Earlier this year, we sat down with Dr. Vahid Atashbari, Program Coordinator at the Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), to talk about how they were using a new technical training tool in their classrooms. We followed up to hear about the instructors’ and students’ overall impressions of the first semester in the new program!
See our introductory post about these new programs here!
The school recently launched two new engineering programs, Process Technology and Petroleum Technology, at the Baton Rouge campus. They reached out to us about hands-on training equipment to help their students develop the necessary skills to become technicians and operators in oil and gas companies and chemical manufacturing plants.
We recommended the Matrix Process Controls System.
How the Matrix Process Controls System Is Used In the Classroom
The Matrix Process Control training system teaches the principles of industrial process control, including temperature, pressure, flow, and level.
Watch the video to see this tool in action!
Students get the chance to use the Process Controls in the lab portion of their courses. Instructors demonstrate how to use each device, and then students perform tests, processes, and configurations to apply what they learned from their lectures.
Each element in the Process Control kit relates to a skill or ability that employers will look for when these students enter careers in the oil and gas or chemical manufacturing industries.
Because of the simple and effective nature of the Process Controls, students can complete multiple activities during each lab session to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) regarding these concepts.
At the end of the semester, students will be tested on their ability to implement procedures and retest safely from start to finish.
The Role of Industry and Community Partners
Much of the work leading up to the programs’ launch and the overall success thus far can be attributed to SUSLA’s industry and community partners. These individuals have shared their insights about what curriculum topics will be the most beneficial to the students and their future employers and advised on online course options, new equipment, and what skills would be most important for the students in these programs.
These industry and community partners have also expressed interest in providing employment opportunities and internships as the students progress through the program!
Feedback from the First Semester
Dr. Atahbari noted that the students enjoyed working with the process trainers. “The design of the instruments, as well as the softwares, were easy to understand and work with. We will definitely use the instruments in the Instrumentation I course in upcoming semesters.”
The students also had a lot to say! One student especially enjoyed the ability to visually apply classroom concepts in the lab. “I feel that the MPC has prepared me for the future by allowing me to use instruments that I normally wouldn’t get to use until I’m in the workforce. I would describe my overall experience as adventurous. I have learned many new things that I would have never imagined. Both my professor and the MPC have helped me grow tremendously in one semester.”
Another student, Julius, had a lot of great feedback to share! “My experience using the Matrix Process Controls for the first time was very informative. The control systems gave me a better hands-on understanding of how process equipment works instead of just a visual aid from a textbook. I was able to conduct several labs with the equipment, and it taught me a lot of things dealing with pressure, flow, temperature, and level. I feel I am better prepared to move on to other courses dealing with process technology and later in my professional career.”
What’s Next for the Process Technology and Petroleum Technology Concentrations?
The Baton Rouge campus of the Southern University hopes to see an increase in students entering the Process and Petroleum Technology concentrations each semester. As the success of the programs grows, the university plans to replicate these two concentrations in person at the Southern University Shreveport campus.
The university also has a plan to offer dual-enrollment options for students at local high schools. Over the summer, they will pursue the arrangements to allow high school students to take PTEC courses on campus. This future goal was another selling point for the Matrix Process Controls. The standalone kits were ideal for all skill levels, and would allow the university to open the courses to high-school students looking to take advantage of the hands-on learning experience for their future careers.
If you have questions for Southern University about their new programs, contact the Department of Engineering & Technology here!
To learn more about purchasing the Matrix Process Controls or similar technical training tools for your school, contact one of TTA’s sales experts here! We would love to help you find the resources that fit your needs and your budget.
