Hazmat course gets virtual upgrade Published Jan. 21, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Devin Boyer 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Training Support Squadron Instructional Technology Unit transferred the 312th Training Squadron's 146-page Block V Hazardous Materials study guide to Apple iPad minis for classroom use. The project aims to enhance training by creating a more interactive experience for students while eliminating paper and printing costs. The ITU also added high definition graphics, interactive swipe and flash card reviews to the virtual study guides. "Students learn in different ways," said Rosanne B. Girton, 17th TRSS ITU programmer. "This way, we could enhance learning with some interaction." With the ITU provided technology, the course material becomes portable and easily accessible to students. "The student can carry the entire course on one device if need be," said Girton. "They can pull up whatever references they need on the spot from their pocket." Instructors and course developers benefit from this technology as well. "If they ever have to make changes to the courseware, it can be done a lot easier and a lot quicker," said Phillip N. Gummere, 17th TRSS ITU flight chief. Without the technology, making changes to courseware would require reprinting hundreds of new textbooks, continuously costing the Air Force money. After the instructors and students review the courseware and decide its effectiveness per the validation process, the ITU may disseminate this technology to other courses as well. "If there's anyone else that wants to introduce this or any kind of technology in their curriculum, contact the ITU and see if we can make it happen," said Gary A. Virtue, ITU project manager. The 312th TRS instructors began implementing the new courseware Jan. 20. For more information, contact the ITU at 325-654-4688.
