Two examples of asynchronous learning programs for professional development

The Pennsylvania State University has designed, developed, and delivered two Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) projects to address the educational needs of geographically dispersed engineers. The first project is a Fundamentals of Engineering Review Course for home-based learners. This course is intended to prepare engineers to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (EIT) Examination, which is the first of two exams required to become a Registered Professional Engineer. This course was designed around two user-familiar technologies: videotape and the touch-tone telephone. Each student receives thirty (60-minute) videotapes, covering nine topics. These videotapes review basic engineering principles and set up and solve illustrative problems. The touch-tone telephone allows the distant learner to communicate asynchronously with the course instructor and to check solutions to practice homework as well as take timed practice exams. The second project is a five-course collaborative-learning program leading to a Certificate Program in Noise Control Engineering. Intended for engineers working or seeking a career in the field of noise control engineering, this program enables geographically dispersed learners to participate in a variety of collaborative and individual experiential learning activities focused upon problem solving. The learning environment is enriched through a mixture of CD-ROM-based instruction, text materials, and asynchronous computer conferencing. This paper presents an overview of these two programs and discuss how both create new and unique kinds of learning communities.