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

QUESTIONS?

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