OP-TEC Hybrid, Online Professional Development Course:
Fundamentals of Light and Lasers

Online Course Description

OP-TEC, the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education, is a National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center of Excellence with the mission of promoting photonics education and assisting colleges around the country in developing and implementing educational programs that support expansion of this critical new technology.

As part of our efforts to provide faculty development in optics and photonics, OP-TEC offers a hybrid, online faculty development course. The Open Entry/Open Exit course has been developed for faculty whose schedules demand a more flexible course timeline. It is perfect for busy faculty who might have difficulty keeping up with weekly assignments in a "scheduled" course but who would have a period or periods of time during the semester or school year that would allow them to complete assignments and exams independently and at their own pace.

This online course is being offered at no charge to U.S. high school, community college and technical college faculty interested in teaching a basic photonics course.

The course is facilitated by an instructor experienced in teaching photonics concepts at the college level and will require a high level of independent self-paced instruction. The course will cover OP-TEC’s Fundamentals of Light and Lasers. 

Fundamentals of Light and Lasers Modules:

• Module 1:  Nature and Properties of Light
• Module 2:  Optical Handling and Positioning
• Module 3:  Light Sources and Laser Safety
• Module 4:  Basic Geometrical Optics
• Module 5:  Basic Physical Optics
• Module 6:  Principles of Lasers

The six modules will be completed online and through email with the instructor. After successful completion of all six modules, participants will spend a 3-day Capstone Experience at an OP-TEC partner college where they will have the opportunity to conduct laboratory experiments included in the course and discuss with experienced instructors best practices for teaching the materials. Participants who successfully complete the online course and the 3-day laboratory session will receive a certificate of completion from OP-TEC. Participants may also apply for 9 CEUs from an OP-TEC partner college.

Additional course details, contact information and application instructions are provided below!

• Intended Audience:
  This online course is designed for high school, community college and technical college faculty interested in teaching a basic photonics course.
• Dates:
  This is an Open Entry/Open Exit course available October 3, 2011 through May 15, 2012. Though this course is self-paced, participants must pass all six End of Module tests by May 15, 2012 to be eligible to attend a Capstone Laboratory Experience. The 3-day laboratory session will occur in June 2012.
• Location:
  The course content will be completed online. Participants will be required to attend a 3-day Capstone Laboratory Experience at either
  Camden County College (www.camdencc.edu) in Blackwood, New Jersey June 11-13, 2012
  OR at Indian Hills Community College (www.indianhills.edu) in Ottumwa, Iowa June 18-20, 2012.
• Cost:
  The online course is offered at no charge.  Participants will be responsible for all travel and lodging expenses to attend the 3-day Capstone Laboratory Experience.
• Computer Requirements:
  To complete this course, participants must have access to a computer, printer, telephone/cell phone, and Internet access. Participants will utilize a Blackboard course platform and email.
• Materials:
  Course materials will be provided electronically at no charge.
• Instructors:
  This course will be facilitated by an instructor experienced in teaching photonics concepts at the college level.
• Application Instructions:
  Applications are accepted online or by email. Applicants will be notified by email of their application status. 
  Once accepted to participate in the course, applicants will receive additional course information and materials by email.

For More Information:
For additional information, please call 254-751-9000 or e-mail op-tec@op-tec.org.

OP-TEC Contact Information:
OP-TEC: National Center for Optics and Photonics Education
324B Kelly Drive
Waco, TX 76710
Phone:  254-751-9000
E-mail:  op-tec@op-tec.org
Web:  www.op-tec.org

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