<![CDATA[Automotive Teacher News]]>

<![CDATA[Automotive Teacher News]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showforum.php?fid/4/An AutoTech eLearning FeednoneSat, 03 Nov 2007 20:21:56 GMTSat, 03 Nov 2007 20:21:56 GMThttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssFusionBB 2.0.1 (www.fusionbb.com)<![CDATA[Mazda To Use ATech Fuel Trim Program]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/796/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/796/

Mazda To Use ATech Fuel Trim Program

The following story was published in the October 2007 edition of ATech - AIPC AutoTeacher News

Below are excerpts from a letter received by ATech from MAZDA training. Naturally we agreed to allow the use of the program in this fashion. It is such a fantastic idea that ATech is considering doing the same thing and passing the USB thumb drives out at seminars and conferences.

One of ATech’s primary goals is to assist everyone with program improvement, whether they are an OEM or a small secondary program with 5 students.

Fred Hines

Mazda Said:

We are considering making use of the ATech Training Fuel Trim Simulation software in our Engine Management technical training path. We see the value of incorporating the software into training and we foresee many of our technicians will want a copy to help them once they return to the shop. With that in mind, we are toying with the idea of buying a large quantity of USB thumb drives and pre-loading your software onto the drives. Once our technicians learn to properly use the software in our Engine Management class, we’ll provide them with a copy of their own, upon request, on a USB thumb drive.

As I mentioned on the phone, I’m seeking permission to use the software in this manner. Ideally, I would like to supply the USB thumb drive vendor with the software so they can preload it onto the USB drives at the same time they add the Mazda logo to the housing. We are not proposing to alter the software in any way - we will leave the ATech Training copyright mark intact. If usage of the software in this manner would require us to purchase a license, then please take this
opportunity to let me know what you’ll charge us at Mazda for the license, so that I might add that to my budget proposal.

I’m very excited about sharing this valuable learning tool with our 12 instructors and with hundreds of Mazda technicians. I feel this will finally help them to see concepts that
remain puzzling to so many of today’s automotive service professionals.

Thank you for your time,
James Uhl
Instructional Designer
Mazda North American Operations

To learn more about this free software, click here. ]]>Sat, 03 Nov 2007 20:07:27 GMT<![CDATA[Gaithersburg HS Automotive Students to Donate Van]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/793/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/793/

Gaithersburg HS Automotive Students to Donate Van

10/31/2007
www.gazette.net

A special education school in Gaithersburg, MD is getting a new set of wheels.

Automotive students at Gaithersburg High School are giving the Forbush School in Gaithersburg a refurbished, seven-passenger van. The keys will be handed over at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 8 at the auto lab of the high school, 314 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD.

The Forbush School serves children from kindergarten to 15 years old who have autism, pervasive development disorders, developmental delays, severe behavioral problems, multiple learning disabilities and other related disorders.

To read the full article, click here. ]]>Sat, 03 Nov 2007 04:56:16 GMT<![CDATA[Zurich Contributes $10,000 for Automotive Scholarships]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/792/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/792/

Zurich Direct Underwriters Contributes $10,000 for Automotive Scholarships

Overland Park, Kan., October 30, 2007 – Zurich, one of the world’s largest property-casualty insurance companies, announced today that Zurich Direct Underwriters, its business unit with a highly specialized focus on the North American automotive industry, is extending its commitment to education and the automotive industry. Zurich Direct Underwriters is working with the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) by awarding $10,000 in scholarships for those planning careers in the automotive aftermarket.

“Providing money for scholarships is one way to help ensure there are knowledgeable and well-trained professionals in the industry,” said Gerry Cecil, national director of field marketing for the Automotive Specialty Markets (ASM) division of Direct Underwriters. “We believe these scholarships will help attract new entrants into automotive aftermarket fields as well as improve the management and technical knowledge of those already working in the industry.”

The typical scholarship award amount is $1,000, but qualified applicants may be eligible for additional funding. Applicants must either be graduating high school seniors or have graduated from high school within the past two years (2006 or after). An exception to the two-year requirement can be made for those in the military or religious service.

“We are delighted that Zurich has made this substantial investment in our scholarship fund,” said Pete Kornafel, chairman of the Global Automotive Symposium Scholarship Committee. “Commitments like this from Zurich and other aftermarket companies will ensure that we are able to continue attracting the best and brightest students to join our industry.”

Cecil said Zurich’s involvement in funding educational programs for the aftermarket industry grew during the early 1990s with the creation of a separate ASM division within Direct Underwriters. ASM provides focus on automotive businesses outside of Direct Underwriters' traditional automotive dealer customers.

As a charter governor organization of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI), in the mid 1990s Direct Underwriters provided an initial monetary contribution to AMI, which offers practical business management education tailored to the automotive service industry. Cecil said ASM developed courses for AMI including a four-credit-hour course titled, “How to Purchase Business Insurance” and continues its support via participation on the AMI board of directors. During Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, Direct Underwriters is sponsoring education and training programs for owners and managers at the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association's International BIG R Show.

“As an organization, Zurich is committed to ensuring the next generation of qualified employees for the automotive aftermarket,” Cecil said. “Our funding commitment to GAAS is the right thing to do to help our customers and the automotive aftermarket industry. Our goal is to increase scholarship contributions through co-sponsorships from associations and groups with whom we have solid relationships which, in turn, will prompt more candidates to seek scholarship support.”

Zurich’s Direct Underwriters business unit is contributing these funds to the Symposium Scholarship Fund. All net proceeds of GAAS are used to fund scholarships for students pursuing automotive industry careers, including technical and management training programs. Since the program began in 1996, more than 1,300 scholarships have been awarded. Information about eligibility requirements and an online application are available at http://www.automotivescholarships.com.

About Zurich Financial Services

Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 58,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, small business, specialties and programs sectors.

Zurich’s Direct Underwriters business unit (formerly Universal Underwriters Group) was founded in 1922 and specializes in insurance coverage for the auto, truck, equipment and motorcycle dealer industry, and automotive aftermarket industry. It also offers a full line of finance and insurance products to automobile dealers.

Media contacts:

Steve McKay
Zurich
Work: 847-706-2265
Cell: 847-738-0620
steven.mckay@zurichna.com

Jennifer Nowacki
Zurich
Work: 847-605-6511
Cell: 847-275-4428
jennifer.nowacki@zurichna.com ]]>Sat, 03 Nov 2007 04:35:44 GMT<![CDATA[UTI to Enroll 1000 Faculty Members in Professional Development Program]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/791/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/791/

Universal Technical Institute Selects the Center for Excellence in Education for Faculty Training and Development

WASHINGTON, Oct 31, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- The leading career education companies know that one of the most important strategic priorities to achieve growth is increasing the capabilities of their workforce. And thanks to the new relationship with the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is able to maximize its faculty performance and enhance student success.

Formed through a strategic partnership between the Imagine America Foundation and MaxKnowledge, Inc., the CEE provides turnkey employee development solutions for career college operators. Nearly 1,000 UTI instructors will be participating in CEE's online faculty development program.

"The Center for Excellence in Education has developed an unparalleled professional educator development program for the career college sector of higher education," said Ron Obstfeld, vice president of Learning and Development at the Universal Technical Institute, Inc. "UTI chose to work with CEE following a thorough review and evaluation of all the components of its program. CEE goes beyond stand-alone training courses to offer comprehensive interactive, professional educator development solutions that turn training into performance. We look at CEE as our strategic partner in maximizing our instructional staff's performance and student outcomes."

"The Imagine America Foundation's commitment to enhancing continuing education and training opportunities goes back to its original charter established 25 years ago," said Robert L. Martin, president of the Imagine America Foundation. "We're pleased to partner with Universal Technical Institute."

"UTI is a quality-driven institution," said Dr. Amir Moghadam, CEO of MaxKnowledge. "They truly recognize the value of human capital and have put together an impressive learning and development infrastructure within their organization. We're honored to be working with such a forward-thinking career education institution."

For further information about the CEE, please visit http://www.iaf-cee.org.

About the Imagine America Foundation

The Imagine America Foundation (IAF), established in 1982, is a not-for- profit organization dedicated to providing scholarship, research and training support for the career college sector. For more information about the IAF scholarship and award programs, please visit http://www.imagineamericafoundation.com.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

Universal Technical Institute is a provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. For further information about UTI, please visit http://www.uti.edu.

Contact: Robert L. Martin
Phone: (202) 336-6758
E-mail: bobm@career.org

SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

http://www.uti.edu
]]>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:58:10 GMT<![CDATA[Digital Literacy Project Announcement]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/789/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/789/

Digital Literacy Project Announcement

This online resource was designed to deliver computer training to those involved in the automotive service industry. I am a full time automotive educator and I see, on almost a daily basis, the tremendous need for this type of training. The Digital Literacy Project was designed to deliver training to a wide group from automotive students to working technicians and everybody in between.

I offer training in two formats, through a website as online courses and through a book. I originally wrote the book about 2 years ago to use in a computer skills class we started teaching in our automotive program at Guilford Technical Community College, in Jamestown, NC. I am now doing a complete re-write of the book to bring it up to date. I am on target to have the book completed by December, 2007. The book is designed to be used as a college level text book, as a self-study book, or as a reference book. To view the table of contents from the book, click here.. To view a sample chapter from the book, click here.

As soon as the book is completed, digitalliteracyproject.com will offer the same content as the book in an online course. The online course will include the same written content as the book, but offer much more in the way of multi-media. For example, each chapter will include movies that show exactly how to perform computer tasks and use Internet services. Audio summaries of each chapter will also allow you to review the material by listening to an MP3 file.

When you enroll in an online class you will have access to the class for a full year. The online class is not just simply a way to push information to the student, it is an interactive experience where you can communicate with myself and other students through chat and discussion forums. I check the forums on a daily basis and will be able to answer any questions you have posted proptly. So when you sign-up for one of my online classes, you get me as your technology coach!

To automatically keep informed on the progress of this project you can subscribe to the site news feed using the "RSS" icon or register with the site to receive a monthly newsletter (you can opt out of the newsletter at any time).

Grant Swaim
Site Administrator ]]>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 06:08:12 GMT<![CDATA[Sonny Reeves Named Bibb County's Teacher of the Year]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/788/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/788/

Sonny Reeves Named Bibb County's Teacher of the Year

About 500 Bibb County school teachers met for dinner at Macon's Goodwill Conference Center, where teacher of the year candidates from each Bibb County school were given a glass trophy and cheered on by their peers. Sonny Reeves received a $1,500 check and the honor to serve as a spokesman for the Bibb County school system during the school year.

Reeves, who began teaching in Bibb County in 2004, said it's an honor to walk amongst the best. He never sought to be a teacher, but those close to him say he has changed lives.

To read the full article click here. ]]>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 05:42:45 GMT<![CDATA[Open House - Parkland College Style]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/787/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/787/

Open House - Parkland College Style

Ev Levitt, head of the engineering sciences program, said almost 600 students from 22 high schools signed up to attend the open house Friday. "We're doing this primarily for juniors and seniors to give them an orientation to technology and career opportunities they can pursue after high schools," Levitt said. "We also want the students, teachers and counselors to know what's required to enter Parkland and the career fields students choose."

"Diesel is three major areas – trucks, agriculture and construction," he said. "Now it's not so much mechanical as electronic. We test this Peterbilt 379 engine with a laptop. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act have also changed the business."

The message was the same at the automotive technology sessions. "There's a lot more to fixing cars than there used to be," said program director Michael Donovan, adding that a well-trained technician in Champaign-Urbana will be in hot demand and can make more than $60,000 a year.

To read the full article, click here. ]]>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 05:32:06 GMT<![CDATA[MSU's SAE club Shows off Student-Built Race Car]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/786/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/786/

MSU's SAE club Shows off Student-Built Race Car

Founded in 1981, Formula SAE is a competition in which engineering students from around the world design, build, test and race miniature formula race cars.Cars are scored not only on their speed and handling but also on engineering qualities like fuel economy and design.

Montana State University formed a Formula SAE team in 2003, and over the past few years, students from the College of Engineering have built two race cars. The first competed at a regional SAE event in California in 2006, placing 45th out of 71 teams.

The current car, built this year, finished 24th at this year's competition. The club has 56 members, said Patrick Reedy, a member of sponsorship committee. Of those, 26 seniors on four teams built the car over the course of an academic year, with the underclassmen helping maintain and test the car.

To read the full article, click here. ]]>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:44:08 GMT<![CDATA[Tiffany Nabozny Awarded First AutoTrader.com Scholarship]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/785/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/785/

Northwood University Student Tiffany Nabozny Awarded First AutoTrader.com Scholarship

MIDLAND, MICH. (October 15, 2007)

AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry awarded Northwood University student and Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) General Chair Tiffany Nabozny the very first AutoTrader.com Automotive Scholarship on Friday, Sept. 28, the first day of the renowned, student-run auto show.

AutoTrader.com will award the scholarship annually, worth approximately $16,000, to the Northwood automotive marketing or automotive management program student serving as the NUIAS general chair, provided the student is a junior or senior and meets other academic requirements. The scholarship funds a full year of tuition in the Northwood automotive marketing or automotive management program.

“We’re proud to contribute to the advancement of student achievement here at Northwood and to be a partner with this institution and their automotive academic programs,” said Perry. “The students in this Northwood University program represent a big part of the auto industry’s future and AutoTrader.com is thrilled to do our part to make sure that future is bright.”

Perry was at Northwood’s Midland, Mich., campus to participate in a panel discussion in conjunction with the show. The NUIAS is the largest outdoor auto show in the country and one of the only auto shows run entirely by students. It was held this year from Sept. 28 to September 30 on the Northwood University Midland campus.

“We’re excited to have a partner like AutoTrader.com to help bring real-world automotive insights and perspectives to our students,” said Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing Chair Joseph Lescota. “This scholarship is one more example of AutoTrader.com’s support for our programs.”

About AutoTrader.com

AutoTrader.com, created in 1997 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is the Internet's leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer information website. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location more than 3 million vehicle listings from 40,000 dealers and 250,000 private owners, which provide the largest selection of vehicles attracting more than 13 million qualified buyers each month. Through innovative merchandising products such as multiple photos and comprehensive search functionality, AutoTrader.com unites buyer and seller online - dramatically improving the way people research, locate and advertise vehicles.

AutoTrader.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is a special purpose university with campuses in Florida, Michigan and Texas. For more information about Northwood University and its programs, please visit www.northwood.edu.

Contact Information

Mark Scott
Senior Manager, Media Relations
AutoTrader.com
404-568-7905
mark.scott@autotrader.com ]]>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:59:22 GMT<![CDATA[AutoZone Scholarship Awarded to SkillsUSA National Champion]]>http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/762/http://autotech-elearning.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/762/

AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship Awarded to SkillsUSA National Automotive Champions

Source: ALLDATA, LLC

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 24, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO), the nation's leading retailer and distributor of auto parts, today announced the second annual "AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship" winners. The $10,000 automotive industry-focused scholarship was divided among the gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championship, Automotive Service Technology competition recently held in Kansas City, MO.

"The AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship was created to provide an incentive to high school students seeking post-secondary education, help build automotive career awareness and infuse highly-qualified professionals into the workforce," said Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President and CEO of AutoZone. "One of the most effective ways to achieve those goals is to support and cultivate educational opportunities for future automotive professionals. This scholarship gives us the opportunity to make a profound and positive impact on the future of the automotive industry."

Competitors in the Automotive Service Technology contest were given the chance to showcase their skills. Testing was based on tasks outlined by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Thirteen workstations tested the students' mechanical and diagnostic knowledge of all the major systems found in today's automobiles. Testing was accomplished with an array of vehicles, computers, simulator boards and component bench testing. Contestants also had to take a comprehensive written exam.

AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship Winners

Gold Medal - Daniel Lehmkuhl of San Luis Obispo High School in San Luis Obispo, CA
Silver Medal - Dan Martin of Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, KS
Bronze Medal - Steve Ray of the Center For Technology in Essex Junction, VT

"We are very pleased to join with AutoZone in creating this scholarship program," said Eric Gearhart, SkillsUSA's director of Business and Industry Partnerships. "As an Official Sponsor, AutoZone continues to demonstrate that corporate citizenship is alive and thriving. We need to revitalize technical education in this country and AutoZone is stepping up to the challenge."

About AutoZone

As of May 5, 2007, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,881 AutoZone stores in the United States and 110 AutoZone stores in Mexico, and also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving more than 264,000 high school and college students and professional members in trade, technical and skilled service occupational training programs. SkillsUSA enjoys the active support of nearly 1,000 corporations, trade associations and labor organizations at the national level, with thousands more active at the state and local levels of SkillsUSA. The SkillsUSA National Championships included over 4,500 contestants in 77 separate events with 1,500 judges and contest organizers.

Student membership offers leadership, citizenship and employability skills development to complement hands-on technical skills training. SkillsUSA emphasizes respect for the dignity of work and high standards in trade ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. For more information on SkillsUSA, visit http://www.skillsusa.org.

Contact Information

Media:
Ray Pohlman
(901)495-7962
ray.pohlman@autozone.com

Financial:
Brian Campbell
901-495-7005
brian.campbell@autozone.com ]]>Sat, 25 Aug 2007 14:39:20 GMT