The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that online learning costs one-third less than off-site classroom training and consumes half the time. Consistent with this estimate, users of ACE2 programs enjoy the convenience of immediately accessible CD-ROM and web-based training that allows for learning 24 hours a day.
In order to develop and deliver these Internet-based educational programs, two of America's prominent professional engineering societies, the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC), have formed an alliance with Virtual Education Corporation (VEC), one of the nation's leading online learning providers. This innovative alliance will serve the engineering, architecture and design communities by adding a wide variety of new courses to its continuing education library each year. In addition to Internet delivery, the training courses will be available via company intranets and CD-ROM. Professionals can purchase individual courses, and engineering and architectural firms can purchase subscriptions to the ACE2 library of continuing education courses
"Virtual Education Corporation has employed some of the nation's top experts in instructional design, computer technology and behavioral psychology to create a dynamic learning environment," said VEC President Andy Smith. "The response by engineers to our interactive learning environment has been phenomenal. Because there is no down time for off-site training with our online courses, professionals love the efficiency online learning offers."
ACE2 launched with 13 online courses, including Business Management Trends, The Ten Commandments of Financial Management, Preemptive Marketing and Recruiting Stars. The alliance's highly interactive skill-building courses include video and/or audio instruction, animation, graphics, simulations, exercises, and templates and electronic tools to transfer the learning to the workplace. The alliance also produces shorter awareness building courses that bring engineers the latest industry information in short courses that fit easily into their schedules. All courses carry Professional Development Hour (PDH) credits for the maintenance of professional certifications.
The format enables the participants to proceed at their own pace and personalize their learning experience. Performance easily can be measured, reported and reinforced using VEC's data management systems. Once the course has been mastered, VEC can forward the participant's information to state regulators, the individual society, or the employer, depending on the participant's or employer's desires
"This alliance will make it easier for our members and the entire engineering community to fulfill their continuing education requirements," explained J. David Waugh, P.E., NSPE President. "Online education is quickly becoming the desired alternative to taking a class at night or during the work day. We are addressing that need."
A list of ACE2 courses and associated PDH credit hours is available for review at www.virtualeducation.org.
SOURCE: Alliance for the Continuing Education for Engineers
