Project goal: Create realistic multi-media simulations that students can run on a computer to generate statistical data. Important implementation goals are to
Run the application on the web as much as possible; make a CD version. Use a web browser interface for all activities. Support the simulation with a basic statistics and SPC review web site. Create an web-based introduction to the heat treating process suitable for students who want to know more about the process than is needed to run the simulation in default mode. Create a web-based guide to use of the simulation which is also suitable for printing.
Industry Partner: We are developing applications at Key Knife, Inc. a Portland, Oregon manufacturer of steel chipper blades. Our goals at Key Knife are to
Create linked digital panoramas to make a virtual walk-through of the plant, focusing on the heat-treating area. This introduction will run on Macintosh and Windows operating systems with Quicktime installed. Learn the operation of the heat treating equipment well enough to construct a computer models. We created a mathematical model for factors governing hardness in the tunnel. We modeled the tempering stages to the complete heat-treating process. The output data are hardness and length. Learn the operation of the cut-off saw equipment which cuts steel bars to length before heat-treating. The output data will be bar length.
		Current self-evaluation of goals
		Desirable qualities from an instructors perspective Sub goal Evaluation The content fits the undergraduate statistics curriculum. Yes what about the workplace curriculum? The statistical methods are appropriate and correct. Some fine points are glossed over The software can be operated without special training or commands. Awaits testing The simulation motivates students to want to use it. We'll see The content transfers to the workplace; it is as realistic without requiring training to run. Awaits testing The simulation sections are the right size for assignments. Part of the guide. Needs feedback. Student performance is easy to assess. The exercises in the simulation and the guide are the only assessment tools available.
	Desirable qualities from a student's perspective Sub goal Summary evaluation The software is easy to run, deep, and entertaining Awaits testing The software has a familiar interface. Better: does it have an interface that is easy to master? This one is a simple menu-driven interface. The content is relevant to future job requirements. Yes, according to the experience of the PI's. The simulation connects statistical tools and their application in the real world. Yes. It is drawn from a real process. The program is accessible from classroom, laboratory, workplace or home. Runs in all venues. The web applications need a fast internet connection. The Simulation application requires a free plug-in, Macromedia's Authorware Web Player, available on the CD and through links on the web.
	Desirable qualities from the industrial perspective Sub goal Evaluation The software is easy to run, deep, entertaining, and realistic. The interface has been carefully designed. Awaits testing. The re are inconsistencies in the interface. The content is clearly relevant to present needs. Feedback at conferences and experience of the authors bears out the relevance of the material. Is the application overly specific to heat-treating? The simulation connects statistical tools and their application in the real world. The files are accessible from workplace or home. Bandwidth is a problem; however the simulation runs well from a CD.