ATLANTA - A new eLearning system is being launched by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and Elsevier.

The eLearning system focuses on learning-by-doing that can be taken at any time and at the learner's own pace. It offers online instruction with interactive exercises and problem-solving demonstrations supplemented by authoritative course readers in eBook and printed formats.

The system also offers integrated assessment, skills tracking for earning CEU/PDH credits, and online registration and retrieval of certificates of course completion.

"ASHRAE eLearning Systems from the ASHRAE Learning Institute offer a flexible, skills-focused approach that meet today's learning needs," said Gordon V.R. Holness, P.E., chairman emeritus, Albert Kahn Associates Inc. Architects and Engineers. "These learning on-demand programs are backed up with authoritative references from the ASHRAE Learning Institute, providing the ‘real-world' training experience that employers are seeking."

Demonstration modules of the course are now available at www.ashrae-elearning.org. Individuals can register for the course online at the site, where there are contact details for employers and educators looking for preferential bulk deals.

"We believe the ASHRAE eLearning System will revolutionize HVACR professional development by allowing engineers to earn their CEU/PDH in an interactive online environment from their office or home without being burdened by the additional expense of accommodation and travel," said Jim DeWolf, vice-president publishing with Elsevier.

The first course, Fundamentals of HVAC Systems, became available April 3. The course will be supported by Learning Bursts, in-depth scenario-based training and simulation exercises with a heavy focus on applicability. Learning Bursts are designed to allow learners to apply the information presented and practice extensively without making costly mistakes in the real world.

Publication date: 04/24/2006