Lighting education online: development of an interactive, Internet-based education program in lighting

Daniel Frering and Sandra Vasconez, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA

Keywords

lighting education, internet, installation, maintenance, software, lighting systems, lighting design, lighting software

Abstract

There are a number of professionals involved in the evaluation, selection, specification, installation, and maintenance of lighting systems who have little or no formal education or training in the lighting field. Surveys have indicated that approximately 75% of the lighting designed and installed in the United States is done without the consultation of an experienced lighting professional. Many decisions about lighting installations are made by electrical contractors or other professionals within the building trades. These “non-lighting” professionals responsible for this sizable portion of lighting installations are often apprehensive about using new, more efficient technologies or systems because of a lack of understanding of how these systems operate. Building professionals, such as electrical contractors, also often have difficulty in accessing courses or seminars sponsored by universities or professional associations, and often cannot afford the cost or time of these programs. The authors set out to develop a lighting education program that would meet the education needs of non-lighting specialists, that would be easily accessible, affordable, flexible, and applicable to the needs of practicing building professionals.

With funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Lighting Research Center (LRC) of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute undertook a project to identify the lighting information needs of a variety of groups within the building professions that would be likely to select, install, or maintain lighting systems. A systematic survey of these professionals was completed via email and postal mail to determine their current knowledge level of lighting technologies and systems, typical lighting-related tasks they performed, and their preferred methods of receiving education. Based on the results of these surveys, the LRC determined that an Internet-based program would be the most effective method of reaching these professionals.

The authors subsequently designed and developed a comprehensive system of professional development in lighting that would allow working professionals to take individual courses in lighting at their own pace and level of understanding. Curriculum was written based on the needs assessment conducted as well as an understanding of current best practice in lighting. This curriculum was then developed into a unique interactive, Internet-based education program entitled Lighting Education Online, accessible anytime, anywhere, from the desktops of the learners.