Now available as a FREE download.
This UF/IFAS computer-verified training tutorial on emergency responses to the possible harmful effects of pesticides, heat stress and heat stroke is based on Chapter 6 of the USDA/EPA publication, Applying Pesticides Correctly. The tutorial makes extensive use of graphics to assist in explaining the concepts within the text taken from that publication. Plus there are many other advantages for self-study including interactive training, questions to judge short term and long term mastery of the material, and the ability to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in certain states.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has certified the Core6: Emergency Response tutorial for two (2) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in the Core and General Studies/Core categories in the state of Florida.
Applicators in other states must check with their state's regulatory agency to see if they can earn CEUs using this program.
The first section of Core6: Emergency Response is a short sequence on using the program. The remaining four sections are :
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Core6: Emergency Response will install on any Windows system, but does not on 64-bit computers. The program uses 7 MB of hard disk space and runs from your Programs menu.
Once installed, new users should access the short section entitled "Using This Tutorial."
The tutorial contains over 400 screens of information and graphics. Working through the tutorial takes about two hours, but you can leave in the middle to take a break, go to lunch, meet a client, or work. This is because you have the ability to leave a "personalized bookmark" that lets you pick up where you left off. Each user can leave a different bookmark, allowing one program to support many trainees.
Each step of the tutorial provides information and a graphic on a concept dealing with the emergency responses to the harmful effects of pesticides, heat stress and heat stroke. Once you have read the information you then advance to the question on that concept. Only by making the correct response can you advance through the tutorial. An incorrect reponse sends you to a screen where additonal information is provided to help you answer the question. You must then return to the question screen. When the question has been answered correctly, you can then advance to the next concept.
At the end of the tutorial, users have the option of quitting the program, returning to the main menu, or taking a 20-question test. The test covers information presented in the tutorial, and as you answer each question you are told whether your answer was right or wrong. The final screen lets you know if you passed the test or need to review the information in the tutorial.
If you pass the test, you have the option of printing a black and white diploma with the test name, your name and a space for your supervisor to sign and date. Please note that users can continue to retake the test until a passing score is achieved. This is a training tutorial and not a certification test. The tutorial also can be used for instructional purposes without requiring a user to take the test.
Test results are printed as explained documentation that accompanies the program. This printed information is required to obtain CEUs in Core for Florida and perhaps other states. A copy can also be placed in the user's personnel or academic folder.
To apply for CEUs in Florida see below. For other states click here.
To apply for CEUs in Florida, the student must pass the test (80% score required) and:
In addition to those working with pesticides, Core6: Emergency Response is also an excellent tutorial for students studying any course that discusses pesticide use.
Core6: Emergency Response (SW-106) is available as a FREE download.
Core6: Emergency Response has a companion tutorial on Pesticide Labeling.