1/01 mechanical engineering: professionally speaking

professionally speaking

Flexible Learning

Different people learn in different ways, and when it comes to self-study courses, new technologies are making it possible to offer more educational options than ever before.

Self-study courses used to consist of only printed material. Now media have broadened to the point where it is possible to have real-time interaction over the Internet, and the name of the process has changed, too. We call it distance learning.

Distance learning is a type of study in which individuals learn on their own, anytime, anywhere—through the use of computer-based training, the Internet, videos, and text or workbooks.

One type of distance learning is computer-based training on a CD-ROM. An example of this is ASME International's course on Section VIII, Division 1, Design and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels, which offers code sections, explanatory text, and interactive exercises. The CD-ROM comes with a printed manual. With this method, of course, you can go through the material as many times as necessary. You can also proceed from start to finish, or jump around, selecting various topics of interest in more random fashion.

Another type of distance learning is the online course, which may be either synchronous or asynchronous.

Synchronous online courses meet at a specific time with an instructor. There is a schedule of classes and a syllabus, there may be assignments, and there is interaction among you, the instructor, and your classmates. Much like a live course, a synchronous online course meets at set times, but not at a specific location. Rather, it is wherever you have access to the Internet—at your office, home, or hotel room.

More flexibility exists in asynchronous online courses, which may be instructor-led or user-directed. In asynchronous instructor-led online courses, there is a flexible schedule and syllabus, there may be assignments, threaded discussion, group activities, and interaction among you, the instructor, and your classmates. The difference here is the flexibility to go online anywhere with an Internet connection within a time period, and participate in that class. This type of distance learning lets the student decide when to go online, although there is usually a time limit for completing the requirements of a course.

There are also asynchronous online courses without an instructor. The student determines the time and sequence of the course. Generally, these courses have a specified time frame or duration in which to complete the requirements.

For example, the ASME Professional Development Department offers a P.E. Online Exam Preparation course. Once you have registered for this course, you have as much time as needed to prepare for the exam through the online training program. When the P.E. exam is over, the course ends, and your ID and password expire. However, you may take this course again to study for a second exam, if needed, at no additional cost. Another feature of this course is that it allows you to interact through e-mail with a professor who will answer your questions.

Videos are another format used for distance learning. Most of ASME's videotapes include accompanying notes. The P.E. Exam Review, for example, is offered through the videotape format and has a notebook for each tape and topic. These videos can be watched as often as necessary.

ASME's short courses and distance learning have many similarities: Both actively engage the learner in the transfer of knowledge, have expert developers and instructors, are produced with high-quality materials, and frequently offer certificate educational units upon completion.

Convenience and cost are the main reasons to take a distance learning course. Such a course eliminates travel expenses and time away from the office. You can fit it into your busy schedule at a convenient time. In addition, with computer-based training, video, and traditional text self-study courses, you can take the course when you need it. You don't have to wait until it's offered.

Furthermore, some of the distance learning courses can be used within a group to promote discussion. For instance, a company may wish to purchase a video distance learning course and a set of notes for a group of its employees. The group can have a breakfast meeting, view the video, and then discuss its subject matter. This is a good way for people in the company to gain knowledge and share ideas on a relevant subject, keep in touch with each other, and accrue professional development hours without disrupting the workday (or week) too much.

Distance learning is for the person who can't or doesn't want to take time away from the office, can't fit in a class at a traditional time, doesn't have the option of attending an on-site course, or needs the course now. It offers course material on your own time at less cost to you.

To obtain more information on ASME's distance learning and self-study products, visit the Web site at www.asme.org/pro_dev, or call Kathy Warner at (212) 591-7411.