Repost: ISO Distance Learning Programs In EE Based At Community Colleges

Taking engineering courses without doing lab work produces engineers who don't know which end of a soldering iron gets hot or which end of the adjustable wrench should be used to pound the ICs into their sockets. That is probably the one that said, "Spectrum analyzer? Yeah, I saw a picture of one of those in one of my books, I think."

Okay, it looks like you have been unable to meet your criteria through online searches. You may never meet all your requirements (for credit, distance learning, ee courses, low cost). One avenue you may want to explore is to talk with the professors at the colleges/universities that meet your course offering and cost criteria. You may be able to work out a modified schedule with them (some have more leeway to make the attendance decision than others), so you can do the majority of your work outside of the classroom (you will still have to show up for tests and labs). Assuming they have the authority, if you can prove to them that you have the capability to work independently and have a very good (legitimate) reason to not attend all classes, they may be willing to work with you.. I have taken many courses this way (I was also in my 40's and 50's and had a job that required me to travel). Of course, many colleges have official policies limiting the number of days a student can miss and some do not allow their professors to waive this. Others are more flexible.

If you want to attend NO classes, you may, as you have discovered, be out of luck.

One last suggestion: For the cost issue, check out scholarships, grants, and financial aid. You can't get any of those if you don't apply. They may make the difference that will allow you to take available university courses at nearly the same out-of-pocket costs as the (non-existent) community college courses.

Richard

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You seem to need the basic "linear electronic" course (also sometimes called electronic devices) as so named by many community colleges. It covers diodes, power supplies, transistors, amplifiers, oscillators, op-amps, and so on. Its a tough course to offer on-line. It requires hands-on lab work to make the ideas sink in and take hold.

That may be true, but not everyone takes classes for the same reason. In my case, I am an experienced technical writer, and recently licensed patent agent, looking to get a stronger background for my work. (Check out

I don't doubt that, with distance-learning only, I may not be qualified to invent the next generation of computer, or holographic TV, or whatever. But, I don't need to be, I just need a good strong vocabulary for working with the engineers who do invent this stuff. Many others -- software guys who want to understand the hardware better, hi-tech business managers, hi-tech investors, etc. -- may have their own valid motives for wanting to delve deep into theory, without having the need (or time) to do lab work. Not to mention, there is always the simple pleasure of learning for the sake of learning. My point is, there are plenty of valid reasons for offering EE courses without labs, since not everyone plans to be a design engineer.

That's a whole nother discussion. Those are great for young people making no money at all. If you have an income like I do, even if the budget is tight, forget about scholarships. Someone should fund some kind of "second chance" grants for adults who are returning to pursue things they were not ready to do when younger. (I actually seached on the Web for "second chance", and found a scholarship, but it's for women only, and I think it was, something like, only women in California. So if I just move cross country, and finally get that operation done.....)

Steve O.

"Spying On The College Of Your Choice" -- How to pick the college that is the Best Match for a high school student's needs.

Vaguely similar question asked here:

Wondering if you stumbled onto this guy:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andy Gussert Elected President of AFT-Wisconsin

Message of Labor Unity Overwhelmingly Endorsed

MADISON, Wis. - Andy Gussert was elected President of AFT-Wisconsin - along with Kathy Kreul as Secretary and Deb Ausman as Treasurer - at the annual convention in Oconomowoc last Friday.

Gussert adjourned the annual convention thanking delegates, saying "You've sent a clear message. We are stronger when we stand together, and we have power when we unite." Rank-and-file delegates representing over 16,000 members endorsed the message, with Gussert receiving 76 percent of the vote, the largest margin of victory in a contested election in decades. He ran on a platform of bringing together diverse factions within the organization, and bringing more young leaders into the organization.

"Our strength is in our diversity," said Gussert. "Our members give so much back to the community - everything from teaching our children to retraining displaced workers to researching stem-cell technologies and representing the underprivileged. I'm honored to work people who are devoted to public service." AFT-Wisconsin is a union of professionals, representing employees in over 500 different job classifications, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, attorneys, administrative staff, teachers and professors.

Gussert, age 36, takes over at a time when organized labor is struggling to appeal to appeal to younger members, while retaining the expertise and experience of long-standing labor activists. Many new leaders under the age of 40 were also elected, including Michael Childers, Richard Hay, Chris Romine and John Burger.

"We are passing along the baton to a new generation," said retiring President Bob Beglinger, who is leaving after six years of service as leader and over 30 years of service on the executive board. "Andy Gussert represents our future, and our future looks bright."

AFT-Wisconsin's Newly Elected Executive Board

a.. President, Andy Gussert b.. Secretary, Kathy Kreul c.. Treasurer, Deb Ausman d.. Vice Presidents At Large: Mary Alsteens, John Burger, Michael Childers, Art Foeste, Gary Hjelm, James Leppi and Christopher Romine. e.. Senior Vice-President, Art Foeste f.. Vice President Graduate Employees, Richard Hay g.. Vice President Higher Education, Ray Spoto h.. Vice President K-12, Judith Hack i.. Vice President Paraprofessional and Related School Personnel, Pam Campbell j.. Vice President State Employees, Kevin Steffens

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