The Education Foundation of the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED--www.naed.org) has released a self-study, introductory course covering voice-data-video technology. The course is "designed to provide a detailed look at today's important data-communications systems, products, procedures, and standards," the NAED said. It is aimed at electrical distributors.

The course includes five modules, combining text, photos, drawings, and specifications into a series of workbooks. The workbooks also are integrated with manufacturers' catalogs to provide a real-world learning environment, according to the NAED. Students submit answers to review questions at the end of each chapter, and a reviewer will score the answers and provide feedback. The five modules are: Introduction to Communications; Copper Communications; Fiber-Optic Communications; Cable Pathways, Cable Management and Closets; and Electronics, Telephony, and Sound Systems.

"In our surveys to distributors, more than 80% of respondents tell us that they are getting more heavily involved in the VDV market and need training," said Michelle Jaworowski, executive director of the NAED Educational Foundation and vice president of the NAED.

"It's geared twoard both the inside sales and the outside sales force, but it's also for counter people if they want to tackle the VDV market," explains Vice Bridgman, a voice and data specialist with distributor Rexel Electrical and DataComm Supplies in Colorado Springs, CO.

The course costs $499. Those interested in more information can visit the "Education" section of the NAED's Web site, or call 888-791-2512.