982 TRG ITU creates new STARS-FD teaching method

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A new way of training instructor supervisors on the Student Transcript Administration and Records System Faculty Database (STARS-FD) was devised here by the Instructional Technology Unit of the 982nd Maintenance Squadron.

STARS-FD is a database that instructor supervisors use to keep track of an instructor's credentials and what classes they are qualified to teach. The ITU is in charge of making learning modules for the entire base, and as a result has a very unique mission.

"We provide technical solutions to meet course objectives," said Patrick Gilbert, project manager for the 982nd MXS. "We make learning interesting, fun, and interactive."

Before a STARS-FD simulation came along, the only way to learn was by looking at the actual system. With the simulation, a student is now able to interact more with the system since they are allowed to use it without the danger of altering real people's records. The simulation is also looked at as a more technological approach to learning.

"We wanted to give courses a more modern look and feel," said Tracey Caine, 982nd MXS flight chief.

Since STARS-FD is a system that is used all across all Air Education Training and Command (AETC) bases, the ITU staff looks at the STARS-FD simulation as something that can be used across all bases.

"It can be used across the entire (AETC) command," Caine said. "We do our best to support our customers."

Andy Winniewicz, the developer, and Mark Merriman, an instructional systems designer, were the ones who designed the simulation, and many others under the 982nd MXS.

"Our simulations paint mental pictures," said Rob Ward, a development supervisor for the 982nd MXS. "This is a classic example of inserting innovation into the classroom."

With simulations like these the 982nd MXS hopes to bring a more visual nature to what they teach.

"We depict the fidelity of the item that's being taught," Gilbert said.