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Learn about possible content and formats for educational programs and how to make sure your program complies with IACET guidelines.
Educational program content
An educational program hosted by an IEEE section, society, chapter, or region might focus on technical as well as professional topics. Some are designed for the general public and students, while others are more technical in nature, concentrating on new and emerging technologies.
Educational program topics
They may take on any of the following forms.
- Popular talk: Provides information about various aspects of electrical, electronics, and computer engineering to pre-college students or the general public. Typical topics include technical literacy and careers. These are generally brief, running about an hour.
- Tutorial: Introduces engineers to new technical areas and applications. These are generally short overviews, ranging from two to eight hours. They involve lectures, questions and answers, and sometimes, demonstrations.
- Short course: Covers technical and non-technical materials in depth, as in a regular college course. Short courses, however, are usually for non-credit. They generally run from one to five days (or sessions), sometimes longer.
- Workshop: Involves intensive interaction among students and instructor. Some are designed to help students master a particular application or tool; others focus on problem-solving, brainstorming, and other group techniques. Workshops can run a half-day or longer.
- Self-study: Employs stand-alone tools in a variety of media, such as books, videos, CD-ROMs, web-based audio and/or video presentations without an instructor. An IEEE section or society might facilitate the use of these materials through a lending library. Self-study usually supplements organized group activities, such as those mentioned.
- Group-study: Brings together two or more individuals, using a common set of learning materials and tools. Interactivity can take place via the web, by phone, or face-to-face.
Guidelines for educational programs
In order to meet IACET guidelines, your course organizers should refer to the checklist below.
- Course objectives are clearly stated in promotional materials, and are directly related to learning outcomes.
- Course pre-requisites and other requirements are clearly stated in all promotional and registration materials.
- Students have an opportunity to assess their learning through discussion, projects, and/or other appropriate means.
- Content is conveyed clearly and precisely to facilitate learning.
- Concepts are properly illustrated through various methods (i.e. case studies, simulations, and problem-solving).
- Verbal content is enhanced through visual means (i.e. diagrams, visuals, and tables).
- The physical conditions of the environment are conducive to leaning and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Instructors inform participants in advance concerning any conflicts of interest.
- Proprietary and commercial inter-requirements must be disclosed.
- Program planners seek ways to improve courses and programs through feedback from students and instructors.
- Instructors have the appropriate credentials for teaching the course.
- Content is supplemented with expertise in instructional methodology, including the development of concise learning objectives, measurable outcomes, and proper use of instructional technology.
- Intellectual property rights are respected. Usage of copyright materials clearly comes under fair use or requires permission to use.
