January 12, 2007
New DVD software creates the ideal “Virtual Laboratory”
TORONTO, CANADA, December 3, 2007 - George Brown College today announced the release of its new ElectroMechanical Technician (EM) DVD. The new ET DVD includes CircuitLogix Pro, which features both 2D- and 3D-simulation software. CircuitLogix Pro comes with a comprehensive user guide, over 10,000 devices and models, and includes a device editor which allows you to build your own devices and models. One of the most powerful features of CircuitLogix Pro is its 3D simulation software, called 3DLab. By combining 3D simulation with 3D animations, the students are able to perform experiments and complete laboratory projects in a “virtual laboratory”.
According to Colin Simpson, Dean of the College’s Centre for Continuous Learning, the level of integration of 3D animation with 3D simulation software is the first of its kind in the world. “We have taken the concepts of gaming, avatars, and virtual tutors and incorporated this type of visualization and functionality in a highly interactive 3D learning environment”, says Simpson, “DVDs provide us with the disk space to support the powerful software engines required for this type of integrated simulation, on a common, easy-to-use DVD platform”. The animations are designed to support the virtual lab, where the same laboratory equipment is used by both the "technician/tutor" in the animations and by the student as they perform lab experiments using the 3DLab software.
The first six modules of the new DVDs contain dozens of new 3D animations which cover many aspects of the fundamentals of electricity. Content modifications have been made to support these new animations and to present the course material in a modern, engaging format. The first six modules now have a heavier emphasis on practical application (burglar alarms, audio systems, household wiring, etc.) which is re-inforced with many new lab projects, reviews questions, and practice problems. Module 1 now includes a section titled “Introduction to lab simulation” which presents an overview of traditional electronics laboratories and presents the theoretical and practical aspects of both 2D- and 3D-simulation. The new DVDs also contains a greatly enhanced Tech Tips section. In addition to the text-based tips provided in the earlier CD-ROM versions, the DVD also includes Video Tech Tips with electronics professors providing video lectures of key topics.