The CEDIA Academy

A BETTER APPROACH TO TRAINING YOUR WORKFORCE

THE CEDIA ACADEMY'S HOLISTIC EDUCATION

The philosophy behind CEDIA’s new approach to education, and the coursework built into the new CEDIA Academy

Steve Rissi

CEDIA Director of Technical Training

During my 20-year career in the technology integration industry, I have observed that most companies tend to take a very utilitarian approach to training new staff members. Utilitarianism is basically a philosophical framework that emphasizes the immediate benefit, advantage, or pleasure that an object or action can provide. Many training programs are built with the idea that if there is some area of knowledge that cannot be proven to have a direct and immediate benefit or specific application to completing a required task, it therefore has no value. On the surface, this seems to be a reasonable approach that removes the unnecessary and improves efficiency. Unfortunately, in my experience, when this philosophy is at the core of training and development, it does not prepare technicians, or staff in general, for long-term success. Building the Foundation

Applying utilitarianism as a starting point almost always skips over essential and foundational principles that may not be strictly “necessary” for a technician to connect cable A to slot B. However, knowledge of the underlying principles that dictate how a certain type of signal travels over cable A and why that signal needs to be received with a particular voltage at slot B, becomes invaluable when that same technician needs to troubleshoot problems with signal quality.

Here’s an example: I’ve been asked why I still teach students about CRT displays. Why teach an essentially outdated technology? Current technologies are all still based on the fundamental principles of video signaling that were built around how CRT displays worked. By explaining CRTs, it gives context and meaning to later learning opportunities. Specifically, when educating learners on the functionality of scan lines, it is placed in the context of how an electron beam would excite

the phosphors on the display one line at a time to make an image. This holistic approach supports a learning experience where the idea of scan lines can be much better understood, and the entire video system makes more sense. As the learning continues, this foundational knowledge can later be applied to HDMI functionality and advanced system verification and troubleshooting.

The Learning Gap

Another offshoot of the utilitarian attitude is that it tends to promote a somewhat minimalistic viewpoint regarding the educational process as a whole. It supports the notion that it is fine to achieve only the minimum amount of knowledge to obtain an immediate benefit. The outcome is commonly a decision, veiled in a false sense of efficiency, that the necessary knowledge can be obtained by watching another technician. Subsequently, much of the training process ends up delegated to other technicians.

This can create multiple issues. First, the new technician will learn whatever habits, good or bad, they see performed by their partner. Second, while able to perform the tasks they observe, they aren’t challenged to understand why they are doing what they are doing and therefore cannot properly evaluate systems or apply knowledge to synthesize solutions to malfunctions. Third, there becomes a clear limit to the ability to learn, because most techs will only ever be as good as the person in the van next to them.

The biggest issue, though, is the example this sets within the company culture. If a technician observes that their supervisors are only willing to invest the minimum required in his development, eventually they

PATHWAYS: Routes to CEDIA Certification

Cabling and Infrastructure Technician Pathway

7 courses

This educational pathway supports new technicians entering the systems integration industry. The content covered in this pathway has a strong focus on providing the foundational knowledge necessary to begin working as a technician installing cabling and infrastructure to support integrated communications and entertainment systems. The knowledge domains covered in the pathway include audio, video, wire and cabling, termination and testing, construction methods and materials, project processes, equipment installation, retrofit installation techniques, as well as safety practices and applicable building codes and standards.

Integrated Systems Technician Pathway

6 courses

This educational pathway supports cabling and infrastructure technicians to take the next step in their professional development. With a focus on specific applications for technology installation and configuration, the content in this pathway provides the foundational knowledge to begin working as an Integrated Systems Technician with minimal supervision. Knowledge domains covered in this pathway include IT networking, distributed audio systems, lighting, motorization, energy management, systems programming and control, home cinema and systems commissioning for project completion.

New Hire Essentials Package

13 courses

This educational pathway is designed to guide learners through the foundational knowledge required for long-term success as a technology integration technician. The New Hire Essentials Package includes all online courses from the Cabling and Infrastructure Technician Pathway and the Integrated Systems Technician Pathway.

will most likely learn to provide only the minimum work required to keep receiving a paycheck. The best technicians are always the ones that are passionate about the industry and the technology. Those who love what they do are the same ones who are willing to go the extra mile and provide the attention to detail to do the job with top notch precision and results. For these reasons, minimalism is toxic to longterm productivity, project efficiency, and business growth and sustainability. (As a quick point of clarity, this is not at all to diminish the need for on-the-job training. OJT is an invaluable component to education, especially in a skilled trade requiring hands-on work, but in most cases, it simply cannot provide a complete education for the learner.)

In contrast to minimalism, which only looks to the very next step, a holistic model views the success of an educational plan with the long-term goal in mind.

The CEDIA Academy

With that backdrop in mind, CEDIA has completely redeveloped our educational programs with a holistic approach at the core of the new learning model. All the courses offered through the new CEDIA Academy have been built from the ground up by subject matter experts with extensive industry experience. These courses include both the foundational knowledge, as well as real world recommendations and examples to aid in getting technicians up-to-speed quickly and boosting confidence on the jobsite. This comprehensive education has been built in parallel with the upcoming improvements to our certification program and offers learning pathways that will not only provide for effective exam preparation, but also success in the field. The holistic philosophy that undergirds the new CEDIA Academy will provide learners not only with what they need to do the job today, but also a comprehensive education built upon the foundational principles necessary to promote further learning and ongoing success in their career.

Click here to visit the new CEDIA Academy

SPECIAL INTEREST COURSES

A sampling of new offerings — check back often as new courses are being added all the time. ISF Level One ISF Level 1 - Online covers the fundamentals of Color Science, Display Standards, and detailed tutorials on the ISF CalMAN Workflow Calibration software. Through 11 self-taught modules, learners will be prepared to become an ISF calibrator. This online course serves as the CEDIA/ISF prerequisite to attend the hands-on ISF Level 2 and Level 3 certification training.

AV-over-IP As technology rapidly evolves, the ability to deliver quality audio and video signals via IP has become more and more reliable, providing better and better experiences for clients. In this AV-over-IP course, you'll learn about the exciting new ways to distribute and deliver content throughout the modern home using these techniques.

Cybersecurity for Integrators As more devices become networkenabled, the need to secure these devices becomes ever more important as the implications and scope of security incidents become greater. This course provides an introduction to cybersecurity, discusses the various threats to clients and business systems security, identifies key areas to improve current security, and offers a basic knowledge of the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) framework for cybersecurity.

THE LAST 5% WISDOM FROM OUR MEMBERS (AND SOME OTHERS, TOO)

“The toughest part of a job? Sometimes it’s the last 5%.” – Anon.

I think we’re about to have a fundamental debate about broadband – Is it private? Private with subsidization? Or is it a mandatory service?

Ball State Professor Michael Hicks, PhD, on how the pandemic will impact connectivity in the U.S. from the CEDIA Podcast “Broad Economic Trends”

Now’s the time to say “What is our process for figuring out if we’re making money or losing money? What is our process for figuring out what part of our business generates the most revenue?” One of the benchmarking numbers we look at all the time is revenue-per employee – I like that number, because even if your books are a mess, hopefully you know what you sold last year and how many employees you have.

Leslie Shiner (The Shiner Group) on analyzing your books during a downturn from the CEDIA Podcast “Adjusting Your Business Model”

I looked back at CEDIA’s research and reports from last year and the year before. There were trends there: more robust networking, cybersecurity, and so on, that haven’t changed at all. The only change? Those trends are accelerating.

Wim de Vos (Genesis Home Technologies) on COVID-19 impacts from the CEDIA.net post “After the Lockdowns”

By 2021, we will be the leading standards organization within our industry.

Dennis Erskine (the Erskine Group), former CEDIA Board Chairman and present chairman of the Certification Commission from the CEDIA Podcast “Certification and Legal Update”

You are not alone. You are part of a worldwide industry association that, through the years, has created a special bond that uniquely connects our members. Together, we will overcome this crisis.

CEDIA CEO and Global President Tabatha O’Connor in the video announcing the rollout of the CEDIASTRONG inititaive

SEEING i TO i

When it comes to home technology, it’s not enough to see the

future. Installers and integrators—it’s your job to see how people

fit into that future. Of course, we’re not here to tell you how to

do your job. As the largest network of Home Technology

professionals, we’re here to help you do your job better.

Learn more at CEDIA.NET/MEMBERSHIP

EMBRACE THE HUMAN NETWORK.

CEDIA Member Alec Haight Kansas City, KS Pioneer Music

DESIGN AT THE SPEED OF THOUGHT.

Every project begins with an idea. With The CEDIA Designer, transform your media room and home theater projects from idea to rendering in a matter of minutes.

Developed by renowned designer Guy Singleton, The CEDIA Designer begins with your specifications, and then perfectly calculates every inch of your design, including the top technology brands for seamless integration.

3D CAD model, complete scale rendering, full documentation, technically perfect math—weeks of design work finished as soon as you can imagine it.