Module and Course Development Grant
Ivy Tech State College
AFS100 Fire Suppression Module
Abstract
The basic firefighters training program required by the State of Indiana for firefighters will be designed as an interactive distance-learning course. Video enhancements and PowerPoint Presentations for lecture will provide the instructional format at Ivy Tech State College to meet the 40-hour basic firefighters' training course affecting both paid and volunteer firefighters. We will use the CD Rom format for 12 modules that review the firefighters' subject areas required by the state. The state requires 24 hours of minimal training before a trainee can step on a fire truck and an additional 16 hours for basic training both of which will be included in this course that will be designed so that trainees can meet the required standards to continue in the workforce as firefighters. Three hours of college credit may be granted to those paying tuition and wishing to begin a Fire Science Associate Degree. We will be providing a public service to support standardized and convenient firefighters' training across the state of Indiana. After taking the 40-hour training modules, "Fire Suppression," a state requirement, individuals can continue their training at Ivy Tech State College in the fire science departments. We are requesting $15,000 to support the project.
NARRATIVE
1. - 2. Need to be addressed and learners to be served.
Firefighting is forecasted to remain a competitive field. State mandates require those accepted in fire service to take the initial basic firefighters' training. These modular units of study improve newly hired firefighters' skills and knowledge of firefighting and emergency needs. Before any firefighter candidate can participate in firefighting duties, this basic training must be completed satisfactorily. This is not a hands-on class. It is basically a lecture format, show and tell but with some simulations on the videos that focus on issues that firefighters must deal with on a regular basis.
This online training is for persons already on the job as firefighters across the State of Indiana that need the 40 hours of training to participate in firefighting duties and respond to fires. This is a minimum requirement. The distance-learning format can be accessed any time throughout the state of Indiana through collaborative agreements for those wishing to meet the minimum firefighter requirement.
Instructional goals are met: a) To prepare Indiana workforce for initial basic skill level training in firefighting for both career and volunteer firefighters. b) To standardize the training requirements through interactive video by formalizing 12 modules that focus on the learner. In the "Faces of the Future" April 2000, summary report edition of the 1999 AACC-ACT survey, 60 percent of students responded that a major reason for taking classes at the Community College was "to meet requirements for my chosen profession."
Gary does not have an actual training center. Our modular units would allow applicants to be trained via the Internet, anyplace, anytime throughout the state as required to meet basic skills standards. This course provides a public service to the communities in Indiana.
This course can be a steppingstone for an Associate of Applied Science with a Fire Science specialty at Ivy Tech State College. We presently offer this certification at ITSC. We will develop, "Introduction to Fire Suppression" to meet state standards and may be earned if tuition is paid. However, those just wishing to complete state certification may do so without paying any additional money if the training is taken through the Internet. The only time students pay for the class is if they do not have Internet access or want to ITSC credit.
In many rural and small town areas such as in Porter, Newton and Jasper counties firefighters serve on a volunteer basis. This course can be conveniently taken on-line in those counties so that volunteers can meet state certification requirements. Also, in the larger counties training begins at different times as needs are identified and openings occur so flexible training opportunities will be available.
Gary, East Chicago and Portage have industrial plants that employ fire fighters that are in charge of fire prevention and firefighting efforts. We are located in an area of need for firefighting training. The law affects industries too. This course will be of help to many people. The completion of a community college course in fire science may improve an applicant's chances for appointment.
3. Rationale for choice of module or course and technology or technologies to be used.
Using the digital video technology to video and edit the basic firefighter course required by the state is an innovative approach to teaching in the community for a client friendly environment that is convenient for training and for fire departments across the state that are already busy with day-to-day work. They can leave the training to us. Using the distance-learning format can assist us in developing effective working relationships throughout the state of Indiana. It is cost effective and provides for a standardized course. We expect well over 100 students to enroll in this course because of their desire to stay in the workforce as firefighters. This is a unique program of study arranged in modules.
Instead of traditional and static education, the distance learning basic firefighter course will allow for more flexibility. We want to reframe the training with this new Internet format to provide convenience for newly hired firefighters. Strategic alliances with private and non-private volunteers enhances each other's capacity for training. Successful standardized training through shared resources will support successful pass rates for this mandated course.
4. Institution's capacity and commitment to the module or course development project.
The course will be included in the curriculum of the college and Internet access made available. An instructor, retired certified firefighter who completed college, will be assigned to teach it. Tutors will be available as an intervention strategy to support the goal of 100% pass rate.
The Distance Learning department will share resources of equipment and web page design to promote the class across the state. The Ivy Tech State College public relations department will advertise the class.
Three hours of college credit will be granted to those wishing to begin the Fire Science Associate Degree. The college is providing a public service to the State of Indiana for firefighters beginning their training for both paid and volunteer firefighters.
5. Instructional design and delivery plan.
An interactive distance learning course with interactive video enhancements and PowerPoint Presentations for lecture will provide the instructional format at Ivy Tech State College for the 40-hour basic firefighters modular called "Fire Suppression" required by the State of Indiana affecting both paid and volunteer firefighters. Students will complete instructional goals online. Approximately 12 mini modules for the 40 hours of training include a review of subject areas to begin the firefighter's training: Operational level responder, blood borne pathogens, training in records including hose test, ladder test, equipment maintenance, laws in Indiana for fire service inspections, fire investigations, fire suppression, driving; recognition of special hazards, personal safety; incident command, forcible entry and ventilation. When the word "demonstrate" is used in the state mandate, they allow that simulation, explanation and illustration may be substituted when actual operation is not feasible. Thus, the online modules fit the requirements.
The Fire Suppression modular will consist of three sections with four modules in each that consists of firefighter's vocabulary, identifying equipment and problem solving in simulations. Students can continue to be assessed in these training modules until they have 100% pass rate. After completion of each section of four modules, a student who pays tuition can earn one Ivy Tech State College credit and a total of three credits can be earned when the entire 40 hours of training is completed.
After completion of the training, some students may begin academy training at their individual departments and possibly begin the two-year associate degree in fire science offered at ITSC. The delivery plan is through an Internet connection for distance learning available in every county in the State of Indiana. A state certified instructor at those sites will present the class using the standardized developed materials if there is no Internet access.
- Clients can pay a tuition fee to take the class for credit while
they complete the state mandate.
- Minimum cost for clients not opting for Internet class is $50 for
a CD Rom disk, instructor and student workbook (designed by the ITSC
instructor through the grant).
Students will use online assessments to meet standards. Those using the CD Rom will be assessed by the firefighter instructor using the instructor's manual to check for proficiencies mastered. Students will register online and their results can be downloaded at each of their testing sites. The assessments are submitted to their testing instructor at each site for confirmation of pass rate to the state Fire Marshall.
6. Explanation of how the instructional design will serve the needs of the target audience.
The final production will be available and distributed on a CD. A key element is that we will assist fire departments, both volunteer and paid to accomplish training required by the state. We can BUILD CAPACITY through collaboration. This will be a major contribution to the trained labor pool. We are orchestrating a vital leadership role for the significant increase in skill proficiency, problem-solving ability and self-confidence for firefighting trainees as a step to their professionalism.
The cost of the program can be minimal because of the Internet connection and our cost for module development would be deferred if this project is selected for a grant. We presently offer an Associate of Applied Science with a Fire Science specialty certification at Ivy Tech State College. Firefighters may continue their education at ITSC.
7. Module or course evaluation plan.
- The "Fire Suppression" 12 mini modules with tests for completion
of each module as well as the final assessment to complete the state
mandate will be available online.
- The video presentation will be created through a partnership with
the Indianapolis fire science program.
- The State Fire Marshall's office will certify the course for CD distribution.
- Fire Departments will begin using the course for new firefighter's
certification training by the fall of 2001.
- Feedback from students through a survey will measure whether the
course material was helpful and easily understood to successfully complete
the state-mandated training.
The "Fire Suppression" online modules required by the state for firefighters once completed can be utilized in any fire department in the State of Indiana. Relocation for a firefighter within the state would not require the person to retake the modular training. Transfer into the fire science department at Ivy Tech State College will be facilitated for firefighters who take the modular training and pay tuition for one to three hours of credit tied to successful completion of the "Fire Suppression" program. The "Fire Suppression" program will be standardized for all Fire Departments in the State of Indiana and make training available anytime and anyplace.
9. Information about how the module or course fits into other efforts in Indiana.
- This will be the first course for progression from early training
to the fire science two-year associate program at Ivy Tech State College.
This will be a PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM for all firefighters entering
the workforce in the State of Indiana.
- This distance learning class will eliminate duplication efforts throughout
Indiana for this training and will provide a standardized format of
instruction as well as assessment instruments for quick feedback on
the applicants meeting the standards.
- We are located in an area of many industrial plants that have a need
for firefighting training. The law affects industries too. This course
will be of help to many people. The course supports workforce education.
It focuses on workforce learning needs.
The course will be listed on an Ivy Tech State College website. Applicants will be encouraged to apply for admission to the fire science department but can sign up for the course for non-credit to meet the state mandate for the 40-hour course requirement for new firefighters. The course will be listed in the summer 2001 schedule and the distance-learning menu of courses.
We will also advertise through the newspaper and outreach with the State Fire Marshall's office in Indianapolis as well as the Indiana Firefighter's Instructors Association. Paid fire departments as well as rural area volunteer departments will be notified of the service via mailings. A cadre of fire department personnel will be part of a team to assess the course and make suggestions prior to distribution.
11. Time Line Projection
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Time
Line Projection Chart
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| Begins | Ends | ||
| 1a | March 15, 2001 | Planning and Developing a Plan for Fire Suppression Modules | April 2001 |
| 1b | March 15, 2001 | Write draft of Fire Suppression Modules to meet State Proficiencies | April 2001 |
| 2 | April 2001 | Video enhancements and PowerPoint Presentation Drafts (Indianapolis and Gary Sites) | May 31, 2001 |
| 3 | June 1, 2001 | Finalizing Student and Instructor Workbooks | June 30, 2001 |
| 4 | July 1, 2001 | Editing Modules and Begin Marketing Activities | July 31, 2001 |
| 5 | August 1, 2001 | Initial Posting to Internet | August 31, 2001 |
| 6 | September 1, 2001 | Fire Suppression Modular Program is available to Fire Departments in the State of Indiana on CD Rom and Internet formats | Ongoing |
12. Key module or course development personnel.
Mike Worosz serves as the Division chair of the Applied Science and Technology Department and is the Head of the Public Safety Technology Department at Ivy Tech State College. He retired from the Hammond Fire Department with 20 years of service. He has a Fire Science degree, B.S. in Management and an M.S. in Human Resource Development. He has used the PowerPoint Presentation format in preparing twelve courses for Internet access at Ivy Tech State College. As producer of the modules, he will develop the course content for Internet modules and prepare an instructor's workbook and student workbook as well as assessments to measure successful completion of the modular program for a grant. (Salary - $2,100)
Bill LaRouche has been Ivy Tech State College's Web master for a year. He is an instructor in the Computer Information Systems Department. He will be responsible for preparing the "Fire Suppression" modular program for web-based presentation that includes Internet and CD Rom. (Salary - $1,000)
John Niemann has been with Ivy Tech State College for 24 years. He presently is the media specialist. He will be heading up Video Technology Division for the modular program. He will take the video and still photography and edit the final product. (Salary - $1,400)
Debra Watson is the Public Affairs Manager at Ivy Tech State College and has served in this capacity for 12 years. She will assist in promoting the program through publicity and brochures throughout the State of Indiana. No additional fee.
Secretary (to be assigned) will prepare workbooks and other mailings of materials. (Stipend - $500)
Budget Narrative
Faculty will be compensated for efforts dedicated to modular development via grant funds and through released time. It is expected that intense effort will be put forth during the summer. Salaries are calculated off of current pay estimated time on the project. Fringe benefits may vary from 18 to 35%. Excess amounts will be the responsibility of the institution.
Travel includes preparing the video presentations in Indianapolis and other sites and meeting with state fire personnel in preparing plans. Overnight accommodations will be required. ($.28 a mile)
Supplies and expenses for the project include videotapes, CDs, film, postage for mailings and ($2,400) paper for the workbook preparation. A digital camera is requested to provide us with the equipment to facilitate a good product ($1,500).
Other direct costs include market expenses such as flyers, brochures and space in publications as well as editing the material. (Nine inch ads @ $34.06 per column inch = $306.54 per ad)
TRAINING CENTER MANAGER
| CERTIFICATION | FIELDS OF COMPETENCE |
| Certified Instructor, Indiana State Fire Marshall | OSHA Industrial Health and Safety Programs |
| Hazardous Materials First Responder, USEPA | Fire Science and Safety Training |
| Hazardous Waste Manager, Texas A&M | Hazardous Materials Waste Worker Training |
| Hazardous Materials Emergency Response, Texas A&M | Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning |
| State of Indiana Fire Certifications in Fire Tactics, Fire Arson, Inspection and Prevention, Management, Engineering Technology, Aircraft Crash and Rescue | Confined Space
Entry Training Emergency Response Curriculum Development (Adult Learning) |
| CREDENTIALS | |
| M.S., Human Resource Development, Vocational and Industrial Education, Indiana State University (1996) | |
| B.E.S., Management, Lewis University (1992) | |
| A.A.S., Fire Science Technology, Ivy Tech State College (1977) | |
| KEY PROJECTS | |
| Developed and implemented hazardous materials training for the Hammond Fire Department and U.S. Steel Gary Works and developed a Hazardous Materials Response Team for the City of Hammond. Trained and assisted in formation of teams for the City of Gary, East Chicago, Indiana and U.S. Steel Gary Works. Program Administrator for U.S. Steel Hazardous Materials and Confined Space Training Center. Wrote training programs for OSHA Standards 1910.120 and 1910.146. Managed the development of a multi-use training facility for ERM-North Central. Authored 40-hour and 24-hour hazardous waste and technician book and student manual. | |
Fire Science Program Specialty
- AFS101 - Fire Technology
- AFS104 - Building Construction for the Fire Science
- ENV101: Introduction to Environmental Management
- ENV102: Environmental Management
- ENV105: Air Management
- ENV106: Water Management
- PST121: Risk Management (required for the Fire Science program also)
- BUS202: Human Resource Management
- MKT101: Marketing
Member of the Hammond Fire Department, Hammond, Indiana, for 20 years, retired 1990; private for ten years; fire engineer for four years; Fire Training Officer for one year and Hazardous Materials Officer for six years. Duties included: training all fire personnel in hazardous material response; assisted in the preparation of an integrated city-wide disaster plan, city lock box ordinance, advising the prevention, response to, mitigation, and recovery from natural and man-made disasters; assisted the Hammond Department of Emergency Management in enforcement of hazardous waste ordinances and State environmental statutes. Trainer for industrial health and safety programs for the last six years; college instructor at Ivy Tech State College for 18 years and taught for the Environmental, Fire Science and Industrial Maintenance Education Departments. Appointed Facilitator, Dominican University, teaching Management and Human Resource Management in the Adult Scholars Academic Program.
