IRVINE, Calif., April 19, 2010 – The Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges System (KCTCS) Interactive Digital Center (IDC) recently completed a cutting edge simulation application to support the training of technical students in the field of precision measurement, based on 3D simulation software from EON Reality, the world’s leading interactive 3D software provider. The KCTCS IDC also recently signed a distribution agreement with the Naledi3d Factory in South Africa for the distribution of the application in South Africa and the sub Saharan Africa region.

The Precision Measurement Digital Learning Module addresses precision measurement using the imperial and metric micrometer, Vernier and Dial Caliper. Dial indicators will be added in the future. The application addresses the basics of shop math, as well as the fundamentals of reading each tool.

During the simulation portion, where EON Reality’s software is used, the students apply his or her new found skills in practicing the taking of readings with the precision measurement instruments. The KCTCS IDC created this simulation-based learning module to serve as an introductory resource for programs that teach precision measurement. Students can now learn to read micrometers and calipers outside the class environment without the need for expensive equipment. Once they have mastered the concepts and theory they can progress to using the actual tools to complete their knowledge and understanding.  Dave Lockwood, Naledi3d Factory’s Managing Director, stated, “We are really hopeful that the KCTCS Precision Measurement system is going to have a real impact on practical metrology in South Africa.  The lack of technical skills in South Africa is becoming a major issue and we are hopeful that this system can really make a difference in helping artisans to better understand how to make precision measurements on the shop-floor”.

In addition to the fundamentals, the application also has embedded assessment and remediation tools that will demonstrate in real time to the learner the differences between correct and incorrect measurement responses, with the application concluding with an authentic assessment of the student’s level of mastery. Jamie Justice, KCTCS Director of Visualized Learning and Innovation, stated, “We are very excited about this partnership with the Naledi3d Factory and the opportunity to share this innovative training application in this region of the world.”

The KCTCS IDC is an innovation and learning center created to develop new and unique methods to support education and training needs in an ever-changing economic environment.

About the Naledi3d Factory
The Naledi3d Factory has successfully used VR to communicate concepts and practices in a wide range of disciplines, including industrial training, safety awareness, heritage, new technology concepts, town planning, farming, as well as health awareness.  The company has however focused mainly on Social VR.  Together with partners such as UNESCO, the WK Kellogg Foundation and World Links of Harare, they have been working on projects including rural hygiene in Uganda; Malaria; sanitation in Mozambique; HIV/AIDS awareness for Ethiopian educators and supporting emerging farmers in Zimbabwe on a range of agricultural issues for which they received recognition in the 2009 World Summit Awards process, out of 20,000 e-learning nominations from 157 countries.  For more information, visit www.naledi3d.com.

About KCTCS
KCTCS serves the Commonwealth through 16 community and technical college districts that form a seamless system of 67 campuses open or under construction. For more information, visit www.kctcs.edu.

About EON Reality
EON Reality, Inc. is the world’s leading interactive 3D visual content management and virtual reality software provider. Industry leaders, including Atlas Copco, Bechtel, Boeing, Bombardier, Hon, Intel, Lexus, Lufthansa-Teknik, Peterbilt, Samsung, Siemens Medical, Suzuki, Toyota and Whirlpool, use EON solutions to enhance the interactive user experience to effectively increase sales, better communicate product functionality and decrease the cost of service, training and technical support. For further information, visit www.eonreality.com.