The Internet and the "MagicBox"
Innovative Technology in Education Limited (ITE)
and Interactive Presentations Limited have developed software and hardware,
which allows students to use REAL test equipment with Internet programmes.
Why was it developed?
Jon Winter of Innovative Technology in Education
Limited (ITE):
"I have been teaching automotive technicians for many years, and have
found that they learn more effectively if they use real equipment. We started
to develop online training packages and I wondered if it was possible to
use REAL test equipment with Internet software. I asked Interactive Presentations
if it could be done and my dream became reality."
The
benefits
This is a very powerful tool
which can be used to train students and technicians on how to use real equipment.
A virtual circuit with faults can be used to test the user's competence
in both fault diagnostics and use of the equipment. The student or technician
will then be competent to test a real circuit. The learning process is made
more effective, quicker and minimises the likelihood of making costly mistakes
on REAL equipment.
Where is
it being used?
The Signal Interface Units
are presently being deployed in colleges around the country and eventually
around the world.
The system has been shown to various organisations, Jon Winter:
"The response has been tremendous, they have not seen anything like
this delivered over the Internet."
The
development process
This ground breaking
project was developed by a network of small enterprises mostly in the Bath
and Bristol area.
How it works
For example, the student sees, on the computer screen,
a three dimensional representation of a car electrical circuit. Also on
the screen is a three dimensional representation of a piece of test equipment,
such as an oscilloscope or a digital multimeter. Probes from the SCREEN
test equipment can be moved around the SCREEN circuit and ’virtual’ voltage,
current or resistance measurements taken. The
"magicbox" or "Signal Interface Unit" is attached
to the student’s computer and the appropriate, voltage, current or resistance
values are produced on the terminals of the Signal Interface Unit. REAL
test equipment can then be used to take the readings. |