The program is made up of two components: an online self-study through THE NETWORK; and a "live" classroom and lab experience at Austin Community College (a four-day intensive classroom and laboratory session).
Online Modules
The online portion of the program is offered through THE NETWORK. Once you receive your access information from Ed Ardizoni, you will need to register with THE NETWORK to access the online materials. The online portion of the program covers the following content:
Module 1: Adult Learning PrinciplesUpon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
1. List the characteristics of adult learners.
2. Structure an appropriate adult learning environment.
3. Identify learners' own preferred learning style.
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
1. Prepare course materials, facilities and equipment.
2. Incorporate effective physical behaviors.
3. Use a variety of visual aids.
4. Resolve problem situations
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to:
1. Define and demonstrate solar energy fundamentals
2. Describe markets and applications for photovoltaic systems
3. Define basic electrical terms and calculate simple circuit values
Live Classroom & Lab Experience
Module 4 - HART 1071 Content (classroom/lab)
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to describe the content and instructional exercises that are typically covered in the HART 1071.
Module 5 - Presentation Skills, Part 2 (classroom/lab)
Upon completion of this module, learners will be able to demonstrate effective teaching methods for portions of the HART 1071.
Acknowledgements
This program has been developed in part by funding from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). This project was developed as part of the Innovative Energy Demonstration Program and was funded with 100% of oil overcharge funds from the Exxon settlement as provided by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office and the U. S. Department of Energy. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
The primary goal of the Solar Train-the-Trainer is to provide community and technical college faculty in Texas an in-depth exploration of what is involved in the effective teaching of "HART 1071 Solar Electric Systems Entry-Level" course. Faculty completing the Solar Train-the-Trainer can then return to their colleges with the knowledge needed to develop and deliver their own version of HART 1071 in their local community. Faculty attending the Solar Train-the-Trainer will gain exposure to all the content that must be included in the delivery of HART 1071 to meet the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) expectations for entry-level practitioner skills/knowledge. However, the Solar Train-the-Trainer will not provide sufficient study of this specific content to prepare the faculty to be eligible to take the NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level Exam, as a good portion of the Train-the-Trainer focuses on effective teaching methods/strategies.
"HART 1071 Solar Electric Systems Entry-Level" is considered a "gateway" course in the study of: solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design and sizing for use on homes; solar electric products and applications; understanding energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and working with solar conversion equipment. Community and technical colleges can make this course available in their communities for students seeking to learn more about the solar industry, add on solar skills to their current job duties in the building construction or electrical industry, and/or become eligible to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic (PV) Entry Level Exam.
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.
Registration Information
Upon request, any faculty or staff from Texas community or technical colleges will be given access to the online Solar Train-the-Trainer and given information on how to register for the "live" classroom and lab experience at Austin Community College. All request from Texas community or technical college staff or faculty should be sent to Ed Ardizoni, 512-223-7525, eardizon@austincc.edu. Requests for access will be responded to as soon as possible.
Travel Information
Austin Community College Highland Business Center - Click for Directions (location for initial portion of live training)
Use one of the following internet travel booking engines, you can find carbon off-sets and eco-travel options:
Orbitz Eco-Tourism
Expedia Green Travel Guide
Travelocity Travel for Good
BetterWorld Auto Club
Greyhound Bus Station (adjacent to ACC's Highland Business Center)
Austin-Bergstrom Airport (30 minutes ACC's Highland Business Center)
Suggested Accommodations (always ask for "state" or "government" room rate):
Habitat Suites (Austin's "Green" Hotel, 10 minutes walking distance from ACC's Highland Business Center, where our Continuing Education/Solar Program is based. They reward customers who have installed solar systems on their home or office, with 15% off. Habitat is also a partner to the Texas Solar Energy Society.)
Holiday Inn Austin Midtown (immediately next door to ACC's Highland Business Center)
Guide for Out-of-Towners: http://www.austin360.com
New Restaurants in Austin (2009): http://www.austin360.com/food_drink/
Ed Ardizoni, Coordinator
Business & Industry Institute
ACC Continuing Education
512-223-7525
eardizon@austincc.edu