SLCC Technical Training Module
Project Overview
Developed an interactive aerospace training module for Salt Lake Community College’s Applied Technology program. This module introduces students to basic aircraft structure and components through an engaging, interactive learning experience that combines visual exploration with knowledge assessment.
Challenge
The aviation program needed to:
- Provide foundational aircraft knowledge before hands-on training
- Make complex aircraft systems understandable for new students
- Create engaging content that accommodates visual and kinesthetic learners
- Assess student understanding before progressing to practical work
Solution
Created an interactive aircraft structure learning module featuring:
Multi-View Aircraft Exploration
- Side View: Students explore major aircraft components including fuselage, wings, empennage, powerplant, and landing gear
- Wing Detail: Deep dive into wing structures, flaps, slats, ailerons, and fuel systems
- Horizontal Stabilizer: Focus on pitch control surfaces and elevator functionality
- Vertical Stabilizer: Examination of yaw control and rudder systems
- Interactive Hotspots: Click-to-learn information markers on each component
Structural Detail Views
- Magnification Features: Zoom capabilities to examine internal structural components
- Component Labeling: Clear identification of fuselage ribs, spars, stringers, and skin
- Flight Control Integration: Visual connection between control surfaces and their functions
Knowledge Assessment
- Drag-and-Drop Activities: Interactive exercises matching aircraft parts to their locations
- Flight Control Surface Quiz: Assessment of student understanding of control surface functions
- Immediate Feedback: Real-time scoring with explanatory feedback for both correct and incorrect responses
- Results Tracking: Comprehensive quiz results with 70% passing threshold
Technical Implementation
Articulate Storyline Development
- Interactive Navigation: Built custom navigation allowing students to explore aircraft views at their own pace
- State Management: Complex layer management for different aircraft views (side, wing, stabilizers)
- Information Architecture: Organized content using markers, triggers, and conditional navigation
- Visual Design: Clean, professional interface highlighting aircraft components with clear labels
Assessment Engine
- Drag-and-Drop Interactions: Custom-built matching exercises with visual feedback
- Scoring System: Automated grading with immediate results and explanatory feedback
- Result Slide Integration: Comprehensive quiz results showing performance across multiple activities
- Retry Functionality: Built-in review and retry capabilities for reinforcement learning
User Experience Design
- Progressive Disclosure: Information revealed incrementally to prevent cognitive overload
- Visual Hierarchy: Strategic use of hotspots, magnification, and layered content
- Accessibility Features: Clear navigation instructions and consistent interaction patterns
- Mobile Responsive: Optimized for various screen sizes and touch interactions
Results & Impact
- Enhanced Learning Engagement: Interactive exploration increased student participation and retention
- Improved Knowledge Retention: Visual and kinesthetic learning approaches reinforced theoretical concepts
- Assessment Effectiveness: Drag-and-drop activities provided clear measurement of student understanding
- Cost-Effective Training: Reduced need for physical aircraft access during foundational learning phase
- Scalable Solution: Module serves multiple cohorts without additional resource requirements
Learning Outcomes
Students who completed the aerospace structure module demonstrated:
- Aircraft Component Identification: Accurate recognition of major aircraft parts and their locations
- Flight Control Understanding: Clear comprehension of elevator, aileron, rudder, and flap functions
- Structural Knowledge: Understanding of basic aircraft construction including ribs, spars, and stringers
- Aviation Terminology: Proper use of industry-standard aircraft nomenclature
- Spatial Awareness: Improved ability to visualize aircraft systems and their relationships
Educational Impact
This aerospace training module exemplifies how interactive e-learning can effectively introduce complex technical concepts. The module successfully bridges the gap between theoretical aircraft knowledge and practical application, preparing students for hands-on aviation training with a solid foundational understanding.
The combination of visual exploration, interactive hotspots, and knowledge assessment creates an engaging learning experience that accommodates different learning styles while maintaining rigorous educational standards required for aviation technical education.