Barnes Center moves enlisted Guard, Reserve distance learning to AU eSchool of Graduate PME

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  • By Barnes Center Staff

The Air Force center for enlisted education is soon moving Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve enlisted distance learning to Air University’s eSchool of Graduate PME.

The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education is moving Airman Leadership School, Noncommissioned Officer Academy and Senior NCOA curricula from Air University’s Canvas Learning Management System to Arizona State University’s Canvas LMS platform, which is already hosting eSchool curricula.

The ASU LMS offers additional capabilities resulting in a more collaborative feel to the courses, and students will have opportunities to interact with each other. The added stability of the ASU platform and 24/7 student support also offer an enhanced administration of the courses that will result in a smoother experience for students, said Barnes Center officials.

The ALS distance-learning program is the first to make the transition to the ASU LMS, anticipated to go live in fall 2021. Students must be a senior airman or a staff sergeant (if coming from a sister service) to enroll.

The “go-live” dates for the NCOA and SNCOA distance learning programs are planned for spring 2022; however, timing could be adjusted as officials work through the rollout of the ALS to the ASU platform.  Students must be in the grade of technical sergeant to enroll in the NCOA program and master sergeant for the SNCOA program.

“As exciting as the move to a more robust LMS will be, there are also significant changes coming to the curriculum for all three programs,” said lead curriculum developer, Russell McKinney. “Between the improved student experience and the collaborative components, it will be a new day for enlisted PME. We look forward to hearing what students have to say about their experience."