Recipient Organization
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE
SAN MARCOS,TX 78666
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Recent projections indicate the domestic welding workforce will reach a deficit of ≥375,000 workers by 2026, access to a trained welding workforce has never been more critical. Therefore, it is critical to efficiently train welders without sacrificing quality (Byrd & Anderson, 2012). Since the inception of welding, training programs have undergone continual modifications to better prepare welders. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged over the past decade and used in training, including welding (Saettler, 2004). Lincoln Electric developed a virtual reality welder (VRTEX 360) that allows individuals to practice welding/cutting techniques in a safe VR environment. The VRTEX 360 is equipped with tools, settings, materials, and sounds associated with the welding/cutting process. Further, this machine provides visual cues that coach individuals through the VR welding/cutting process. There is no physical welding associated with use of the VRTEX 360 and this equipment is housed in environmentally controlled locations. The scoring system on the VRTEX 360 will standardize the assessment, feedback, and curriculum being taught in the introduction to agricultural mechanics and welding courses offered at our institutions. The objectives for the proposed project are as follows: a) Create and share a standardized welding curriculum to be adopted across four-year institutions and secondary schools. b) Post-Secondary students participating in the welding courses will demonstrate improved knowledge of welding/cutting processes and increased self-efficacy. c) Recruit and prepare secondary students to fill the gaps in the workforce. d) Conduct research on the impact virtual reality has on the teaching and learning of welding.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The objectives for the proposed project are as follows: a) Post-secondary students participating in the welding courses will demonstrate knowledge of welding/cutting processes and will have an increased self-efficacy when performing welds/cuts.; b) Develop a student recruitment and retention pipeline for TXST Agricultural Mechanics; and c) Conduct research on the impact virtual reality has on the teaching and learning of welding. This project addresses AFRI's Agricultural Systems and Technology priority area while lending potential outcomes that have broader impacts on all AFRI farm bill priority areas by recruiting and creating a welding career pipeline. The objectives of this project also align with the USDA Strategic Goal #3: Promote American Products and Exports and Goal #4: Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development.
Project Methods
A shortage of qualified welders and a shortage of qualified teachers to train the next generation of welders has been well documented, therefore an advisory committee consisting of stakeholders representing multiple facets of the welding industry, SBAE teachers, and faculty at peer institutions will meet with the PD and co-PD annually at the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Professional Development Conference to guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of this project.Lincoln Electric regional representative, Rachel Nolan will assist in the implementation process and will assist with any troubleshooting needs associated with the acquisition and maintenance of the VRTEX 360 compact training systems. Scott Strawn, Director of Global Education at Lincoln Electric, will assist in the curriculum planning process, assist in identifying key research areas, and assist with developing data collection instruments associated with the evaluation of this project. Representatives from the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Austin Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Texas FFA, and Agricultural Teachers Association of Texas will work with the PD and co-PD to plan and implement the recruitment activities at each event.