[HCRA] Self-Directed On-Line Tech Course

[Rick Lindquist, N1RL]

Please spread the word for anyone who's holding back on taking a class
because they don't want to sit through a series of classes or has a busy
work schedule, etc:

ARRL Launches On-Line Technician Class
 
The new Technician licensing on-line course will use ARRL's Now You're
Talking! as a text. 
 
NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 12, 2004--Thanks to the new on-line Technician Class
Course for Ham Radio Licensing (EC-010), prospective hams can study for
their ticket wherever they can connect to the Internet and on their own
schedule. The course is offered through the ARRL Certification and
Continuing Education (C-CE) program. Two new classes will open each
month, and students may sign up anytime via the ARRL Web site or by
calling the New Ham Hotline, 800-326-3942. Registration begins Monday,
March 15. Class sessions will start April 6 and April 20. ARRL On-line
Course Development Coordinator Howard Robins, W1HSR, says the new
on-line Technician course will include everything needed to successfully
pass the examination plus help getting a foothold in ham radio. 

"The on-line approach to learning provides students a way to prepare for
the exam at their own pace over an eight-week period with 24/7 access to
the material," Robins said. The assignment of a very experienced "Elmer"
or mentor to all students is but one benefit of the on-line learning
method, he said. Another is the post-graduation on-line support group
that's only available to course graduates. "This group will provide
Elmering as the new ham gets started, as well as help with equipment and
antenna questions or anything pertaining to Amateur Radio," Robins
explained. 

Three well-known and respected amateurs--Steve Ford, WB8IMY, Chuck
Hutchinson, K8CH, and Larry Wolfgang, WR1B--collaborated to author the
class material. There are no course prerequisites. The Technician course
has 35 learning units and takes 20 to 25 hours to complete. Those
completing the course will take their tests through volunteer examiners,
who regularly offer examination sessions at hundreds of convenient
locations. 

Believed to be the first on-line Technician licensing class of its kind
in the US, the course will closely follow the popular ARRL license
manual Now You're Talking! The course fee--$99 for ARRL members and $139
non-members--includes a copy of the book. (Regular ARRL membership is
$39 per year, which includes QST, the official journal of ARRL--the
national association for Amateur Radio.) 

Students taking the class will be introduced to the diverse world of ham
radio activities, from casual operating to emergency and public service
communication, as well as to radio technology. Those taking the class
also will learn about the role of radio clubs and of the ARRL Field
Organization. 

There's much more information, including a course syllabus and a list of
student activities on the ARRL Web site. 

The Technician Class Course for Ham Radio Licensing and the virtual ham
radio campus are available through ARRL's partnership with the
Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, a nonprofit organization that
specializes in developing on-line courses for Connecticut colleges and
universities. 

For additional details, e-mail ARRL's C-CE program office.