News

CEDIA University launches first professionally developed Electronic Systems Technician core curriculum (10/1/2005)

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) has announced the development and implementation of CEDIA University's first professionally developed Electronic Systems Technician (EST) core curriculum.

CEDIA University is an institution of learning that provides facilities for teaching and education and furthers the knowledge and professional skills of members and students. Its mission focuses on helping business owners and their employees prepare for certifications and advance their careers.

The university concept is the core component of CEDIA's education group. Initiatives, tools and activities are evaluated in terms of their support to the university concept, including curriculum and course development; local, regional, national and international learning events; instructor and other resource development; certification and the learning management computer system.

"At a time when the various training offerings and certification programs in the market are confusing business owners and entry-level professionals, CEDIA University is responding by building the core courses that are based on best practices and industry standards," said Scott McCormick, CEDIA's director of curriculum and learning. McCormick has been directing the CEDIA University project in conjunction with Ken Erdmann, education council chairman for CEDIA.

"These courses will guide an employee or business owner easily through all the skills and knowledge required in our industry," McCormick added. The core courses are a fundamental aspect of the CEDIA University concept."

Utilizing the best subject matters experts in the industry, CEDIA University is currently building its first 30 courses. Given the scope of the project in terms of the development hours required along with the goal of having an EST curriculum in place for EXPO 2005, the most effective method for producing the courseware is to outsource development to a professional instructional design consulting company. This company will work with selected CEDIA subject matter experts to build the courseware.

CEDIA University comprises five curricula. Each education curriculum requires a specific number of core and elective courses. Required, or core courses, are designed by education and training professionals using proven instructional design models. These core courses specifically support industry competencies outlined by CEDIA subject matter experts and can be taken as a pathway to CEDIA certification.

The first four of the EST core courses will be available at the 2005 CEDIA Regional program:

á Job Site and Electrical Safety
á Introduction to Codes and Standards
á Electrical and Electronic Application
á Introduction to RF Distribution

The remaining titles will be available September 7-11 at CEDIA EXPO 2005 in Indianapolis.

"We are very excited about being able to offer these courses via CEDIA University in 2005," Erdmann said. "It will change the landscape of training within our industry. These courses and their value will speak directly to those owners who believe there's a lack of quality training and programming available for their employees. This program is a welcome response to industry needs."

CEDIA Executive Director Billilynne Keller applauds the effort.

"At a time in our industry when best practices and quality levels are in question," Keller said, "CEDIA wants to demonstrate its leadership in putting forward the definitive educational model to prepare employees and offer members the best in training. The curricula will be just that."

www.cedia.org