Biographix and Centennial College Create Internet Virtual Engine Trainer

Biographix and Centennial College today announced that, beginning in the new year, students will be able to use a new graphical computer environment to learn how to repair complex auto engines over the Internet.Students sitting at their desk will now be able to practice their diagnostics skills on a fully simulated automotive engine and use virtual diagnostic tools, such as a Scan Tool, multimeter, and fuel injection tester just as if they were in a real workshop. The student will be able to find faulty engine components and “replace” them, following the standard procedures from the vehicle manufacturer.”We believe the Electronic Engine Control Skills Training Course is the first course of its kind anywhere. It gives Centennial College and Canadian students a huge national and international advantage,” said Peter Woodall, Chairperson for Corporate Training and Modified Apprenticeship Programs for Centennial’s School of Transportation. “It is a realistic distance education program that gives our students practical automotive trouble-shooting and repair skills via the Internet.””This course is a prime example of Biographix’s unique skill set and experience level,” said Sean Bittle, President and CEO of Biographix. “The Electronic Engine Control Skills project at Centennial College has capitalized on the simulation tools we have developed over the last 12 years. This expertise along with the distinctive subject matter expertise (SME) from Centennial’s School of Transportation has allowed our team to create a unique training environment for students.”Traditionally colleges offer classroom and shop training in the automotive field but distance learning is on the rise with Centennial being a leading provider. On the average, 6,000 automotive apprentices graduate each year in Canada. The Canadian automotive repair and service industry encompasses over 27,000 retail outlets and more than 200,000 employees, more than half of which are in Ontario.”We have been offering distance learning in automotive electronics fundamentals since 1996. With this new program, we can now offer advanced skills training and gain the attention of technicians wanting refresher training,” said Mr. Woodall. “This course also helps us raise our profile with the automotive, trucking and aviation companies who are constantly looking to deliver a higher level of service to customers.”Half of the development cost was covered by the Lifelong Learning Challenge Fund which is financially supported by the Government of Ontario and is a co-production with the Ontario Educational Communications Authority (TVOntario). The fund was created in July 2000 by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to provide a flexible source of learning and training for use in homes, workplaces and communities.Biographix is a firm of e-Learning architects. It is a leader in the design, development and life-cycle support of simulation-based training solutions. Biographix has been creating e-Learning solutions for more than 12 years and offers a complete range of services for corporate and academic enterprises.Centennial College operates Canada’s largest transportation technology training centre with more than $30 million worth of aircraft, vehicles and equipment on hand at its Ashtonbee Campus in Toronto.