The electrical training ALLIANCE will release a new eBook platform Thursday, March 2, 2023, to replace our existing system. eBook access will be unavailable on March 2nd from midnight – 6:00 a.m. ET during the migration. The details below tell why this is being done and what it means for current eBook users and Training Directors. (more…)
Big Changes are Coming in 2023 at the electrical training ALLIANCE
Demystifying Computer-Mediated Learning and the ProTech Skills Institute
Unraveling the possible mystery of computer-mediated learning and the function of the ProTech Skills Institute has been something the electrical training ALLIANCE (etA) has been working on for close to a year now. The etA has been holding training that benefits every role held at a JATC/AJATC. Demystifying Computer-Mediated Learning and the ProTech Skills Institute training addresses (more…)
LMS – System Error – 10.25.2022 – Detail
At 7:45 AM Eastern on 10/25/2022 the Learning Management System experienced issues causing users to sporadically see an error message. The development teams were able to find the cause of the issue and have it rectified at 8:24 AM.
So what happened?
The system has multiple components that help it run effectively.. well.. most of the time. One of those components is a dedicated system to handle cache. (You may be familiar with browser cache.. same type of thing.) Think of cache basically like our LMS short-term memory. Users, throughout the day, make very similar requests to the system. Instead of having to calculate those similar requests each time a user asks for them, we store them in our short-term memory, our cache.
Unfortunately, the LMS has been telling our short-term memory space in our LMS brain, ‘hold on to this one. Don’t get rid of it. And this one too, and this one..’ They started piling up. We started to get short of space in our short-term memory.
The issue was experienced sporadically in various areas of the LMS as a memory error that read “Exception – OOM command not allowed when used memory > ‘maxmemory’.”
What did we do?
The team was able to do two things straight away:
1. Make the space in our LMS brain for short-term memory larger
2. Go through and clear out requests no longer needed.
We have also added more intelligence in the systems conversation about what should be held onto in the cache and for how long as well as better alerts when our short-term memory space begins to look like it might be getting full.
We apologize for any interruptions you may have experienced during this incident. We strive to be sure the system is available and performant for you and the training you deliver, and we will learn from this incident to improve on that commitment.
CML – Labs and Updates
One of the key components of delivering computer-mediated learning (CML) is the ability to support more time utilizing labs and allowing the apprentice to apply the theories to real world tasks and scenarios. As we add more support to each course for optional in-class participations, we wanted to share with you where (more…)
Calling All Instructors! NEW NTI Technical Course
CALLING ALL INSTRUCTORS!
Are you looking for Online Learning Management System & Computer-Mediated Learning Training?
This is the Technical Course for You – Click the link to Register NOW for:
T119: Using the New PTSI LMS Features to Create an Active Learning Environment
Curriculum Updates in the PTSI Online Learning System
The electrical training ALLIANCE will update the PTSI Online Learning System curriculum. This will occur between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, July 1. We have several exciting features being implemented and want to inform you in advance due to the potential impact on non-completed student progress. (more…)
Can You Train Virtually? We Think So!!
The electrical training ALLIANCE is excited to launch the first of its kind lesson using virtual reality. (more…)
PTSI Online Learning System and Training Management System Maintenance
**IMPORTANT FRIENDLY REMINDER**
Upgrades Occurring This Weekend
The PTSI Online Learning System (OLS) and the Training Management System (TMS) will be undergoing system performance, security, and maintenance upgrades. Please avoid using the OLS and the TMS this weekend.
The Construction Drawings Textbook and Associated Course are Ready for Use
This next-generation course is designed to make print-reading skills more in line with current 
technologies. This new course replaces the existing Blueprint Reading for Electricians Textbook and its associated course. The electrical training ALLIANCE recommends that the online eBook reference be the primary source for students in place of the printed textbook. This online textbook is available on several platforms, including the web and Android and Apple apps. Each platform has its own requirements and compatibilities, but the web-based version is currently the most stable. 
The eBook enables students to have the best experience viewing large prints and detailed drawings. Although you can view large prints and detailed illustrations on a smaller device, more screen real estate is helpful in many cases. (more…)
Hey LMS Support Team, What Do You Work On Most?
Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar! All for the support team, stand up and holler!!
Each week the support team handles tickets submitted to the LMS Help System. Upon reviewing the trends we found it interesting what comes up as consistent and common submissions and wanted to share.
The top issues are….
- Login Issues
- Preparing for Leadership quiz navigation questions
- Printable Study Guide questions
- Students or instructors submitting errata to the Support Team