For Immediate Release
January 3, 2005
Press Contacts:
Jamie Antcliff
CEDIA
317-328-4336
jantcliff@cedia.org
CEDIA University launches first professionally developed Electronic Systems Technician core curriculum
Indianapolis, Ind. – 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:
-
Job Site and Electrical Safety
-
Introduction to Codes and Standards
-
Electrical and Electronic Application
-
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."
CEDIA is an international trade association of companies
that specialize in designing and installing electronic systems for
the home. The association was founded in September 1989 and has more
than 3,000 member companies worldwide. CEDIA members are established
and insured businesses with bona fide qualifications and experience
in this specialized field. CEDIA members include Residential Electronics
Systems Professionals who have emerged as the “fourth contractor” in
the building and remodeling industries alongside electrical, plumbing
and HVAC professionals. For more information on CEDIA, visit the association’s
Web site at www.cedia.org.
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