Last Chance Before NTI: Introduction to CML Teaching and Learning Starts June 17

Steve Harper 2026-06-10

Our final cohort of the Introduction to CML Teaching and Learning course before NTI begins on Wednesday, June 17.

Designed for new instructors, this course equips participants with the instructional skills, teaching strategies, and best practices needed to support student success in today’s apprenticeship classroom.

Participants will explore:

  • The instructor’s role in a CML environment
  • Best practices for facilitating learning and student engagement
  • Effective use of classroom and lab time
  • Strategies for monitoring student progress and providing support
  • Tools and resources available to help instructors succeed

Seats are limited, and this will be the last opportunity to attend before NTI.

View class details and register here:

https://electricaltrainingevents.org/event/871/info

 

New Online Course: Introduction to Computer-Mediated Teaching and Learning

Steve Harper 2026-03-30

If you’ve just stepped into an apprenticeship instructor role, or you’ve recently hired someone who has, the Introduction to Computer-Mediated Teaching and Learning course is a great place to begin.

Starting out as an instructor can feel like a lot, especially when you’re expected to navigate computer-mediated learning (CML), classroom instruction, and hands-on skills training and assessment all at once. This course is designed to make that transition smoother by focusing on practical strategies you can use right away. It helps new instructors build confidence and gives Training Directors peace of mind that their new hire has a solid foundation to work from.

It also acts as a bridge for those who are getting ready to teach but haven’t yet attended NTI. Instead of waiting, instructors can begin developing the skills they need to be effective on day one.

The course is led by Dr. Steven Schmidt, a Professional Educator from NTI, who brings a strong background in educator preparation and online instruction. His approach is straightforward and focused on what works in classrooms and CML environments.

Participants will also attend a live Q&A session with Steve Harper, etA’s Director of Learning Management System. This gives instructors a chance to ask real questions about implementation, best practices, and how to support apprentices within the platform.

Whether you’re preparing to teach or making sure your new instructor is set up for success, this course helps establish a clear, practical starting point.

Registration opening this week. Keep your eye on the EMP (electricaltrainingevents.org) for full registration information.

Duration: 5-weeks.

Format: Online, self-paced, with weekly assignments due. Approximately two hours of homework per week.

 

VR Headsets Now Included with Every 6th Student Course Registration Through Google Partnership

Jim Stover 2025-09-12 No Comments
Significant progress has been made in the development of our Virtual Reality training program. From integrating headsets with the LMS to building immersive modules on Transformers, Print-to-Model, and Model-to-Print training scenarios, the groundwork has been laid for a next-generation learning experience. Beta testing with both internal and external SMEs is underway, and systems for headset logistics and device management are already in place.

But the real headline is this: thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Google, headsets will now be available to training programs at no cost. When six students are registered for the etA VR (formerly Virtual Reality, Branch Circuit Wiring) course, your program will receive one free headset—and for every additional six students, another headset will be provided (while supplies last).

(more…)

The NEW Testing Platform and Process – Coming Early July!

Danielle Filippone 2024-07-01 No Comments

After much anticipation….

The New Testing Platform and Process (TPP) is all new and shares nothing with its predecessor. It is built on the same platform as the quiz engine that has been used by the PTSI Learning Management System courses since the debut of the OLS almost a decade ago.

Overview

Test delivery will be through a lockdown browser called Respondus (full details at web.respondus.com). Respondus Lockdown Browser disables keyboard shortcuts, right-click menus, and more. It also makes opening new windows and applications impossible during a test. It forces students to focus on the test simplifying proctoring. Proctors are not tied to their computer, but free to walk around and monitor progress or answer questions.

Note: A link to download Respondus will be provided on the LMS under the EXAMS section

TPP only allows online tests. No paper tests will be available using the new system. TPP will scramble the question order, but students in a group will all see the same questions.

Use of either local program computers or student personal computers is at the discretion of the local program.

      • TPP exams are supported on Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and iPad operating Systems – Phones are not supported.
      • Keeping up to date machines and browsers is always important.


Test Availability Timeline

The New Testing Platform and Process and existing testing platform will coexist, and individuals who prepare and/or administer tests will need to be fluent in both. Here is a breakdown:

    • All new CML courses released in 2024 and after will only have tests available on The New Testing Platform and Process
    • CML courses are delineated with “ – CML” in their course title
    • Existing CML courses will be available on both platforms
    • All Outside Program tests will be available on both platforms
    • All other courses are only available on the existing Assessments system but will be added to the New Testing Platform and Process in the following order:
        • Inside, Installer/Tech, Residential Core
        • Inside, Installer/Tech, Residential Advanced
        • Substation, Underground Cable Splicing and Underground Distribution
        • All remaining courses

Still Have Questions?

Details about preparing and administering tests using the new system will be covered in a webinar scheduled for July 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern.

LMS Quiz Error Issue – June 12, 2024 (8:50 am – 10:57 am Eastern)

Danielle Filippone 2024-06-12 No Comments

At 8:50 am Eastern on 6/12/2024 we were alerted about an issue with the Learning Management System affecting quizzes in the Tech Math – CML and Construction Drawings – CML courses. The development teams were able to pinpoint the cause and resolved the issue at 10:57 am. 

So… what happened?

Tech Math – CML and Construction Drawings – CML both use questions that generate random variables that make each quiz and quiz attempt unique. When a student (or instructor) attempts a quiz, the system pulls the random variables needed for those question types. This morning, the number of concurrent random variable requests hit the limit that prevents overloading servers.

So… what did we do?

Because our LMS servers can automatically scale up and down as needed, the team was able to disable this parameter and the random variable function for these quizzes was restored.

We apologize for any interruptions and frustration caused by this incident. We will continue to monitor the LMS for issues, learn from incidents like this, and strive to deliver an online learning environment that performs flawlessly for your students and programs.

USA Membership – Available for Apprentices!

Danielle Filippone 2024-04-29 No Comments

The IBEW is proud to offer all IBEW/NECA apprentices a complimentary membership in the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), an organization that unites union members of all trades through a shared love of the great outdoors. This popup will direct apprentices to a custom-tailored membership portal where they can gain access and obtain special membership benefits with the click of a button!

How it works:

Anyone who registers from April 30th to June 27th will be entered for a chance to win a Milwaukee Tool package worth $1,500…and one lucky IBEW/NECA apprentice will win!

Beginning April 30th, here’s what they will see when they log in to the LMS:

The notification will inform them of how to access and create their account. Their choices will be:

  • Select Register Here to get started.
  • Select Remind Me Later – the notification will close and reappear on their next log in.
  • Select Acknowledge – the notification will close and not return.

We are excited to make it easier for them to activate their membership and start enjoying the benefits of this unique space the IBEW and USA have created for them! 

Thanks for reading!

The 2024-25 electrical training ALLIANCE Training Essentials Catalog is Ready to View

Greg Greiner 2024-04-24 No Comments

Let the planning begin for the next school year!

The 2024-25 electrical training ALLIANCE Essentials Catalog has been sent to print and is available by clicking here for Inside Wiremen and Linemen.

You may also access and download the catalog by logging in to the member’s area of the site and locating the downloads in the resources area.

If your are looking for what’s new and coming be sure to check out the front pages of the catalog to see all of the updates!

Prices and content will be effective July 1, 2024.

While the teams are diligently working to wrap up all details for the content for this upcoming year, some of the courses that are noted in the catalog are not quite ready for use.  All courses listed though are expected to be ready for use for this calendar school year.  As these courses become available, we will announce them here and/or in newsletters.

Thanks for reading!