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SPRING/SUMMER 2000 ARCHIVES Last Updated May 30, 2000 FEATURE: NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK 2000
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Striving for the ideal at the ATSL An ideal learning environment is one that provides a basic foundation of knowledge and then gives students the opportunity to apply what they've learned. At Clemson University, industrial engineering students find that opportunity in the Advanced Training Systems Laboratory, where the research focus is on training and instructional technology. Under the direction of associate professors Anand Gramopadhye and Brian Melloy, students investigate human factors in manufacturing systems, quality and process control systems, inspection and training. They investigate how to improve training programs, and then develop ways to assist in the implementation of these programs by industry and government. "Funding comes from federal agencies that are interested in basic research, and industry partners who are interested in obtaining useable products," explains Gramopadhye. A recent example is the work conducted for Delta Air Lines, which was funded by the Federal Aviation Authority and NASA. Students in the Advanced Training Systems Laboratory conducted research, and under the guidance of Gramopadhye and Melloy, developed ASSIST (Automated System of Self Instruction for Specialized Training), which is a multimedia computer-based aircraft inspection training system that is available for public use. Making sure the software addressed the needs of the aviation community dictated that the designers work in close cooperation with Delta Air Lines and Lockheed Martin Aircraft Center. "The student experience in the Advanced Training Systems Laboratory goes way beyond the four walls of the building," offers Gramopadhye. "Not only do they obtain basic research training, students also interface directly with industry while conducting their experiments. Chances are good that they'll be placed with companies they have done research for after graduation, which is yet another advantage. They've been able to publish research, and present papers at events such as the National Science Foundation, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and the Industrial Research Engineering Conferences." Approximately 10 to 11 graduate students are currently involved with the lab. Three undergraduate students are also working with the lab through the NSF Fellowship program. "Creating the ideal educational environment may be an ultimately unobtainable goal," observed Gramopadhye. "But it is one that we are continually striving for in the Advanced Training Systems Laboratory."
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