Testimonials from teachers and trainers

J. Harlan Wrenn
Assistant Professor, Diesel Technology & Coordinator
Southside Virginia Community College
Blackstone, Virginia
USA

About the school/program

Can you tell us about the automotive teaching program at your school?

Our training is related more to the diesel end of automotive. Since diesels are in just about everything we purchase. We can train on diesel engines found in lawn mowers, cars, pickups, medium to heavy trucks, heavy equipment, boats and diesel/hybrids. Electrical/electronic, steering/suspension and preventive maintenance are so closely related it would be difficult to see the difference between gas and diesel engines. Scan tools are very similar and only require using a few times to get acquainted with the tool bar. Our brake training includes the automotive side, then into booster and then air brakes. All training includes ABS and TCS.

Are there any things about your program that make it unique, set you apart from other schools?

I'd like to think not. I've talked with instructors from all over North America and everyone has the students' future in mind. All of us want to use the best training aids possible. We might say the same things differently; but, Ohms Law is Ohms Law.

Use of Argo

How have you used Argo for your class?

One of our training responsibilities is to make repairs, service and train our students on about sixty pieces of equipment when working on (testing components) electric/electronic components, sensors, ECM, fuel pumps, using scan tools, jumper wires, etc. After we determine what route we need to go to make repairs we can bring the students from the shop and use the EDT simulation to do hands-on and component testing without fear of damaging sensitive equipment. The EDT makes it so simple to show and explain. We have saved lots of money by not burning up components.

My favorite part of Argo is making use of the hundreds of modules. In all my years of teaching I've never found software so valuable. The students actually love it. I remember how great it was great when pictures came out with a short video. Argo is the whole ball game. Visuals, components, components working, well thought out descriptions, faults explained, students build components like a relay and then flip switches, use the multi-meter to do testing and move on when they get it right. Students can see each step they take, get time and results immediately from their accomplishments. I can help a student with his or her needs. Argo software shows me each of my student's area of weakness. Kids today need to be proud of their accomplishments. Not told the same thing over and over because we don't know what they are missing.

Is there anything you could not do before, that you now can with Argo?

I always felt that we were missing a big part of training. Working with the actual component never provided the real opportunity to explore how it was put together and how it worked. A diagram of a pump is nothing like seeing the moving components. Argo is much like today's very realistic video games. On a vehicle I can say that does this and it hooks to this and this component converts……Argo software allows me to move from screen to screen and demonstrate the component, and how it relates to the rest of the circuit. Students can see and understand now much more now than any time in my past.

What have been challenges with Argo that you want others to be aware off?

Inserting the faults in the EDT is very simple. We use our overhead. Testing is fun and it allows us to see the little errors that we all make and will make after graduating from school. Our IT department is very, very slow and with the restrictions placed on state computers getting the EDT software on each computer is taking much longer than we want. Our individual computers can access and do the online component training.

Can you share a specific case or experience with using Argo that would help other teachers to get the most out of it?

Every time a student uses this software, I can see improvement; just their understanding a component for the first time always ends up in a excited conversation, and a real smile makes it a new experience.

How has Argo helped you in your teaching?

I want the very best for all my students and I know I've done all I could with what I had to do with. Now I have a much better, long awaited tool. Not only are my students better trained, but we instructors are better at what we do.

What have been the results of Argo for you as a teacher?

Satisfaction that comes with knowing that the students understand what is being presented. My instructors like it enough to leave students working alone. Students and instructors can see the results immediately. The students will still be busy when they return. They are very excited about learning. I've found that kids bore very easy. This software is very exciting to them.

What has been the response of your students?

Nothing less than 100 percent positive!

While using Argo what has pleasantly surprised you?

Pleasantly surprised…………shocked is more like it. The price and the value of the product do not compare. It is priced so every automotive and diesel program in America can afford it.

How would you advise other teachers who are considering using Argo?

Contact Argo and get the download. Then open what I call "The Library of Automotive Knowledge", use it and invite management and faculty to see a great product. Once they see it – they'll pay for it.

About you

Can you tell us about your background, how long you have been a teacher, and what it is you want to achieve as a teacher?

I'm 62, Coordinator for the Diesel Technician Program at Southside Virginia Community College. Growing up….worked on farm equipment, then army equipment, Caterpillar equipment, racing equipment, had a trucking company (more equipment) and January 1999 started teaching.

I had great people wanting to help me my whole life and their happiness was seeing me do well. Now I can understand the joy I gave others when I see my students doing well.

To download this testimonial as a pdf click here