Efficacy of Virtual Models in a Production Systems Course

Wichita State University has developed an integrated set of virtual reality models of an aircraft assembly line.These models are intended to provide students an 'artifact' of industrial and manufacturing engineering by providing a realistic environment for initial learning and application.By utilizing a virtual model of the line, students are able to view the process and interrogate the process details, make changes and observe the effects, and gain a better understanding of the concepts and their interrelationships.This paper presents the method used to assess if virtual models (computer models of a real factory) lead to: improved perception of relevance, increased time on task, and increased student satisfaction.A production systems class was used to determine student impacts.This paper presents preliminary results. MotivationStudents learn better when engaged.Students learn better when they are involved in the process and can apply their learning [1][2].Gorman, et al. [3] propose that cases aid engineering students ability to apply classroom concepts to engineering practice.The more open-ended the application, the better suited the case study.Frequently, students can learn the concepts to pass a test or complete the homework assignment, but the students have not obtained the practical knowledge to perform the task.Therefore, case studies are developed to aid in preparing students to perform engineering tasks.Case studies, in general, are considered helpful.But, this research asks the question, do virtual case studies have an additional impact?