Repost: ISO Distance Learning Programs In EE Based At Community Colleges

This is a repost, because I am having an unbelievably difficult time
tracking down a community college which offers the EE class I want on
a distance learning basis. I'm hoping maybe someone -- someone who
can point me in the right direction -- might catch the post this time,
if they missed it the first time.....

I am seeking information on any community colleges, anywhere in the
USA, that provide distance-learning (that is, Web-based, CD-based,
self-paced textbook study, etc.), for-credit programs of study in
electronic engineering. I really need community college based
classes, because costs are an issue. (The community colleges in
Maryland, where I am based, do NOT offer such classes, and UMUC does
not either. The nearest community college in Virginia does offer such
classes, but I have run through their distance learning course
offerings.)

I have already completed studies in basics of circuits and digital
design, but now need classes in transistor theory, basic analog
circuits (amplifiers, op-amps, oscillators, etc.) Please reply in the
newsgroups, or to the somewhat munged e-mail address below.

I've searched the Web extensively, and it's becoming clear that many
colleges -- even technically oriented community colleges, and ones
which have many other programs of study online -- are not offering EE
programs. I've love to know why. (I thought, maybe, it's because EE
classes often have labs. But in fact, you can have theory only EE
classes; and besides, many of these same schools offer
freshman/sophomore distance learning classes in chemistry, biology,
and physics -- fields which traditionally also have labs as well.)

I have found, so far, exactly one college offering what I'm seeking,
Sinclair Community College in Ohio -- but for various reasons, too
detailed to go into here, their course is probably less than ideal for
my needs. So, I'm searching for other community colleges offering the
class that I'm seeking, distance learning style. Direct leads from
people in the know -- students and engineers -- would be really
helpful.

Thanks so much!

Steve O.

steveqdr useThatFirstPartJustAsIs AATT RemoveSpamProtectPhrase Yahoo DDOOTT Ccoomm

 

Taking engineering courses without doing lab work produces engineers who
don't know which end of a soldering iron gets hot or which end of the
adjustable wrench should be used to pound the ICs into their sockets. That
is probably the one that said, "Spectrum analyzer? Yeah, I saw a picture of
one of those in one of my books, I think."

Okay, it looks like you have been unable to meet your criteria through
online searches. You may never meet all your requirements (for credit,
distance learning, ee courses, low cost). One avenue you may want to explore
is to talk with the professors at the colleges/universities that meet your
course offering and cost criteria. You may be able to work out a modified
schedule with them (some have more leeway to make the attendance decision
than others), so you can do the majority of your work outside of the
classroom (you will still have to show up for tests and labs). Assuming they
have the authority, if you can prove to them that you have the capability to
work independently and have a very good (legitimate) reason to not attend
all classes, they may be willing to work with you.. I have taken many
courses this way (I was also in my 40's and 50's and had a job that required
me to travel). Of course, many colleges have official policies limiting the
number of days a student can miss and some do not allow their professors to
waive this. Others are more flexible.

If you want to attend NO classes, you may, as you have discovered, be out of
luck.

One last suggestion: For the cost issue, check out scholarships, grants, and
financial aid. You can't get any of those if you don't apply. They may make
the difference that will allow you to take available university courses at
nearly the same out-of-pocket costs as the (non-existent) community college
courses.

Richard

 

The University of Illinois offers distance learning classes and
they take a lot of time and effort on the part of the professors
and teachers. They may be more convenient for the student, but
require more one-to-one contact from the faculty than traditional
classes. They also require development of new materials, since
you can't always adapt traditional classroom methods. It's
expensive and time consuming to develop and offer those courses.

 

You seem to need the basic "linear electronic" course (also sometimes called
electronic devices) as so named by many community colleges. It covers
diodes, power supplies, transistors, amplifiers, oscillators, op-amps, and
so on. Its a tough course to offer on-line. It requires hands-on lab work
to make the ideas sink in and take hold.

 

That may be true, but not everyone takes classes for the same reason.
In my case, I am an experienced technical writer, and recently
licensed patent agent, looking to get a stronger background for my
work. (Check out www.OpComm.com for more info....)

I don't doubt that, with distance-learning only, I may not be
qualified to invent the next generation of computer, or holographic
TV, or whatever. But, I don't need to be, I just need a good strong
vocabulary for working with the engineers who do invent this stuff.
Many others -- software guys who want to understand the hardware
better, hi-tech business managers, hi-tech investors, etc. -- may have
their own valid motives for wanting to delve deep into theory, without
having the need (or time) to do lab work. Not to mention, there is
always the simple pleasure of learning for the sake of learning. My
point is, there are plenty of valid reasons for offering EE courses
without labs, since not everyone plans to be a design engineer.

That's a whole nother discussion. Those are great for young people
making no money at all. If you have an income like I do, even if the
budget is tight, forget about scholarships. Someone should fund some
kind of "second chance" grants for adults who are returning to pursue
things they were not ready to do when younger. (I actually seached on
the Web for "second chance", and found a scholarship, but it's for
women only, and I think it was, something like, only women in
California. So if I just move cross country, and finally get that
operation done.....)

Steve O.

"Spying On The College Of Your Choice" -- How to pick the college that is the Best Match for a high school student's needs.
www.SpyingOnTheCollegeOfYourChoice.com

 

I am seeking information on any community colleges

Vaguely similar question asked here:
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/11/04/2316238&threshold=5#13955473
..
..

Wondering if you stumbled onto this guy:
http://www.google.com/search?q=Distance-Learning+John-Bear

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andy Gussert Elected President of AFT-Wisconsin

Message of Labor Unity Overwhelmingly Endorsed

MADISON, Wis. - Andy Gussert was elected President of AFT-Wisconsin - along
with Kathy Kreul as Secretary and Deb Ausman as Treasurer - at the annual
convention in Oconomowoc last Friday.

Gussert adjourned the annual convention thanking delegates, saying "You've
sent a clear message. We are stronger when we stand together, and we have
power when we unite." Rank-and-file delegates representing over 16,000
members endorsed the message, with Gussert receiving 76 percent of the vote,
the largest margin of victory in a contested election in decades. He ran on
a platform of bringing together diverse factions within the organization,
and bringing more young leaders into the organization.

"Our strength is in our diversity," said Gussert. "Our members give so much
back to the community - everything from teaching our children to retraining
displaced workers to researching stem-cell technologies and representing the
underprivileged. I'm honored to work people who are devoted to public
service." AFT-Wisconsin is a union of professionals, representing employees
in over 500 different job classifications, including doctors, dentists,
pharmacists, attorneys, administrative staff, teachers and professors.

Gussert, age 36, takes over at a time when organized labor is struggling to
appeal to appeal to younger members, while retaining the expertise and
experience of long-standing labor activists. Many new leaders under the age
of 40 were also elected, including Michael Childers, Richard Hay, Chris
Romine and John Burger.

"We are passing along the baton to a new generation," said retiring
President Bob Beglinger, who is leaving after six years of service as leader
and over 30 years of service on the executive board. "Andy Gussert
represents our future, and our future looks bright."

AFT-Wisconsin's Newly Elected Executive Board

a.. President, Andy Gussert
b.. Secretary, Kathy Kreul
c.. Treasurer, Deb Ausman
d.. Vice Presidents At Large: Mary Alsteens, John Burger, Michael
Childers, Art Foeste, Gary Hjelm, James Leppi and Christopher Romine.
e.. Senior Vice-President, Art Foeste
f.. Vice President Graduate Employees, Richard Hay
g.. Vice President Higher Education, Ray Spoto
h.. Vice President K-12, Judith Hack
i.. Vice President Paraprofessional and Related School Personnel, Pam
Campbell
j.. Vice President State Employees, Kevin Steffens


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