PDH's
PDH's
(OP)
Too bad we cannot use our educational time in the forum here for obtaining PDH hours for our professional licenses. There is certainly enough learned here to constitute one three hour class over a year. Since I have joined, I have been in here at least three times a day, both learning and contributing. Hard part would be documenting the hours. Any comments?
Mike McCann
McCann Engineering






RE: PDH's
I do agree with you though, if this is used properly. I work for a great company, but this forum has definitely accelerated my learning process. I have been exposed to many problems, situations, and solutins that I would not have had the chance to encounter in my own job yet. I honestly feel like I have been exposed to much more than most people with a short 16 months of experience,
Additionally, it gives me a place to bounce ideas and opinions without constantly asking my mentors at work. I definitely ask alot of questions, but try not to ask the same one twice.
RE: PDH's
Its never to bad to ask the same question twice, as you can forget/wanted clarification. Asking the third time in my opinion.........not good
RE: PDH's
Mike McCann
McCann Engineering
RE: PDH's
I definately agree with you.
I've learned a lot from this board. I have numerous threads printed out and put into my various binders on different subjects. Its always good to hear other's opinions on topics.
I learn a lot more on this board than a lot of seminars I go to where the speaker is droning on about some subject I really don't care too much about, and I am just stitting there to get my PDH's.
RE: PDH's
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: PDH's
RE: PDH's
Mike McCann
McCann Engineering
RE: PDH's
You gotta do more than just join.
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: PDH's
The continuing ed requirements would be a lot better if there were actually more pertinent sources of training. You hate to waste time in a course just because you couldn't find anything better and have to do something.
RE: PDH's
RE: PDH's
csd
RE: PDH's
RE: PDH's
Particularly for the very experienced engineers who probably know how to design almost anything. For them reading about the latest products and innovations is probably far more educational than some conference on concrete design.
csd
RE: PDH's
Does anyone know of other sources that offer pdh's for no cost?
RE: PDH's
What about all of the online pdh providers?! Most of these courses are just about useless from an educational standpoint but provide full credit for pdh credits. Being licensed in 48 states makes keeping up with pdh credits a pain, and it can be difficult coming up with useful continuing ed opportunities.
As for professional organizations, from what I recall in most states you can claim 1 pdh per year for "active participation" in each organization.
RE: PDH's
...I also just got my certs in the mail for the free PDH self-study (read article, take quiz, fax quiz answer sheet to PSH sponsor) from CE News and Structural Engineer magazine...
RE: PDH's
RE: PDH's
I do agree to an extent. The free PDH's from CE News and Structural Engineer (same as the gostructural link shemp mentions) cover topics that I find relevant and educational - e.g., clear explanations of ACI 318-05's torsional considerations for concrete and such.
There are free AIA CEUs available at www.aecdaily.com that I've found to be great cross-overs into structural aspects of architecture (I completed the "course" in seismic expansion joints for floors and came away with a lot of good, new practical knowledge) - of course all from a vendor's point of view. Nevertheless, all AEC has to do is pay the State of New York a fee of $900 and these courses might get recognized as legit PDHs (I know this how? Easy: I contacted AEC, who are headquartered in northern New York after checking the state's PE website and found that AEC - unlike PCA and Con-Tech, the gostructural PDH providers - wasn't registered as an approved PDH provider. AEC's answer was something like I should lobby NY or somesuch).
The PDHOnline website (also approved by NY) has some pretty darn useful (though not free) courses. I seem to learn better if there's a tangible goal involved (like a PDH or two) and, for example, I needed to "get learned on" steel joists and steel joist girders. Through their course on steel joists, I ended up buying ($14) Vulcraft's book on design of steel joists and steel decks and read it entirely, going through all its examples - and then taking the PDHOnline exam. I did this just for my own satisfaction and it sure was useful, so I'm grateful that there are decent PDH providers out there.