82 TRW unit earns distance learning award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 367th Training Support Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, has been recognized for a new spin on a concept old as time itself--learning.

The 367th TRSS, a geographically seperated unit assigned to the 82nd Training Wing here, received the Five Star award from the Federal Government Distance Learning Association excellence in virtual learning.

As a squadron responsible for the recurring learning of an estimated 100,000 Airmen, the 367th TRSS makes it their mission to bring the most technologically advanced learning procedures to the education of Airmen.

The 367th TRSS includes mobile learning, e-publishing, desktop simulation, serious gaming and interactive multimedia instruction.

"It's nice to have that recognition," said Dr. Brent Metcalf, 367th TRSS director of operations. "We're a good group of people."

Metcalf looks at virtual learning as a way to cover the most amounts of people with minimal cost.

"We can't afford to send everyone to brick-and-mortar schools," he said. "It's more cost-effective."

Metcalf helps develop virtual learning tools based on what how much usability it has and a high standard threshold.

"We have a vested interest," he said. "We will all become users at some point."

Regardless of the award, Metcalf counts the reliability of his team as a pivotal aspect of success.

"We put people where they best fit," he said. "We greatly appreciate this award."