The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

The development of programming has paralleled the fantastic growth in the use of computers over the years. Since the late 1940’s, the number of computers has grown from a few research computers to over a billion computers today. Programming is essential for computers, programmable controllers and embedded computers. Programmable controllers are special purpose computers used in many industries. Embedded computers are used in aircraft, automobiles, measuring instruments, vending machines and also commercial devices such as cell phones, iPods, video games, and appliances. The object of this course is to provide an introduction to programming design with an emphasis on programmable controllers. The course provides an introduction to programming design methodologies that are common to computer programming and programmable logic controllers.

This course is designed for engineers who desire to learn more about the methods used in developing programs. The course provides a short history of programming, the steps for creating programs, concepts essential for creating programs, program design tools, programming languages, and the IEC International Standard on Programming Programmable Controllers, 61131-3.

The student must take a multiple choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of the course to obtain PDH credits. It is my intention that the material presented in this course helps the student to be better versed in programming design concepts and be more comfortable working with programs used in engineering.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).