Gearing Up for Success: SUNY Erie’s Automotive Program Expands Access with Electude
“Electude is a game changer for accessibility” – Vinnie Laverdi
New York State system of colleges and universities
Country
United States of America
Organisation
Community College
Background
Vinnie Laverdi, Department Chair of Automotive Technology at SUNY Erie Community College, knows both sides of the garage. With 20 years in dealership service before transitioning to education, he now leads a growing automotive program that serves four locations and hundreds of students.
The challenge
Before Electude, SUNY Erie’s instructors were stuck with traditional textbooks. Students weren’t reading them, instructors were constantly supplementing, and the learning experience felt outdated. There was a clear need for a more interactive, accessible solution.
The strategy
Having used Electude at a previous school, Laverdi knew it could solve multiple problems. Since its introduction, Electude has become a core part of the program by:
- Replacing outdated textbooks with up-to-date, interactive content
- Standardizing learning across four campuses, creating consistency across courses.
- Supporting foundational knowledge needed before students start co-op and manufacturer training
- Offering access to content for every student, rather than only 40%-60% of students that used to purchase the textbooks
The results
Electude has proven invaluable for faculty, instructors and part-time instructors because it:
- Allows all instructors to integrate into consistent curriculum seamlessly
- Supports faculty development by offering instructor training in assessment and teaching methodologies
- Provides continuous and rapid responses to any questions or needs through their unmatched Customer Support Team
Looking ahead
SUNY Erie is always evolving. They’ve reorganized courses to prevent burnout, cutting attrition in the process. The SUNY Erie Automotive Department has revamped its curriculum, shifting from traditional general education classrooms to a model featuring stackable certificates and two AOS degrees. The new approach blends Math, English, and Science into the core coursework, using Electude for delivery and assessment to significantly increase valuable hands-on lab instruction. Electude remains central to their mission to engage students, bridge gaps, and get the students workforce-ready.
Takeaway
SUNY Erie’s program shows what happens when you combine smart leadership with tools that work. Electude isn’t just a digital textbook, it’s a driver of access, engagement, and career success.
