo] |
"A dedicated crew of volunteers has worked together the past nine months to produce a basic-level course in emergency communications," said ARRL Certification Program Coordinator Dan Miller, K3UFG. "Regardless of geographic location or education level, hams can attain a standard of basic emergency communications training from this course."
The program draws on material from various sources, including section managers, emergency coordinators, ARES, RACES, SKYWARN, emergency workers and disaster relief officials. Offering the continuing program via the Internet will make it available as widely as possible, Miller said.
ARRL contracted with the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, an organization that promotes quality distance learning and has developed 328 on-line college courses. "Quality on-line courses require experienced professionals," he explained.
The Level I course itself drew high praise from Keith Wilson, K0ZH, one of the course beta testers and a respected leader in emergency communications from St Clair, Missouri. "Great course!" Wilson enthused. "Any Amateur Radio operator interested in emergency communications would be well-advised to set some time aside and take this course."
Wilson characterized the course as "an expansive cross section" of emergency communications. "It's evident that some very knowledgeable people have put a great deal of time and talent into its production," he said.
Students who complete Level I: Introduction to Emergency Communications will earn a certificate and identification card for each of its three parts.
Utilizing the tools and resources of the Internet, educators developed each segment to include a Learning Unit, Objectives, Informational Text, Student Activities and Quizzes. The course is interactive, featuring direct communication with a mentor and with fellow students.
Yes, there will be a test. A final assessment of 25 multiple-choice questions will assess each student's comprehension of the material. Mentors--who were selected from among Beta-testers of the course--will help students move on to the next steps.
Miller says course certification can be accomplished in three ways: (1) Students can take the on-line course and pass the 25-question assessment. (2) Students can take the on-site, in-person course next year and pass the assessment, or (3) Students can take the on-line assessment--but not the course--and get credit for their previous experience in Amateur Radio emergency communications.
Individuals will be able to take the assessments in person from Certification Examiners starting next year. Details will be announced.
Registration fees and donations have partially offset the operating costs and the on-line professional development expense of the Certification and Continuing Education Program. ARRL members will get a discount on the registration fee since they've already contributed to the program through their ARRL dues. Registration is $40 for members and $70 for nonmembers.
To register for the on-line course, click on https://www.arrl.org/forms/cce/. "Registration remains open only for the first 40 students, the capacity of the Web course," Miller said. The ARRL will announce when registration closes. This first course offering runs eight weeks, and the initial 40 students must complete the course by then.
Registration for additional sessions will be available soon. Miller said refunds may not be made after a participant begins the on-line course.
Advanced courses in emergency communications will become available next year. These include Level II: NCS and Liaison Training and Level III: Emergency Communications Management/Administration Issues.
The ARRL Board of Directors approved the development and implementation of the self-education Continuing Education and Certification Program for radio amateurs at its January meeting. The program is aimed at inspiring amateurs to continue to acquire technical knowledge and operating expertise beyond that required to become licensed. This program was funded in part by a grant from the Ethel M. Smith, K4LMB, Exceptional Merit Stipend.
For further details on ARRL's Certification and Continuing Education Program, contact ARRL Certification Specialist Dan Miller, K3UFG, cce@arrl.org.
| Previous: Noted Amateur Radio Author Joe Carr, K4IPV, SK | Next: In Brief |
