An Integrated Virtual Learning System For Programmable Controller

工程-工程技术（58）可编程逻辑控制器（PLC）是制造自动化的重要组成部分。数以千计的这些设备已被用于制造工厂，用于监控安全，管理能源消耗，以及机器和自动生产线。然而，由于设备可用性的限制，学生往往很难获得熟练使用PLCs所需的经验。这是一个概念验证项目，旨在开发一个可编程逻辑控制器集成虚拟学习系统。该系统最初被利用作为教学/实验室援助内的制造工程技术计划在得克萨斯州A M大学。该系统将智能教学系统的强大教育重点与PLC仿真器的技术创新以及游戏的吸引力和动机相结合。每个组成部分都在内部和外部进行开发和评价。评估标准包括教学效果和课程内容的适当性。目前正在通过互联网在学术界和工业界传播研究结果。如果这一概念得到证实，这一方法将可推广并适用于其他几类设备和技术实验室课程。

Engineering - Engineering Technology (58) Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are an essential part of manufacturingautomation. Thousands of these devices have been used in manufacturing plants for suchapplications as monitoring security, managing energy consumption, and controllingmachines and automatic production lines. However, because of limitations in equipmentavailability, it is often difficult for students to gain the experience needed to becomeproficient with PLCs.This is a proof-of-concept project to develop an integrated virtual learning system forprogrammable logic controllers. The system is initially being utilized as aninstructional/laboratory aid within the Manufacturing Engineering Technology programat Texas A&M University. This system is integrating the strong educational emphasis of an intelligent tutoring system with the technological innovation of a PLC emulator and the attraction and motivation of a game. Each component is being developed and evaluated both internally and externally. Evaluation criteria includes instructional effectiveness and lesson content appropriateness. Results are being disseminated within the academic and industrial communities via the Internet. If the concept is proven, the methodology will be replicable and applicable to several other types of equipment and technical laboratory courses.