Phase One | Phase Two

Phase One

It could be said that two critical challenges face e-learning for technical disciplines:

·        How to deliver the experiential or laboratory experiences

·        How does the student access an instructor

Phase One (NSF ATE Project 0101725) focus is developing virtual experiential laboratory exercises while Phase Two (NSF ATE Project 0302864) focus is creating a virtual tutor to supplement accessing a live instructor.

A model was developed for virtual laboratory exercises that replace or supplement the traditional site-based laboratory exercises of technical programs. The specific classes chosen were common to Process Control and Manufacturing Technology programs. These virtual exercises provide an environment in which the users can perform laboratory exercises using interactive process simulations. The simulations look and act like typical industrial processes and provide feedback to the user when the process does not perform as expected. The feedback takes the form of statements about expected results with possible causes for discrepancies and clues enabling the user to successfully complete the exercise. The exercises assess student competencies and report student progress to the class instructors.

Year One Achievements

Eight Virtual Laboratory Exercises for an Introduction to Programmable Logic Control (PLC) class were developed. This class enables users to:

·        Write PLC programs using bit and combination logic, counters, timers, and sequencers

·        Download the programs to a virtual PLC

·        Test the functionality of the programs with the interactive process simulations.

The functionality of a student’s PLC program is assessed by the simulation and context sensitive feedback to the student is based on whether or not the process performs as defined by the exercise. This feedback is used by the students to correct errors within their PLC programs.

Year Two Achievements

Eight Virtual Laboratory Exercises for an Introduction to Process Measurement class were developed. These exercises enable students to make raw pressure, level, flow, and temperature measurements and to then calibrate industry standard transmitters that convert the raw measurements into the electrical signals which a computerized process controller uses to monitor and control a process.

Beta testing is complete and field testing is ongoing. Enthusiastic reactions from the Beta testers were very encouraging while providing useful insights. One of the lessons learned was the need to focus attention on ways to provide individualized feedback for the student. Feedback for the student, while context sensitive was generic, necessitated by the fact that feedback was identical for every individual and that the developers had to anticipate every problem the student might encounter at the time each module was developed. A ‘smarter’ help system would be a significant advantage to the student.

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Phase Two

The primary objective of the Phase Two project is to create a help system for the distance learner using ITS software that is ‘smart’ enough so that when a student gets to a impasse, eighty percent of the time the ITS will be able to get them back on track. More correctly, the ITS will be smart enough to proactively intervene before the student gets to a impasse. The first draft of the first exercise module is scheduled for completion on or before June 30, 2004.

Year Three Achievements

A comprehensive evaluation of key authoring software for developing the Intelligent Tutor System and simulations. Multiple packages were evaluated with the final selection being Chem-Cad OTS from Kamdar Simulator Solutions (KSSI) for the simulations and Flexitrainer/Symbionic from Stottler Henke Associates (SHAI) for the intelligent tutor.   

A model was developed that integrates the simulation with an intelligent tutor system (ITS). A significant challenge was enabling communication between the simulation and ITS.

Templates were created to facilitate module development. This is a work in progress with templates being modified as necessary while the first draft module is being developed.

A draft version of the first module to test the model, simulation and templates is being developed with projected completion by June 30, 2004.

Ongoing evaluation of the simulation / ITS model is expanding the options for individualized help critical in a successful distance learning experience.

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