Delegates at the GCIU convention watch an Education Committee presentation on some of the advantages of "distance learning" as a way to keep pace with technology advancements.

Delegates attending the GCIU's Fifth Quadrennial Convention took a look at the future of training in the print industry, courtesy of the Education Committee.

The committee members explained the dire need for educating and training members to keep pace with the rapid technological changes in printing and related crafts – and to enhance their chances to keep and hold jobs.

But, how do you train a GCIU workforce spread across the U.S. and Canada to allow training in various fields needed in different locations?

The education committee members reviewed how use both older methods and new Internet technology to meet that need. They produced for the delegates and Internet classroom in the convention hall that showed how courses could be taught by "distance learning."

Lauren Baker

The committee, chaired by Lauren Baker of Milwaukee 577M and director of the Milwaukee Graphic Arts Institute, showed the delegates how an Internet classroom works. The teleconference hook-up linked the convention hall with classrooms back at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), a leader in distance learning techniques.

Convention delegates and guests saw MATC professors on a big screen via a two-way video hookup to illustrate how classes can be beamed from one classroom to class locations across the continent and around the world. The connection showed that GCIU training classes at one site can be shared with others, making upgrading classes available to more members.

John Potts

Baker and committee Secy. John Potts of Philadelphia 14M explained that it is often impractical for students, especially from small locals, to develop training sessions. But if the classes – developed and produced at one site – were available via Internet, all locals across the U.S. and Canada could participate, ask questions, and derive the fullest benefits from the training sessions.

"The current state of training is unacceptable," Baker said. "We need a new answer. Industry demands better technological training and we should be able to provide it."

The education committee reviewed other educational methods that are appropriate for the industry, ranging from voice and video cassettes to correspondence courses that are available on the Web.

This would have the advantage of allowing shift workers to take the courses when they were able, rather than binding them to a specific time. The courses can also be done at the pace the student wants.

But, the committee warned, if training is not upgraded to keep up with the rapidly expanding technology in all facets of the industry, GCIU members will find it harder to perform jobs as technology expands.

The teleconference illustrated using this new technology to meet the training needs of all GCIU members.