News and Press
CertainTeed Unveils Game-Based Technology for Online AIA/CES Courses at AIA 2006 National Convention and Design Expo
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (June 7, 2006) -- Recognized as a pioneer in leading-edge courses for the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES), CertainTeed Corporation is pleased to be the first company to integrate new game-based learning technology into its online distance education courses. Game-based learning, which is the convergence of digital game technology and education, is an emerging standard for professional and workforce training. CertainTeed is a three-time winner of the AIA Award of Excellence for Continuing Education and was among the first to offer online courses and interactive exercises for AIA/CES credits.
“In introducing the first online game-based activities for the architect and design community, we reiterate our strategic commitment to innovation and leadership in serving the professional development needs of our customers and the broader construction industry,” says Fred Vapenik, Chief Marketing Officer of CertainTeed.
Developed by CS Learning Solutions, the gaming technology will be used for interactive exercises that will test participants’ retention of course material. The games are scenario driven so that each user may experience a different outcome based on decisions they make in the course of their investigations. The proprietary online platform allows games to be scored on the fly with passing grades reported electronically to CertainTeed.
“Rather than learning through lecture, game-based programs immerse students in realistic scenarios and challenge them to make decisions that affect design outcomes. They will learn and retain more from the virtual experience,” adds Vapenik.
The game-based activities, which will be unveiled today at the AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Los Angeles, California, are immersive, dynamic and require on-the-spot decisions. They are designed to help participants retain more of what they learn, which will better prepare professionals to apply what they learn in their practice. The first continuing education courses to incorporate gaming technology are Systems Approach to Designing a House: Part I, Systems Approach to Designing a House: Part II and Systems Approach to Designing a House: Part III, and can be found online at certainteed.com/continuinged.
About CertainTeed Corporation
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed Corporation has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," which quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing; vinyl and fiber cement siding; vinyl and composite fence, railing and decking; vinyl windows; residential, commercial and mechanical insulation; PVC pipe; foundations; and access covers.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, CertainTeed is a Saint-Gobain company with approximately 7,000 employees and 40 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States. In 2005 CertainTeed had sales of $2.8 billion. www.certainteed.com
About CS Learning Solutions
CS Learning Solutions, the education arm of CyberStaff America, Ltd., is a developer of custom education and training programs for professional and workforce development. The company partners with clients to design, deliver and manage complete systems for initiatives ranging from professional certification programs to more extensive product education efforts. The parent company specializes in supporting IT staffing for Fortune 1000 companies.
For more information, visit www.cyberstaff.com/learningsolutions.html
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For more information contact:
Michael B. Loughery, CertainTeed
Communications Manager
(610) 341-7328
mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
www.certainteed.com/pressroom
More Information
For more information contact:
Michael B. Loughery
CertainTeed
Communications Manager
(610) 341-7328
Website