ATE Impacts 2020-2021

ATE Centers – Engineering Technologies 39 Project-based Learning Prepares Technicians for Building Operations Challenges Twenty-first century commercial buildings require operations personnel with sophisticated skill sets. Technicians must be able to solve complex HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) problems and use data to optimize building performance for comfort, occupant health, and energy savings. To address the demand for qualified building technicians, BEST and its network of colleges are deploying project-based learning (PBL) methods in their programs. Students who become self- directed learners and adept problem-solvers are better able to handle the challenges of working with advanced mechanical equipment or digital building control systems for fault detection and diagnostics. BEST leads faculty in designing PBL strategies at its annual workshops. Instructors work in teams and learn by doing— the very essence of PBL. They often wire, program, test, and troubleshoot building automation systems linked to mechanical devices. They also analyze building systems data to identify problems or potential opportunities for improvement. Through this immersion in PBL, instructors can more effectively devise and implement engaging, real-world scenarios for their students. The College of DuPage’s building automation program integrates hands-on learning for improved skills development. students enrolled in building science courses 6,760 program completers and graduates 2,420 technicians entering the workforce 2,570 * BEST Student Completion & Employment 2014-2019 Since 2014, BEST’s network of 70+ colleges has helped to boost the US building operations workforce. * Includes program non-completers.