The ARRL’s Lifelong Learning program is now officially underway. About a month and a half ago, ARRL registered teachers were sent an email asking us to provide those running the program with the following information:
- A brief explanation of our teaching backgrounds
- Our areas of expertise related to amateur radio
- Our experience with online learning and course development
- Availability
I replied to that email, and three weeks later, I got another email from Kris Bickell, K1BIC, the ARRL’s Lifelong Learning manager, who listed four specific classes for which they were looking for developers. I expressed an interest in two of them—Introduction to Amateur Radio Communications and Introduction to microcontrollers and amateur radio. A couple of weeks later, I got another email with a contract to develop a course outline for Introduction to Amateur Radio Communications.
So, now, I have to come up with an outline by October 25. Being an introduction, I don’t think I need to cover the different aspects of amateur radio communications in any great depth, but rather broadly. I plan on including the following:
- Emergency and public service communications
- HF
- VHF/UHF/microwave
- Digital modes
I’m still thinking about how to organize this material, though. For example, should there be a separate unit on repeater communications? What aspects of HF communications should be included or be in a separate unit? Should different activities, such as contesting or special event stations be covered separately?
I’d be interested in hearing any thoughts that you might have on this, especially if you’re a newcomer to amateur radio.
Glad to see Emergency and public service communications first on your list. Traffic handling via the National Traffic System is a joy.
Would be glad to comment, as I’ve been working on a packet for new hams, to help our fraduates/new Technicians into the hobby, and on toward their General Class licenses. And – I’m new enough to be living the struggles.
But – would need to know what is meant by “communications” in this context. Otherwise, you’ve got all of ham radio!”
Many new licenses personal only have vague understanding of repeaters. I think a solid tutorial on the what and how to navigate repeaters would be a significant addition to your upcoming project.
Hi Daniel,
If you don’t mind a psychologist chiming in, I’d like to ask about the intended audience for the outline you are working on.
When I see the term “lifelong learning” in our neck of the woods, the northeast, it often refers to course provided in a community for senior citizens and retirees who are finally able to pursue their ‘lifelong interests’.
An outline for such an audience might differ somewhat from one that is designed for the ‘typical’ attendee of ‘typical’ technician licensing prep sessions.
Congrats on your role in this important effort.
Paul AC2UQ
New Paltz, NY
Way too narrow thinking. Broaden your thoughts. A lot of being in Ham Radio isn’t even that technical
QSLing
Eyeball cards and when does introducing yourself as a ham help?
Shack layout
Programming your radios
Difference in programming for each of the big manufacturers
Being in a club
Being leadership in a club
Promoting Amateur Radio
ARRL resources
Contesting operating and administering
Hello, I’m interested in your Life Long Learning Beta Testers. I’ll be President of my club starting in January 2020 and I want to setup some programs to educate everyone from a non-licensed individual to our most senior members. I believe that we need to develop HAMS and to develop continually through out our lives. Thanks
Mitch