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2022 Webinar Series

How to Teach Two-Wire

Mike Hartley, Turf Equipment & Supply Co. Inc.
Join us as we use the topic of two-wire irrigation control systems as our teaching example and incorporate a variety of tools to help the subject become more meaningful. The session will cover student engagement techniques using animation, videos and more.
 

Roundtable Discussion: Teaching Styles, Assessments and Challenges

Skyler Westergard, CPH, CLT, Brigham Young University-Idaho, and Deying Li, North Dakota State University
This session is dedicated to sharing solutions. Together, we will explore the unique challenges educators must overcome in order to successfully teach irrigation in the classroom. Small-group discussions will cover: 1) how to prioritize teaching objectives based on time constraints, 2) how to balance different teaching tools and methodologies in the classroom, and 3) how to assess student learning. Come prepared to share and walk away with meaningful solutions.
 

Sprinkler Irrigation Uniformity & Precipitation Rates

Tom Glazener, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM, Rain Bird Corporation
Sprinkler irrigation uniformity and precipitation rate inform the supply side of the irrigation schedule: How much water can a particular system provide and how evenly? What information is needed, and how is it compiled and evaluated? Using Irrigation Association classroom resources, this session will consider how to teach these concepts both theoretically and in the field. We will also discuss how to use manufacturer sprinkler and rotor performance charts for practical classroom exercises, evaluating precipitation rate changes as parameters change. Finally, if available, we will demonstrate SPACE Pro software from the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State.
 

Teaching Techniques for Irrigation Components & Technologies

Brad Jakubowski, Penn State University, and Warren Gorowitz, CLIA, Hunter Industries
Learn the anatomy of an irrigation system and techniques to teach it to your students. Irrigation components that will be covered include piping, valves, controllers and sprinklers. An at-home irrigation components kit will be provided to all attendees for hands-on demonstration during the session.
 

Teaching Techniques for Soils & Soil Water

Don Davis, CIC, CID, SiteOne Landscape Company, and Justin Snyder, Alamance Community College
Discuss how soil formation occurs over time resulting in varying soil profiles and texture classifications and how the texture affects drainage, permeability, percolation and porosity. Learn about soil water-holding capacity and how available water directs the scheduling of an irrigation cycle. Also, come prepared to share and learn methods to teach soils in your classroom.
 

Weather Apps for Effective Water Management

Bradley Jakubowski, Penn State University
There are an infinite number of apps available to us when considering weather data. This session will review available apps and methods to engage students while using phone-based and computer-based data. Learn how to integrate weather data, maps and forecasts into irrigation and water management decisions. It’s a rare opportunity for students to use their phones in class!
 

2021 Webinar Series

ASTM Bonders Qualification Certification Course

Stephen Gardiner, IPS Corporation
This hands-on course will go over the basic principles and proper techniques for solvent welding as well as tips, repairs and safety precautions. Attendees will have the opportunity to solvent weld PVC pipe and send their test pipe to be approved for the IPS Weld-On Bonder Qualification.
 

Fundamentals of Electrical Troubleshooting

Brad Jakubowski, Pennsylvania State University
In this hands-on and interactive workshop, attendees will learn the fundamentals of electrical troubleshooting for an irrigation system. Attendees will use multimeters to identify electrical problems with controllers, solenoids, common wires and valve control wires. Additional electrical testers will be discussed. A basic comparison of standard irrigation wiring and two-wire systems may also be reviewed.
 

Fundamentals of Two-Wire Systems

Craig Borland, CIC, CID, CIT, CLIA, CLWM, The Toro Company
Learn the fundamentals of two-wire systems in this hands-on session packed with real-world examples. Participants will learn design characteristics, how to take accurate amp readings and how to effectively troubleshoot two-wire systems. Explore different two-wire systems like stand-alone and central control, with additional discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using a completely new system versus modifying an existing one.
 

Introduction to Backflow

Paul Wait, Zurn Industries
This specialized backflow class explores backflow basics, cross connections, hazard classifications and the main types of testable backflow preventers installed on irrigation systems. Approved installation requirements are reviewed while considering influencing factors like line flushing, drainage, winterization, theft prevention, testing and maintenance.
 

Marketplace Trends & Regulatory Update

John Farner, Netafim and Warren Gorowitz, CLIA, Hunter Industries
As the irrigation industry adapts to the “new normal” of our society, what are the marketplace trends and regulations that are driving change? This session will feature a lively discussion with industry leaders about innovation, consumer behavior and what is driving technology adoption in 2021 and beyond.
 

Recent Graduates Panel, “What I Wish I Knew Then”

Panelists will include a variety of recent graduates who are now working in the industry
During this one-hour panel we will hear from recent graduates that are now working in the irrigation industry. Hear from a student’s perspective what they wish they had known upon graduating and entering the industry. Come ready with questions for our panelists!
 

Teaching Techniques Panel

Craig Borland, CIC, CID, CIT, CLIA, CLWM, The Toro Company; Franklin Gaudi, PhD, CAIS, CIC, CID, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; and Toni Monzon, CLIA, Bilingual Training Institute
During this 1.5-hour panel, attendees will hear from industry training experts. Learn tips and ideas to take back to your classroom on how to convey technical material in an engaging way to students, technology and more! Come ready with questions for our experts!