OCTOBER 2015 / WELDING JOURNAL 55 ulating multimedia, which met the diverse needs of his students. “These courses are the future of welding education. Not all students learn alike, but the courses appealed to all of my students despite their learning differences. The kids were challenged, but they still had fun with it, and they learned. In fact, all of my graduating students passed their exams,” Anderson said. Tailored Learning Management System To maximize instruction, the library comes paired with a convenient learning management system that provides a wide range of features — Fig. 2. For starters, the system grants time-strapped users 24/7 access on most devices with an internet connection, and it allows students to set their own pace by reviewing or skipping course content using the learnercentered navigation controls. With many opportunities to access learning, “Students who miss class don’t have to miss out on their lessons,” Anderson said. The learning management system is also conveniently connected to WeldLink (awsweldlink.org) to update learners’ credentials. When a learner completes a course, a knowledge badge automatically appears on their WeldLink profile. This feature helps learners keep track of their current and future goals, as well as link them to potential employers. The learning management system also maximizes instructor time, efficiency, and communication. For example, it houses all student information under one roof, and contains an internal calendar that allows all users to keep track of course deadlines, meetings, and other personal events. Gone are the days of herding assignments, planners, and student records from class to class — with just a click of a button, educators can easily and quickly access all the information they need. When communication is key, all users can easily e-mail one another using the system, as well as post comments on the class’s personal forum. When enabled, educators can also have automatic alerts sent out to their students to remind them of assignments and deadlines. In addition, the library is designed to complement any existing program or curriculum. It can be added to distance learning, blended learning, and flipped classroom models. Anderson used the library to provide whole class instruction for his 40 high school students. Sometimes the class tackled the quiz questions as a group, and sometimes they completed the quiz questions individually as homework. When Anderson found out he would need spine surgery, he didn’t have to worry about his students. He simply switched his traditional, groupbased classroom to an individual-based model. Each student came to class every day but completed the courses individually at his or her own pace. Anderson kept track of his students’ progress from the comfort of home. Now, you may be thinking, “Do all of these features mean the library is difficult to use?” The answer is no. Using the learning management system is as easy as using an iPhone. The library comes equipped with all the features you need, so all you have to do is click the appropriate icons. Cost Savings Advantages Prior to the launch of this library, AWS primarily sold its courses individually, and with a 30-day expiration. That meant students had one month to finish the course. This option didn’t give students and educators access to other courses, nor did it grant them much flexibility. In contrast, a subscription grants users access to all of the courses for one year, or more. Purchasing the right to all courses for one or more years, rather than buying them individually for 30 days, can put up to 70% more money back into your pocket. Subscribers will also be instantly updated with new content as it’s released at no additional cost. To get a personalized quote, receive a free online demonstration, or learn more about the AWS Online Educational Library, contact the following: AWS Learning Sales Representative, Efram Abrams at (800/305) 443-9353, ext. 333, eabrams@aws.org or Associate Director, Education, Carlos Plaza at (800/305) 443-9353, ext. 222, cplaza@aws.org. WJ KATIE PACHECO (kpacheco@aws.org) is a content writer/editor in the AWS Education Services Department. For info, go to www.aws.org/adindex
Welding Journal | October 2015
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