OCR Text |
Show NEWS 1 Oj MSriiffeinid eyoudi by Dave Sundstrom 3S8th FW Public Affairs At first it might seem like something straight out of a science fiction novel. Imagine aircraft maintenance technicians, each receiving individualized instruction from his or her own private tutor a computer coupled with a laser videodisc player. The level of interaction between the student and the computer goes far beyond simply typing responses to questions posed by the machine. Instead, the computer teaches the student by using audio and video images supplied by a laser disc along with computer-generate- d graphics and animation. Instructions are not only heard but seen. Visual demonstrations enable the student to review and then practice performing simulated activities. At the completion of each stand-aloncourse, the system prepares to shut down and the self-containe- d, e computer performs an evaluation assessing the student's strong and weak points and recommends further activities. Simply put, this goes way beyond Nintendo. Welcome to the world of interactive videodisc. By combining video laser- disc technology with computers, modern science has produced nothing less than the ideal learning tool. According to SMSgt. Tom Weast, superintendent of the 4400th Maintenance Training Flight, it's an idea whose time has come. o 0 vide iirafasraclfive Hilltop Times .Oct. 18, 1991 " r t As of May 1, the MTF began working directly for Col. Michael Navarro, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing. The flight has the responsibility of providing interactive videodisc aircraft maintenance training for the multiple blocks and models of the Eagle and Fighting Falcon. The 4400th MTF has delivered IVD media not only to Tactial Air Com- " ; v J, F-1- 5 F-1- 6 mand bases, but many other units as 1 v ' ; well. Ease of transportation is just one of the many reasons the Air Force is attracted to this particular type of medium. Once it's been initially developed, it can be replicated cheaply and delivered worldwide. Another reason interactive video has become such a successful tool for the Air Force is the quality of the "courseware" developed. For the sec- ond consecutive year, the flight has been honored by the Nebraska Interactive Media Awards. These awards recognize different interactive media projects that have made outstanding contributions to the development of interactive technology. This year, the flight was the recipient of the Best GovernmentMilitary Achievement Award for its "F-1-6 Supervisory Control System Test Set" courseware. "Some of the other entries at the Nebraska Awards were really outstanding, just amazing," Weast said. "To be recognized as one of the best at this level is really a great honor." In the course, maintenance technicians are required to test and measure the performance of award-winnin- 1T5 o i g " i S - Ail foitf PhoV t'V Do- - Sunds'iom Peering Into the future SSgt. Allen Henstock, an instructional systems designer, examines a disc prior to setting it in the player. various engine components and cables. "Video sequences are compiled from film of the actual testing equipment," Weast said. "What the technicians see during interactive video training is exactly what they'll see out on the Weast said the simulations aid air technicians in learning the correct troubleshooting procedures that could help them become more precise at identifying malfunctions and replacing the correct components. "Technicians also learn it doesn't pay to make wild guesses. They see the real consequences of their mistakes in terms of wasted components, lost man hours and other logistical costs. "Another great thing about interactive video is that the technicians can work at their own pace in an environment considerably less distracting than actual work conditions," Weast flightline." Video is one of the key components of the course simulations. Technicians are taught to isolate and identify faulty components using e video of actual testing equipment. When they touch the screen with a light pen, the "simulated" equipment responds just like the actual equipment. The heart of this course is the troubleshooting module which randomly generates system malfunctions based on actual flightline troubleshooting problems. high-densit- y still-fram- said. "They can go back and review specific topics as often as desired until they feel comfortable with them." M o pmsm gODOKriis . - 0 IP Uti) 8 Selected Sweaters or Unlined Jackets Reg. $12.00 mm w WmWWmMMMf mm m i i i i mm i l i i i i u v 11 - fw v.t sa-- -x . v. w 103191 - .'' 'Vi !. '4. ! fP&Sfr All 'i V Locations W&m m . 9.95 . ' m f MX5 Layton 1720 V7. 1000 N. 544-546- 8 Sandy 9314 S. 700 E West Jordan 1563 W. 8020 Ogdon 4105 Rlvordalo Rd. Watt Vallay 621-545- 7 S 3392 S. 5600 W Oram 573 N, State 11W 255-500- 6 566-164- 8 868-065- 4 226-102- 3 |