27/05/2020
Time To Learn - Online
Schools have generally been closed during the pandemic lock-downs, so FOA has been working with some of them to create new online learning experiences that can in some cases lead to certification online. FOA certifications are still based on the KSAs - knowledge from the classroom, skills from the labs, and abilities judged by instructors or proven by actual experience.
ZOOMing
Much of what we're doing benefits from the capabilities of "Zoom." Others have created videoconferencing apps, but none work so well, especially with limited bandwidth. We've seen remote labs that have an instructor showing students how to use the tools they were sent then watching them duplicate their actions. We have worked out methods to use Zoom to proctor FOA's online certification exams.
Blended Learning
While most FOA schools have suspended in-person training during this period, some are offering a "blended learning" option. That means that students sign up for an FOA certification course, take the classroom sessions on Fiber U with the assistance of an FOA certified instructor. Now online instruction can include reviewing the labs using the Fiber U Basic Skills Labs, then when it's possible to attend classes at the school, complete the hands-on labs, and take the FOA certification exam.
Online Remote Labs and Testing
Alternatively, some schools are experimenting with "remote labs," where the students get sent tool kits and components, and labs are conducted by videoconferencing. Before the labs, the students review the relevant "virtual hands-on" lessons in the Fiber U Fiber Optics Basic Skills Labs https://fiberu.org/Basic%20Skills%20Lab/index.html so they will already know the steps in the exercises. Videoconferencing allows the instructor to remotely monitor their work and provide help as needed. Contact the FOA for more information.
Online Certification Testing
FOA has all its certification tests available online, both for use by our schools and by our direct "Work to Cert" applicants. All tests require a proctor to oversee the applicant taking the exam. In this time of social distancing, getting a proctor can be difficult, so FOA now has procedures for online proctors and administering the exam. Contact the FOA for more information.
OJT - On-The-Job-Training
Many novices get a job and learn on the job. They usually have an experienced tech who helps them gain the knowledge and learn the skills they need to perform their job. Thinking about this in relation to the FOA KSAs https://foa.org/KSAs.html, the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by a fiber optic tech, the tech will learn skills but not the basic knowledge that helps them understand the processes involved. FOA can offer help here, using our Fiber U online self-study programs https://fiberu.org/. While the tech learns on the job, they become a Fiber U trainee, getting the knowledge they need, while working under their "mentor" at work. This is particularly good for contracting companies who need techs but do not have the usual training courses available. Interested in OJT programs? Contact FOA for more information.
Fiber U Basic Skills Labs - Fiber Optics And Premises Cabling
Fiber U now has two "basic skills labs," online courses focused on helping you learn basic skills involved in both fiber optics and premises cabling (copper and fiber.) The assumption has been that you needed a hands-on lab at a FOA approved school or OJT - on the job training - to develop the skills - the "S" of the KSAs. But with these online courses, some tools and equipment, you can learn on your own. Or with the help of an instructor who can show and watch you on video.
Back To Work Soon
Everyone wants to get back to work. Until then, we've provided some interesting things to read in the FOA's May newsletter and many other places around the Internet in the "Worth Reading" section. https://foa.org/foanewsletter.html . We've also got other good, free online training at Fiber U, including the Fiber Optics Basic Skills Labs https://fiberu.org/Basic%20Skills%20Lab/index.html, Basic Skills Labs - Copper Premises Cabling described above https://fiberu.org/Basic_Skills_Lab_Copper_Cabling/index.html. We also have the OSP Construction course https://fiberu.org/OSP_Construction/index.html and a bunch of courses on applications like Data Centers or Fiber for Wireless. If you are preparing for an FOA certification course, now is time to take the Fiber U courses linked to FOA certifications.
Just be safe and stay healthy!
