The Comprehensive Instant Character Recognition (ICR) Course

Based on Neuroscience, Psychology, and Outcomes

Skills and Module Progression

What is The Comprehensive ICR Course?

The ”Comprehensive Instant Character Recognition (ICR) Course” stands alone in its pursuit of providing every CW student the opportunity to “Learn How to Learn CW.”  Having FUN and enjoying the journey is emphasized.  The CICR Course is a structured curriculum comprised of multiple skills that are based upon neuroscience, psychology, and research.  While ICR is the cornerstone, it is only one component of this comprehensive approach. 

This course represents the results of over 10 years of painstaking study and experimental design that has set a new standard for CW education.  The focused time and effort has been the key to a pioneering approach that replaces repetitive practice with purposeful training.

The Comprehensive ICR Course is comprised of 10 modules that when combined are designed to be the last CW class that you’ll ever need.  The modules-based approach leads you step-by-step through the process of reaching your CW goals.  Each module provides succinct instructions and guidance into the experience of Learning to Learn CW.

Active participation outside of the class is done with a Code Buddy of your choosing.  Your Code Buddy will be your partner, providing accountability, camaraderie, and a welcoming environment for improving your CW skills.  The intent is for you to become self-sufficient in your continuing pursuit of CW proficiency. 

Throughout the course, you’ll have access to a team of coaches who have each experienced the Comprehensive ICR Course first-hand.  Guidance is consistently welcome.

As you progress through the course, an accompanying interactive online community allows you to relate, connect, communicate, cooperate, and socialize with fellow students.  By sharing your questions, experiences, and insights, you and fellow students encourage and support each other, creating a community providing camaraderie and accountability.

Regardless of your CW interests and goals, ICR greatly enhances your ability to enjoy and converse with CW. Your proficiency with all types of Morse Code activities will increase significantly when you achieve true ICR. When you can comfortably converse using ICR, you’ve arrived at CW fluency.

What is the NEW WAY of Delivering the Course?

  • NO ZOOM CLASSES

  • The course is delivered to you completely online and is designed around YOUR schedule.
  • You may start whenever YOU like and progress at YOUR pace.
  • There are no set times and no regular Zoom classes for you to attend.
  • There is no need for you to adjust your schedule to ours.
  • All lessons are created and led by Glenn (W4YES) and Teri (KO4WFP) – the foremost experts in Conversational CW education
  • The course is comprised of Educational Videos, Quizzes, Reflections, Assignments, and Training.
  • The Community Component builds camaraderie and accountability.
  • You will collaborate with your peers as you progress.
  • Experienced Coaches are with you throughout the course.
  • Coaches are familar with your experience because they have taken the course.
  • You will have the opportunity to help others in their journey.

What is Unique About The Comprehensive ICR Course?

  • The CICR Course is the result of study and experiential design for over a decade.
  • The CICR Course is uniquely tailored to YOUR schedule.
  • The Course combines the two necessary components of Knowledge AND Experience. 
  • Decoding is replaced with Recognition.  Recognition is an entirely different way of using dits and dahs.  Recognition allows the code to be understood instead of being decoded.
  • While an increase in speed is common, speed is not emphasized. By emphasizing accuracy over speed, the course allows a range of operators regardless of speed. 
  • On-air activity is emphasized from the beginning.  You’ll need to be on the air in at least a minor but consistent capacity to begin.  The mantra is “Don’t get good to get on the air.  Get on the air to get good.”  Being on the air is not a goal to be achieved but rather a necessity to begin the course and begin learning.
  • The course is a “one and done” concept – comprehensive and thorough. 
  • Rather than relying on information and training from a former CW era, the course recognizes that CW is used today in different ways, thereby necessitating new educational processes.  It is modern and based on current feedback from hundreds of students.   
  • A structured approach leads students from beginning to end, constantly introducing new skills that build one upon another. 
  • Eliminated are the need for plateaus or speed bumps.
  • Repetitive practice is replaced with purposeful training. Learning is emphasized. Gone is the exclusive emphasis on “Practice, Practice, Practice.”
  • The course focuses on progressive skills leading to headcopy and ragchews – sending proficiency, building callsigns, words, phrases, and entire thoughts. 
  • Sending is as important as copying. You learn to improve your fist.

Course Requirements

  • The # 1 requirement is desire and determination.  This course takes dedication to the process.  YOU are in-charge of your progress.
  • An on-air presence.  For example, if you have made SKCC, POTA, SOTA, Slow Speed Test contacts you may be eligible for this course.
  • Ability to train (not practice) on a consistent basis.  You define your pace, but at some amount of consistency best ensures progress
  • Ability to get on the air throughout the course.  This requires having the necessary equipment and routine access during the week.
  • Have a ‘Code Buddy’ with whom you can practice regularly.  If you don’t already have a Code Buddy, you’ll have the opportunity to choose one.
  • Share your success and struggles with the team.  This is a necessary part of learning – creating a support system.
  • Be understanding, kind, and supportive of everyone.

Course Tools

  • Simply stated, the pace at which you’re able to recognize characters enables the pace at which you’re able to hear, comprehend, and enjoy Morse Code.
  • Equipment for on-air operation – HF transceiver (at least 30 watts), antenna
  • Sending device – Straight key, bug, cootie, or paddle
  • High-speed Internet connection with the ability to stream videos
  • An audio recorder (a computer, a smartphone app, or any other preferred recording device that you’ll use to record your on-air and sending training)